Chancellor visits leading meal kit provider to discuss future of the economy

7 May 2021 03:14 PM

The Chancellor of the Exchequer visited a leading meal kit provider in London today (7 May) to meet staff and discuss the future of the economy.

Rishi Sunak visited Gousto, who after growing significantly over recent years, have thrived over the past 12 months and are hiring 1,000 new staff this year.

To expand their operations, the innovative firm are taking advantage of the super-deduction, Britain’s biggest ever 2-year business tax cut, and one of the government’s flagship schemes announced at Budget as part of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs to get the UK’s economy roaring again.

Other schemes that have been essential in helping other businesses across the UK to bridge the crisis include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, business grants, government backed loans, business rates relief and tax deferrals.

On the visit, the Chancellor was welcomed by Shaun Pearce, chief technology officer at Gousto, and went on a tour of their headquarters, visiting their creative studio before helping the team to prepare meals in their development kitchen.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:

It’s inspiring to hear stories of businesses that have succeeded over the past year – with their innovation, energy and grit, they remind us of the drive that defines British business.

For many businesses though the past year has been incredibly difficult, which is why we have spent over £350bn to bridge them through the crisis.

As the economy reopens, we tread optimistically but cautiously forward, with our Plan for Jobs remaining on hand to give businesses and people the support they need to get back on their feet.

Timo Boldt, Founder and CEO at Gousto, said:

In 2021, Gousto will double its workforce to 2,000 employees as we prepare to open 2 more fulfilment centres over the next two years, in response to continued demand for our recipe boxes.

We welcomed the discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer today, who recognises the role we’ve played in serving the nation through the pandemic and how we will help the future of the UK economy as a tech leader creating thousands of jobs.

The more we grow, the greater the positive impact we can have on people and the planet, as we strive towards our mission to become the most-loved way to eat dinner.

Founded in 2012, Gousto pioneered the recipe box offering in the UK and sold over 25 million meals in Q1 of 2021 (compared to 10 million meals in Q1 2020) through its subscription service – three meals a second.

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