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CHAIRMAN’S

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COMMENTT
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It seems since our last edition world events

have taken a turn for the worse with major
conflicts in both Europe and in Iran and the
Middle East. This has led to market
uncertainty and major fuel increases which
affect us all and we are all now seeing prices
rise on almost everything as i write. When
twinned with the very harmful Government Visiting a biker cafe, part of the Bike and Brew Passport
changes to employers costs it becomes a
perfect storm and the Hospitality industry in thousands upon thousands of small and
particular is hit very hard. medium enterprises often just two or three
people that make this economy tick. The
Hospitality sector and its supplier base is a
The BSA has seen and supported direct
communications to M.P’s and Government vital pillar of our economy and this
from our members and industry friends such Government needs to wake up to this before

as Stokes of Lincoln And Caber Coffee of it is too late.
Aberdeen who highlight the ill considered
costs and regulations that have been forced With all this said I do support the industry
upon businesses in our sector leading to a personally by purchasing a tea or a coffee
now very clear trend in unemployment (and often a small cake) everyday and there
especially among younger people. Even the are some real gems out there. I had the
traditional Saturday jobs are affected where pleasure of visiting Vintage Metal a scooter
young people often with no personal and motorcycle cafe and picked up by
overheads could gain a sense of work ethic, donation a Bike and Brew Passport.
experience and team work prior to making
longer term career choices. These comments are the personal
comments of the Chairman. Opinions from
the BSA membership and its Executive
The BSA on a more positive note supports
the policy of a £3000 Government subsidy to committee may of course vary.
employ a younger worker but this has its own As always please feel free to contact me
limitation's and regulation and there are with your views directly on
better ways to accelerate employment and 07711 087662 or
incentivise employers to make that leap and chairman@beveragestandardsassociation.

invest in new jobs. The Government seems to co.uk
be stuck in its thinking that everyone is
employed by corporates with human Kind regards,
resource departments but in reality it is the Steve Slark

chairman@beveragestandardsassociation.co.uk

MAR/APR. 2026 | ISSUE 47