Fast-growing cheese and dairy product supplier Bridge Cheese described today’s Budget as a mixed bag.
Managing director Michael Harte said he welcomed moves to put more money back in people’s pockets – but said the Government had to remain fully committed to the Net Zero agenda.
Michael, whose Telford-based business has grown turnover to £30million in five years, said the cut in National Insurance would help many families across the country struggling with the cost of living.
“It’s vital that we allow people to keep as much of their own money as possible to spend on the things they most need, so this was certainly a welcome step.
‘There was also some good news in there for business – measures to extend the full-expensing process which lets us claim tax relief on investment are really welcome – but I wanted to hear more about the drive to Net Zero.
“It’s clear that we cannot row back from our legally-binding promises and we need to see a concerted drive from all in power to help us meet our responsibilities.
“Here at Bridge Cheese we have introduced a scheme to recycle more PPE and improve our transport efficiencies which is already cutting our carbon footprint. There must be more incentives for all firms to follow our lead so that we develop a truly national response to climate change.
“This is an election year and the Chancellor had little room for manoeuvre, but we cannot afford any change of direction on our Net Zero plan if we are to pass on a healthy planet to future generations.”
Bridge Cheese, which is based at Stafford Park, is a real Shropshire success story. In five years, it has grown to employ 80 full-time staff and last year won six trophies at the renowned International Cheese Awards – the Oscars of the dairy industry. This included gold awards for two of its grated cheese products and one for its cheese ropes, used for stuffed crust pizzas, which Bridge Cheese makes in-house.
