FFB acts on funding decision

Food From Britain's Council, together with representatives from the Devolved Nations, Defra and UKTI, met on 4 March to consider the decisions recently taken by Defra to cut FFB funding again in 2008/9, from the 2007/8 level of £4.7 million to £4 million, and also to phase out funding to FFB altogether by 2010/11. That last was part of its decision, as a general rule, to stop providing direct support for any individual businesses whether via FFB or otherwise. Council therefore reluctantly decided that FFB, in its current form, would be wound up by the end of March 2009.

Lady Jay (Sylvia), Chairman of Food from Britain, commented: "We took this decision because FFB is a Non Departmental Public Body with a business model based on public sector core funding – it is not a commercial model. The prospect of zero Defra funding by financial year 2010/11, together with cuts and uncertainties surrounding other possible sources of public funding, for example from the devolved nations; the English regions; UKTI and the Levy Boards, made it impossible for us either to offer our staff secure prospects in the current business after the end of next financial year or to continue to offer our clients the current type and level of FFB services after March 2009.

"However, FFB has a full programme of research, events and exhibitions for 2008-09, which will go ahead as planned on the basis of the £4m grant Defra has promised us. Our top priorities will be:

• To ensure clients receive the same high level of service they have come to expect from FFB throughout the year;
• To seek ways of ensuring British food and drink companies continue to receive help to build their markets through exports, and, not least
• To safeguard the interests of FFB staff.

"We know that there is great appreciation for FFB’s services within the UK food and drink industry and we hope that some of our services will continue through a different model. In addition, FFB has nine private sector offices in its international network in Europe and North America which intend to continue to advise and support British food and drink companies doing business in their markets.

"Regardless of Defra’s decision, there has never been a better time for British food and drink manufacturers to consider exporting. UK food and drink exports look set to break records again. The UK is internationally respected for the quality and innovation of its food and drink industry, particularly in the area of private label, chilled convenience and health and wellbeing products. Exporting is also essential to ensuring healthy UK business growth and competition."