SugAr mAker to creAte jobs As EU production rules scrApped

Leading employer eyes new opportunities after Brexit

A Peterborough-based sugar producer says it can taste a sweet future as the European Union axes limits on the amount the firm can produce. British Sugar, which employs 200peopleat its headofficein SugarWay, Woodston, is about to enter a new era following Brexit and the EU’s decision to abolish production quotas.

The company, which has factories in Lincolnshire and East Anglia and supplies 60 per cent of the UK’s demand for sugar, says it will create more jobs and seek new markets as it looks to raise its sugar production.

Managing director Paul Kenward said: “This is a great opportunity for ustogrowthe business.”

It will be a contrast to 2014/15 when excellent growing weather left the company with 400,000 tonnes more sugar beet than it wasallowed to sell by the EU. It cost British Sugar millions of pounds to store the beet, retrieve it and process it in the following years.

MrKenwardsaid:“Thelifting of European Union sugar quotas in October this year and leaving the EU, offers exciting opportunities.

“Wearereadytoworkwith farmers, importers and government to design a UK sugar policy that allows our domestic sugar industry to continue to thrive.” British Sugar partners 3,500 growers, employs 1,400 people and supports a further 9,500 skilled jobs across the UK.

William Martin, chairman of NFU Sugar, said: “The dismantlement of the EU sugar regimeandBrexitwillpresent opportunities.

“The real opportunities will come from beet growers and British Sugar working in partnership.”