With Wimbledon fast approaching, the UK strawberry season upon us and, undoubtedly, concerns continuing over labour shortages, the seasonal/regional debate and unreliable weather forecasting will headline during this fortnight of quintessentially English tradition.

The FPC was out and about in May, and we were delighted by an invitation to the Bradford St James Wholesale Market annual dinner earlier in the month. We were overwhelmed by the kind hospitality of the president of the tenants’ association - Zafir Butt, to Donald Grimshaw and Simon Kershaw. It was both refreshing and encouraging to see a packed venue, largely attended from within the market, and to see so many of a younger generation with so much enthusiasm for their businesses. An impressive amount of money was raised for charity, which completed a thoroughly enjoyable event. The diversification within our wholesale markets is worth noting, and Bradford is a fine example of a thriving market where the complementary areas of the industry merge, and combined businesses trade alongside traditional wholesalers, both successfully appealing to a wide customer base. We very much look forward to getting up with the larks in the coming weeks and visiting our members in the market to learn more of the day-to-day workings of the individual businesses.

Our continued dialogue with Defra Plant Health was greatly assisted by a number of you accompanying us to York to meet with Defra officials responsible for effecting the changed legislation. It is crucial for the industry that we progress our efforts to influence the implementation of this initiative to mutual benefit.

Moving into June and, staying with the wholesalers, my thanks to Gary Marshall and his team for a super evening at the New Covent Garden Market annual dinner. Another great success, it was lovely to catch up with old friends and new, and again more substantial amounts were raised for charity. These two great wholesale events, from established markets in both London and the regions, serve to emphasise that while it is understood that changing times have issued renewed challenges to this sector of our industry, for those innovative, forward-thinking businesses who embrace change, there is a very healthy future ahead.