The British Brands Group is the only UK membership organisation dedicated to improving the climate for brands. We are a not-for-profit, owned by our members—ranging from small family businesses to global multi-nationals—with a shared vision: a future where Britain is the global benchmark for brand-facilitative regulation.
We plan to achieve this through ‘4Cs’: CELEBRATING brands, building CAPABILITY, defending COMPETITION, and campaigning for a legal framework that give brands CONFIDENCE.
To turn this vision into reality, we work tirelessly to shape the regulatory framework so that Britain becomes the optimum market for brand-led businesses. This involves a deep, practical engagement with policy-makers and regulators.
Nowhere is this more evident than in our work to defend competition. We maintain a regular, constructive dialogue with the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) and his team, providing them with an anonymised overview of our members’ experiences trading with the fourteen designated retailers. The evidence we have provided has culminated in investigations and, consequently, a fairer trading environment for suppliers.
Because we see the Code working as a world-class competition remedy, we act as staunch advocates for it. We actively point out to both the Government and the Opposition that they must not dilute or discard the Code under the constant pressure to deregulate. Furthermore, we provide evidence to the Competitions and Markets Authority, who oversee the Code, on how it could be enhanced, such as through the designation of new retailers to reflect the evolving market.
Equally important is our work to create confidence. Brands invest heavily in innovation and the distinctive brand assets and they need to know that the legal framework protects that investment. We work closely with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) regarding the registration of patents, designs, and trademarks. We also participate in the Alliance for IP, a cross-sectoral campaign group fighting to strengthen the UK’s IP framework. By sitting on various Government stakeholder groups, we stay in touch with policy-makers to ensure the voice of the brand manufacturer is heard when it matters most.
This advocacy extends across wider policy. We respond to all government consultations relevant to the climate for FMCG brands. Members shape our responses through our council and panels. On complex topics where we share an interest with other sectoral trade organisations—such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) or HFSS food regulation—we liaise with those organisations to amplify one another’s voice, ensuring a consistent message from the industry.
In the year ahead, we are looking to communicate more directly with political leaders on the value of the brand business model. Brands deliver for consumers and drive growth for the economy; it is our job to ensure the regulatory environment allows them to carry on doing just that.