WineGB’s CEO Nicola Bates responds to Budget 2025
26th November 2025
‘There is little to bring festive cheer,” said WineGB’s CEO Nicola Bates while responding to today’s Budget announcement.
Ms Bates said that the chancellor Reeves had the chance to help the UK wine sector, but there is nothing in the Budget that stimulates consumer demand.
“Another alcohol duty hike unfairly captures the domestic wine industry, putting rural jobs, tourism, and growth at risk at a time when UK wine is gaining global recognition.
“Despite the OBR saying alcohol duty receipts have fallen, the response hasn’t been to support this important sector but to pile on costs that further discourage consumers.
“Small producer relief also remains at 8.5% and below, so winemakers are still unable to avail of it. Sadly, the Budget also fails to take the opportunity to reduce VAT, business national insurance and fuel duty.”
Ms Bates added that the association “wholeheartedly welcomes” the announcement that the cost of apprenticeships for under 25-year-olds will be completely free for SMEs.
“This will result in a boost for our sector, opening doors for young people to join the industry, driving more diverse and inclusive hiring, and helping our businesses and the wider wine industry.
“It is a further spur to the work of WineGB, which has been driving wine careers with our Hiring Toolkit, Safeguarding Toolkit, EDI Hub, support for Wine Careers Week and the Future Winemakers Scheme.”
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