Responding to the autumn Budget, CEO of WineGB Nicola Bates said:
“The Chancellor had the chance to help the UK wine sector, but there is nothing in the Budget that stimulates consumer demand and there is little to bring festive cheer. Another alcohol duty hike unfairly captures the domestic wine industry, putting rural jobs, tourism, and growth at risk at a time when UK wine is gaining global recognition.
Despite the OBR saying alcohol duty receipts have fallen, the response hasn’t been to support this important sector but to pile on costs that further discourages consumers. Small producer relief also remains at 8.5% and below so winemakers are still unable to avail of it. Sadly, the Budget also fails to take the opportunity to reduce VAT, business national insurance and fuel duty.
There is already a local visitor approach to encouraging tourism through VisitEngland. It is unclear how these match with the local visitor levy, which frankly looks to be yet another tax discouraging visitors. Devolved powers aren’t supposed to be about yet another tax band, but better decision making closer to where the effects are felt.
We wholeheartedly welcome the announcement that the cost of apprenticeships for under 25-year-olds will be completely free for SMEs. This will result in a boost for our sector, opening doors for young people to join the industry, driving more diverse and inclusive hiring, and helping our businesses and the wider wine industry. It is a further spur to the work of WineGB which has been driving wine careers with our Hiring Toolkit, Safeguarding Toolkit, EDI Hub, support for Wine Careers Week and the Future Winemakers Scheme.”
WineGB made this case at the pre-Budget, Wine of Great Britain APPG event hosted by Nyetimber at their London Headquarters the evening before Budget Day.
Notes to Editors
WineGB is the trade association for UK wine. We cultivate success for our 500 grower and producer members which represents circa 70% of UK hectarage. We represent the industry to the Government, media, and trade. We provide our members with timely, accurate resources, to help their businesses grow, from guidance and toolkits, to training and marketing access. At the heart of our work, we help members to make and market wine.