South West firms speak to Environment Secretary

The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has spoken to businesses across the South West about the challenges they have faced during the coronavirus pandemic and how the government can continue to support them through these unprecedented times.

The bosses of Cornwall-based Ocean Fish and Kepak, along with fishermen Julian Baker and Andy Giles and Devon farmer David Chugg, were among a raft of businesses to speak to George Eustice MP during a special business roundtable.

The virtual meeting is one of many similar being held by the Conservative Party to speak to small and medium businesses across the country to hear their views during the pandemic and to get feedback on any government schemes they have been involved in.

Commenting on the meeting, the Secretary of State said the direct input of businesses was vital to understanding the individual challenges that various sectors were currently facing.

“As an MP in the South West and Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs I understand the enormous challenges the food, fishing and farming sectors in the region are facing,” Mr Eustice said.

“The government has been working closely with food industry and overall, most businesses in the agri-food sector have adjusted and adapted to the loss of their markets, but I appreciate things are still very challenging for many.

“The government has founded an array of schemes and packages to help out SMEs across all industries and it was encouraging to hear how some of them have helped our fishermen and farmers too.

“It is vitally important to hear the views of people running businesses right now on how we can continue to help the sector going forwards.

“Once we are through this pandemic, there are some important times ahead for the food, fishing and farming industries and this government will continue to do whatever it takes to support these vital industries in the months ahead.”