Navigating the complexities of running a major business is complex at the best of times. Balancing the needs of customers, employees, suppliers plus the constant pressure on the balance sheet is a daunting task but when you have to do this during a Pandemic combined with a raft of new Government regulations it adds a level of complexity that is beyond comprehension.

Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidfood, took the time out of his busy schedule to share insights on how his business is managing this.

As Andrew explained one of the key challenges was that many experts in areas covered by the various pieces of legislation that is coming at his company may have been furloughed over the last year.

The range of new or proposed legislation is vast from Natasha’s Law due to come into force in October 2021 to the Plastic Tax in April 2022, the ongoing discussion on HFSS, removal of red diesel subsidy in April 2022 and then the consultation on EPR.

Just the complexity of ensuring all the relevant data and information is available for Natasha’s Law has required the introduction of new processes and resources to manage.

Andrew is also clear that Bidfood have a duty to support small suppliers and to ensure all their customers large and small have the data they require.

Communication is key and as such Bidfood have teamed up with UK Hospitality to run webinars to help end users understand what is required.

The complexity to achieve this is possibly a foretaste of what may be required should mandatory calorie labelling come into effect – which is a distinct possibility.

Bidfood are already preparing for the Plastic Tax, EPR and DSR through their circular economy approach.

The presentation from this year’s Frozen Food Business Conference will be made available to all attendees.  If you were not able to purchase a ticket, please contact Siobhan O’Callaghan.