Navigating the Autumn Budget: Why Wholesalers Need Solutions Now

The recent Autumn Budget, presented by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is set to hit the wholesale sector hard. With the rise in employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%, wholesalers are looking at an extra £30.9 million in costs. Add to that the 6% increase in the National Living Wage, and the sector is facing an estimated £110 million in direct wage costs. For businesses already grappling with rising operational expenses, this is a significant blow that makes it even harder to balance supporting their teams and maintaining affordable prices for customers.

For many in the food and drink wholesale industry, absorbing these added costs without cutting corners isn’t realistic. Nearly a quarter of these businesses might now have to reconsider investments in crucial areas just to stay afloat. But here’s the thing—hundreds of suppliers are already finding a way to stay ahead. They’re using Choco AI to manage their operations more efficiently, save on labor costs, and keep growing without adding additional staff. The tech is proving itself essential, not just as an add-on, but as a lifeline for maintaining productivity and accuracy with fewer resources.

Take Kerim Suavi, Managing Director of Crowbond Food Service. In his own words, Choco AI has been game-changing for their operations. Despite acquiring two new businesses and adding over 200 accounts, Crowbond has managed to handle an influx of manual orders with the same number of staff, thanks to Choco AI. The technology has cut order processing time to a fraction, freeing up time, reducing inaccuracies, and allowing the business to keep pace without hiring additional labor. This is exactly the type of solution that UK wholesalers need to face these new budget pressures head-on.

In times like these, finding smarter ways to work isn’t just beneficial—it’s critical. With increased costs and pressure to stay competitive, investing in AI tools like Choco can help wholesalers adapt without sacrificing their growth. As businesses face rising wages and taxes, the answer lies not in cutting investments, but in making smarter ones. Choco AI is already proving to be a key player in helping wholesalers stay resilient, process orders faster, and manage higher volumes with fewer resources. It’s time for more to follow suit.