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More planning time needed for effective Deposit Return Scheme, says BBPA
Responding to the publication of the Government response to their second Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) consultation, Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The delay to the implementation of a DRS in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland until October 2025 at the earliest is a positive move. To ensure a functioning and effective scheme across all UK nations it is crucial that enough planning time is provided, and that learnings are applied from the Scottish DRS, which is due to begin in August this year. With this in mind, we are urging the Government to swiftly appoint a deposit management organisation to ensure businesses are provided with requirement information as early as possible. “With less than eight months until the go live date in Scotland it is imperative that DEFRA, HMT and HMRC provide further information on VAT on deposits as a matter of urgency. Businesses are unable to fully cost and plan for the impact of a DRS without this detail. The complex nature of DRS means the operational challenge is extremely large and it is crucial further information is provided as we move ever nearer to the implementation date in Scotland if the scheme is to operate effectively and efficiently. It is also critical for businesses that operate across the UK that the schemes are interoperable, as entirely separate schemes add unnecessary risks and complications for businesses in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
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Breweries and pubs are on the road to Net Zero
Breweries and pubs across the UK have started the New Year with green ambition and are sharing the ways in which they are innovating to make their businesses more sustainable in the run up to World Earth Day In the coming weeks, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) will be sharing how pubs and brewers are making their businesses more sustainable in a selection of stories and examples on a dedicated website, designed to inspire and support others to make green changes to their own businesses. Brewing Green, the dedicated website run by the BBPA, acts as a dedicated knowledge hub for brewers and pubs looking to reduce their environmental impact and the 2023 iteration will launch in April ahead of World Earth Day. From real life examples of initiatives to a carbon calculator developed in partnership with Zero Carbon Forum which helps businesses see their impact and how they can make changes, Brewing Green demonstrates the steps being taken by the sector and provides resources for them to keep moving forward on their journey. From regional companies to international brewers, the examples show that even small changes can make a big difference. For Glaswegian Brewer Tennents, their ‘Pint & a Plan’ events, held in pubs across Scotland, served as a way for people to find out more about how they’re making their business more sustainable and what steps individuals can take to have their own positive impact…all over a pint, of course! Meanwhile, Suffolk based brewer Adnams has managed to reduce water usage across their brewing process through assessing how water flowed across the lifecycle of their products so they could plan in mitigation from the start. They expect to save two million litres of water throughout 2023. Dr Andy Wood, CEO of Adnams said: “We have for decades looked to minimise our impact on the environment whenever we can, we’re committed to finding new ways of making a bigger difference. “We have received the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development three times and we will keep working hard at doing what we do without its costing the earth.” Over the coming months, the BBPA will be sharing member examples on the Brewing Green site, demonstrating the different ways they are working towards net zero. The release of the stories will culminate in a parliamentary showcase to highlight the economic and social potential of the brewing and pub industry and why the Government must invest in its future. Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “Ours is an industry that is deeply rooted in the history and heritage of this country, but it is also one we want to not just be fit for but thrive in the future. “Brewers and pubs across the country are making great progress on their sustainability goals and are keen to share their ideas so others can do the same. We want to support them to continue in this brilliant and necessary work and help the industry to make the changes needed to reach Net Zero. “Pubs and breweries are deeply rooted in communities across the country and want to have a positive impact on both the people they serve and the environment as a whole, so we’re really proud of our members work in this space and will continue to promote and support their efforts in whatever way we can.” For more information and to read about how pubs and breweries are becoming more sustainable, visit brewinggreen.org
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Got a great idea brewing? Applications now open for the Brewers’ Research and Education Fund
The Brewers’ Research and Education Fund (BREF) 2023/2024 is now open for applications, with the judging board on the lookout for the brightest and best ideas to benefit the brewing and pub industry. For over a decade, BREF has annually supported ideas that seek to improve and support the UK brewing industry, including through awards for projects focusing on the benefits of moderate beer consumption, sustainability, hygiene, hop diversification and educational activities. The fund is an opportunity for individuals, groups or organisations to be creative in thinking about how the brewing process, breweries and their supply chains could be supported to make their work even better. Created through funds originally provided by the BBPA, BREF is now administered through the Worshipful Company of Brewers as trustees , with the BBPA promoting the fund and providing the secretariat. Nick Tindal, Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Brewers said: “The Brewers’ Research & Education Fund is a great example of the Brewers' Company’s focus on investing in the future of the brewing industry. As the Trustee of the fund, the Brewers’ Company looks forward to awarding grants to another selection of valuable industry research projects and the opportunity to further education in beer and brewing.” Applications will be judged by an Advisory Committee made up of leaders and experts from across the industry, including Richard Westwood (Chair of the BREF Advisory Committee), Andrew Runcie (MCUK), Fergus Fitzgerald (Adnams) Georgina Young (St. Austell Brewery), Miles Jenner (Harvey and Sons). Applications can be made via the BBPA’s website. Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “You only have to look at the diverse selection of beers on offer at the bar to see just how creative brewers are. “As an industry we strive for brilliance and this fund seeks to support that passion and enthusiasm for innovation in our craft to develop and keep Great British beer thriving.” For more information or to apply visit the BBPA website.