PM calls on former Tesco boss David Lewis to tackle supply chain crisis

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed David Lewis, former Tesco Chief Executive, as a supply chain adviser as his government bids to avert a delivery crisis in the run up to Christmas.

He will assist the PM and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on both immediate improvements and any necessary long-term changes to UK supply chains for goods, and will work with government officials to resolve acute, short term issues.

Lewis will be in the role until the end of the year. He will also co-chair a new supply chain advisory group which will be based in the Cabinet Office.

This is exactly what’s needed – a retail expert at the table to help solve the issues.

I have no doubt Dave will help to get things moving in the right direction.
https://t.co/BHjGDdm6Gx
— Richard Walker (@icelandrichard) October 8, 2021

Johnson says: “I’m pleased that Sir David Lewis is joining the team who have been working on future proofing our supply chains across the United Kingdom as we recover from the pandemic.”

“There are currently global supply issues which we are working with industry to mitigate and Dave brings a wealth of experience which will help us continue to protect our businesses and supply chains.”

The announcement comes as a UK footfall recovery begins to stall, with increasing rainfall and ongoing fuel and supply issues convincing some consumers to stay home.

According to research by the BRC and Sensormatic Solutions, total UK footfall decreased by 16.8% in September (Yo2Y), with a 1.2 percentage point increase from August. This is above the three-month average decline of 20.5%.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at BRC, says: “The final week of September saw the worst total footfall levels since the last week July this year, shortly after the last Covid restrictions were lifted, demonstrating the fragility of consumer confidence and how the economic recovery from Covid can be so easily undermined.”

“Retail parks continue to perform better than other shopping destinations, with access to larger stores, parking, and petrol stations.”

She adds: “As we approach Christmas, it is imperative government takes further action to resolve the driver shortage which is increasing costs and creating delays throughout the supply chain.”

“Retailers are trying to recruit and train thousands of new British drivers, but 5,000 visas are not enough to fill the gap in the short-term. The government should extend the visa scheme to help prevent customers facing significant disruption this Christmas.”

Featured