James Bielby, CEO, Federation of Wholesale Distributors
“Wholesalers have asked the prime minister for clarity and confidence and he’s partly delivered the first of those. However our members’ experience of previous lockdowns and u-turns means they’ll be cautious about investing ahead of each scheduled opening date. Those who distribute to the hospitality sector can’t afford to foot the bill yet again for government dithering.
“We saw several times last year how short-notice changes disproportionately impact wholesalers, who have to stock up in advance of demand. What we need from government is at least two weeks’ notice if it has to deviate from the roadmap at any stage, or if that’s not possible, a consideration for the cost of the excess stock that will go to waste as a result of the late changes.