The thoughts of two of Britain’s biggest regional breweries on the measures outlined in chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget.
Jonathan Neame, chief executive, Shepherd Neame (pictured above):
The hospitality sector has been the hardest hit during the crisis, with 660,000 jobs already lost and an estimated one in ten outlets closed permanently; cash reserves for many businesses have been depleted to dangerous levels. Therefore, we are delighted that the chancellor has recognised the importance of our industry to the economy, to jobs and our society, and has provided us with a platform on which we can rebuild our businesses, and play our part in contributing to the country’s recovery.
After a year of huge anxiety and uncertainty, we welcome the clarity provided by these announcements. Our licensees and team members can now look to the future with confidence as we develop firm plans to remobilise and to prepare to do what we love most — opening our doors from April 12 and welcoming you back.
There’s still a huge amount to be done, and it won’t be an easy road, but we are excited about our prospects at the dawn — perhaps — of one of the greatest reboots our country has ever experienced.
The countdown starts now, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Kevin Georgel, chief executive, St Austell Brewery (pictured above):
As we work through the finer detail of the Budget announcement, we feel positive about the balanced financial measures that the chancellor has put forward. It’s clear that he recognises the importance of the hospitality sector to our economy, and the vital role that pubs play in communities across the West Country and beyond.
The extension of the furlough scheme, until the end of September, will help us to safeguard jobs and bring our teams back on a phased basis, as trade gradually rebuilds. We also welcome the confirmation of additional grants — up to £18,000 per pub — and the extension of the VAT cut and business rates holiday.
As a brewer, and a long-time supporter of the Long Live the Local campaign, we know that the chancellor’s decision to freeze alcohol duty once again has also provided much-needed relief for the industry.
We remain hopeful that, as a nation, we’ll be able to stick to the government’s roadmap plan and that pubs will be able to operate without restrictions from 21st June. This will enable hospitality to play a key role in the country’s economic and social recovery.
We still have a long road ahead of us, but after a period of huge uncertainty, we are can now look forward to the future with more clarity and confidence. However, while the measures that have been announced will be a huge help in the short-term, we would urge the government to keep the health of the hospitality sector under regular review until consumer confidence has been fully restored. This is likely to take time and continued support will be crucial.
