Brexit means a ‘bumpy ride’ for business: Lord Price

Lord Price: get ready for a bumpy ride....

Lord Price observed that, even with the downturn in UK consumer confidence plus pressure on retailers from rents, rates and the adoption of the living wage, “great retailers will always do well.” He added that, in a post-Brexit environment, the UK would be forced to improve efficiency and broaden its horizons: “We’re going to have to be very good globally – not just in the context of Europe,” he said, adding that for its part, government had to invest in innovation and infrastructure. Key to the future of any business, Lord Price pointed out, was the need all employers to engage, nurture and recognise their workers. “Academic studies say that companies with the most engaged workers do best.. if you think about workers’ happiness, you get the best commercial success.”

His overall message saw pragmatism combined with optimism: “If we play Brexit well, and business improves its efficiency, there’s no reason the UK can’t be successful.”

NSF’s one-day programme brought a range of food industry experts together in front of invited delegates to discuss the theme of Delivering Confidence in a Post-Brexit world. Other speakers included newly-elected NFU President Minette Batters, Ian Wright of the Food & Drink Federation and the FSA’s Deputy Director Catherine Bowles on the regulator’s priorities for the future