A common concern among people in various communities is the rising cost of living. This issue has held significant importance for me, as I have actively advocated for more accessible infant formula and assisted families in avoiding predatory loan practices.
Having engaged with Iceland’s 30,000 employees and five million customers nationwide, we compiled their feedback into the ‘Iceland Manifesto’ released before the previous year’s election. The findings emphasized the public’s sense of being unheard by policymakers and their struggles with the affordability of essentials like childcare, heating, and food, which continue to be pressing issues.
My recent appointment as a Labour peer aims to bridge the gap between the high street and Westminster, amplifying the voices of businesses and communities across the UK. Drawing from my background in retail and entrepreneurship, I aim to contribute insights from running a family business that provides jobs and offers affordable, quality food to millions.
Understanding the financial challenges faced by businesses in meeting payroll and the daily pressures on families to afford meals, I recognize the importance of fostering an environment that encourages private enterprise growth through confidence in investment and favorable regulatory frameworks.
While I acknowledge that Westminster doesn’t hold all the solutions, I believe in the value of practical, straightforward communication from individuals with real-world experience. In my new role, I commit to bringing this perspective to the forefront to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing economic growth agenda of the Labour Government.