Priti Patel urges ministers review scheme for Wilkin & Sons

Tiptree-based jam manufacturer Wilkin and Sons has experienced energy costs at “record highs”.

But the business is not eligible for support from the Government in the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries Scheme.

MP Priti Patel asked ministers to review the energy scheme to support Wilkin and Sons.

Witham MP: Priti Patel (Image: PA)

In a meeting for Energy Security and Net Zero, discussing energy support for businesses on Tuesday, the Witham MP said: “The House will be very familiar with Wilkin and Sons in my constituency, however they face very significant increases in their energy cost because they are not eligible for the Energy and Trade Intensive Industry Scheme because their classification is not within the scope of the scheme.

“Will the Minister look into this classification?”

The business submitted plans for a solar farm on the site to help with the rising energy costs and to reduce its carbon footprint.

A decision on the plans is yet to be made by Colchester Council.

Chris Newenham, joint managing director of Wilkin and Sons, said: “Escalating energy costs are currently hitting Wilkin and Sons and other food manufacturers hard.

“Recent government support with soaring energy bills has been welcome and, indeed, essential.

Managing director: Chris Newenham (Image: Wilkin and Sons)

“Since the beginning of April the support which has been in place is no longer available to those who are processing and preserving fruit and vegetables, while support remains in place for the manufacture of meat, poultry, fish, oils, dairy, cheese, grain, starch, bread, sugar, cocoa, chocolate, confectionery, prepared meals, wine, cider, beer, malt or animal feed.

“This is patently wrong and we are keen to see government amend this as a matter of urgency.

“In the meantime, to address longer term energy supply uncertainties, we are continuing with our plans to install field scale solar panels to supplement our supply from the grid.”