News | Industry Updates AVA reacts to Spring Statement announcement


The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) has welcomed the support the Government has offered to individuals and businesses within the UK in the Spring Statement. Chief executive David Llewellyn said:


“With continued uncertainty over pricing, the announcement that fuel duty will be cut by 5p a litre will act as a small help to the vending sector though prices have gone up over 20p a litre in the last month alone, as a result of further uncertainty due to the conflict in Ukraine. “Our operators, who coordinate fleets of


vans for deliveries in order to keep machines stocked and repaired have been feeling this crisis and it has created further uncertainty for businesses still recovering from the hardships of the pandemic. For this reason, we welcome this announcement and hope that it can be of some relief for businesses. “Whilst the announcement that the


National Insurance threshold will be raised by £3,000 is a positive step, a wholesale suspension of the increase would have been more impactful. With prices rising on all fronts for energy, raw materials, coffee, food for example, this is just another increase in costs.


“This comes on top of all the other


proposed increases facing businesses through forthcoming legislation, such as the Single Use Plastics Tax, Deposit Return Schemes, Extended Producer Responsibility – which will lead to the annual cost to industry increasing from £380 million to £3.8 billion. “The Government is clearly sign-posting


towards a greener future with the announcement of relief on energy saving measures, with 0% VAT on all energy saving materials. However, my initial question was what about commercial heating cost savings? It is positive to see that some small steps have been taken to offset costs with the early introduction of business rate exemptions for installing lower energy


equipment and systems – but this won’t offset the significantly higher fuel and energy charges businesses are having to bear. “With the promise of a 50% discount in


business rates up to £110,000 for retail hospitality and leisure sectors, we consider it to be vital that food service, catering & vending is overtly included in this step. When it was left to local authorities, our members had to fight every step of the way with little reward. “Overall, this spring statement highlights


that there are tough times ahead, but we hope that these cuts and the support that was announced will act as some relief to our members who continue to navigate the ongoing industry challenges.”


EVA stands in solidarity with Ukrainian vending companies


The European Vending & Coffee Service Association stands in solidarity with the people impacted by the invasion in Ukraine and with all those who are affected by the crisis, the body has said.


As an industry sector dedicated to providing food and drinks


on-the-go and in the workplace, the EVA said its members in Ukraine are working hard to ensure continuity of supply, including to the people directly affected by the crisis. Some vending operators in Ukraine are offering free coffee from


their machines to the general public and also try to refill snack machines with food as much as they can. Many international companies in the vending business are also working with humanitarian groups and charities to provide food, clothes and other essential products to the affected people, including offering shelter.


4 | vendinginternational-online.com The EVA continues to monitor the situation closely with its


members and will organise a charity fund shortly to financially support Ukrainian vending companies in these tragic times.


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