From Sleaford to Westminster: Championing UK Food Production at the Houses of Parliament

On July 1st, the House of Commons Terrace Pavillion at Westminster played host to the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) Parliamentary Reception on food security and sustainability. Amidst the grand backdrops of the Houses of Parliament, industry leaders and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector. Representing the frontlines of UK agricultural processing and food supply was our very own CEO, Trudy Wilson.

For J L Priestley, a company proudly rooted in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, the event offered a crucial platform to champion the interests of independent UK food businesses and highlight the vital role that regional manufacturers play in the national economy.

Driving the Conversation on Food Security and Innovation

The FDF Parliamentary Reception is a landmark date in the industry calendar, providing a rare space where the real-world operational challenges of food producers meet the macro-level vision of the government.

Throughout the event, Trudy engaged with industry peers on several defining issues facing the sector:

• Securing Supply Chains: Emphasizing the resilience required to manage complex international and domestic supply networks in a fluctuating global market.
• Sustainability & Infrastructure: Championing the need for green investments that empower mid-sized agricultural businesses to meet modern sustainability targets without sacrificing productivity.
• Nurturing Regional Talent: Highlighting the immense economic value generated by food businesses outside of major metropolitan cities—particularly across Lincolnshire.

“Attending the FDF reception at Westminster is more than just an honour; it’s an essential opportunity to ensure that the realities of food manufacturing, the daily push for quality, resilience, and logistical agility are directly understood by our policymakers. I was proud to be able to discuss our approach to innovation and also talent development through apprenticeships schemes we operate within our business supporting young upcoming team members. The UK food industry is evolving rapidly, and J L Priestley is proud to be leading that charge from Lincolnshire.” — Trudy Wilson, CEO

As proud members of the Food and Drink Federation, we highly value the platform the FDF provides to ensure independent UK food businesses have a seat at the table where it matters most.

Putting Lincolnshire Manufacturing on the National Map

As a leading supplier of dehydrated ingredients, vegetables, herbs, and fruit, J L Priestley forms a silent backbone for thousands of food products across the UK market. Trudy’s presence at the Houses of Parliament ensures that independent, high-performing regional manufacturers have a loud voice where decisions are made.

As we look toward the second half of the year, the insights, connections, and regulatory discussions shared at the reception will continue to guide J L Priestley’s commitment to quality, industry compliance, and forward-thinking growth.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on how J L Priestley is driving innovation in the food sector!