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There has been mounting media speculation this morning that restrictions around HFSS advertising will be announced next week as part of a Government obesity strategy. The UK’s current rules are among the strictest in the world, and the Government’s own impact assessment found that a 9pm watershed would remove just 1.7 calories a day from a child’s diets. Our view is that further restrictions would be extremely detrimental to the advertising and media sectors, particularly in the current economic climate. We are co-ordinating a robust media and Public Affairs response with colleagues at IPA, ISBA, IAB, FDF and BDSA.
On the news, Stephen Woodford commented: “Speculation that the Government intends to introduce bans on high fat, salt & sugar (HFSS) advertising would be in direct conflict with its own evidence that such restrictions would have minimal impact on obesity levels. These measures, if introduced, would have significant economic impact at a time when the economy is already under strain due to COVID-19, with thousands of jobs under threat across the UK’s media, advertising, food and retail sectors. The Government must reconsider any proposals which could damage the recovery, jobs, and people’s livelihoods, just at the very moment everyone is working so hard to recover.”
While the proposals are still unconfirmed by Government at present, our position has been featured in The FT, Guardian, Sun and Daily Mail. Stephen also appeared on Times Radio yesterday. You can listen to Stephen here at 2h 11m in.
The UK Advertising Exports Group (UKAEG) continued their virtual trade mission to China this week, partnering with the Shanghai International Advertising Festival (SHIAF) on their online, Global Creativity and Technology Forum. 24 companies are attending the trade mission with UKAEG which includes one-to-one meetings and virtual booths. Seven members presented on stage with over 100,000 views. You can read more about UKAEG’s second virtual trade mission here.
We are excited to be a part of the Government’s Recovery Advice for Business scheme, where thousands of expert professional advisers have signed up to offer free online advice to help small businesses bounce back from Coronavirus. Advice offered will include bespoke, specialist assistance from accountancy, legal and advertising to marketing, recruitment and digital to help businesses adapt to difficult circumstances and to bounce back as the UK economy recovers.
You’ve made it this far – why not treat yourself and watch our ad of the week?
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