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Local MP, John Austin, is angered by the way in which the Supermarket giant ASDA ended its ten year relationship with local food supplier, Ferndale Foods of Belvedere, at very short notice, with the loss of 500 local jobs.
John Austin said: “I believe ASDA breached the Code of Practice between Supermarkets and suppliers, and I am angry that the Office of Fair Trading failed to stop it. John Austin had a meeting this week with the Trade Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe MP, to complain about the OFT’s inaction.
John Austin said “Something has to be done to regulate the power of the supermarkets. That is what the Code of Practice and the OFT are supposed to do. But in this case, although the OFT instructed ASDA to stop the delisting pending negotiation, ASDA refused to comply”.
“It may be too late to help Ferndale, but I have asked the Minister to review the powers of the OFT and the Mediator.”
Ferndale has supplied ASDA with prepared chilled foods for over ten years, during which time they built up a workforce of 500 people, but after reviewing their suppliers and telling Ferndale they had done nothing wrong, they gave them 12 weeks notice of terminating their agreement. Nor were they willing to postpone the decision pending mediation, as demanded by the OFT.
Mr John Bigwood, Chairman of Ferndale Foods, which is situated in the Hailey Road Business Park in Thamesmead, said “on behalf of the company and all the employees who lost their jobs at Ferndale we are grateful to John Austin for his untiring efforts to help us, and to stop a similar fate happening to other ASDA suppliers”.
Throughout February and March, Bexley Council’s Belvedere Business Centre will be running a series of special training programmes called ‘Put your business skills in order.’
The courses are being introduced to ensure that Bexley’s business community continues to buck the national trend when it comes to business survival statistics.
The courses have been designed specifically to meet the needs of trades people, but will also appeal to business partners and owners of established businesses, who are looking to build up the skills associated with running a successful company.
Bexley’s Belvedere Business Centre (BBC) plays a key role in assisting companies to maintain a healthy business lifestyle. Last year alone it assisted some 60 new business start-ups, and helped more than 97 individuals put their businesses on a more secure footing.
Getting a business idea off the ground is hard work, and by no means risk-free. Nationally, nearly half of new businesses fail to reach their second birthday. The statistics for the Bexley area are better than the national average, and those seeking expert advice are seven times more likely to succeed.
For this reason the BBC is introducing five new courses which will give many pointers and advice, to companies that have passed the two-year barrier and are looking forward. The courses will cover topics relating to improving bookkeeping, financial analysis and cash flow, changing attitudes towards marketing, and maximising the usefulness of your business resources.
Although these one-day courses will be run over the next two months, spaces are limited. Business advisors at the centre are recommending calling the course administrator to reserve a place as soon as possible - call the business hotline 0845 602 0033
Bexley’s Anti-Bullying Project has a new telephone number to call, for information, help and advice on how to combat bullying.
The Anti-Bullying Project plays an important role in the borough. supporting victims, schools, parents and carers.
Confidential drop-in sessions run by the Anti-Bullying Project at Danson Youth Centre, provide somewhere for children and young people to go for advice. The sessions are every Wednesday from 4 to 5pm.
For on information or help contact Project Worker Karen Foord on her new number 020 8836 8407 or 07799 072090 or Denise Partridge on 020 8836 8157.
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