MPs' vaping report could be good for Lancashire

The head of Blackburn-based Vape Dinner Lady says that a new report by MPs, which supports vaping as an alternative to smoking, could be good for business in the area.

The new report, published by The Science and Technology Committee, suggests that e-cigarettes are healthier than regular cigarettes and asks the government to relax bans on advertising, to allow use on public transport, and to conduct an annual review of the health benefits while licensing the products as medical devices.

Vape Dinner Lady managing director Mo Patel said: “We welcome this report from MPs, which is yet another endorsement for vaping as a way to quit smoking.

“Vaping is already backed by Cancer Research and Stoptober as a tar-free alternative to cancer-causing cigarettes. Our mission at Vape Dinner Lady is to make vaping a pleasurable, premium experience so that it’s easier and more attractive to turn away from cigarettes.

“All our flavours are based on a nostalgia vibe, aimed squarely at adults who want a mature vaping experience, and we are currently developing new ranges of products which we hope will help more people with the switch."

In addition to the public health benefits, Mo believes vaping could boost business in the red rose county.

“Vaping is a massive growth industry and East Lancashire is one of the most prolific areas for the sector in the UK, if not the world, with a thriving cluster of major businesses being based here," he said.

Launched in June 2016, Vape Dinner Lady recently reported achieving £12m turnover in its first 18 months of trading, supplying its range of e-liquids to retailers in 73 countries across Europe, Australia and America.

Part of the Blackburn-based GM Group, the company now employs over 50 people, with a projected annual turnover of £15m to £18m by its second birthday. Since launching, it has scooped 13 international awards, including Hall of Vape Best E-liquid and Vapouround Best Juice of the Year for its Lemon Tart flavour. The region is also home to Vampire Vape which added 20 new jobs in 2017, and Totally Wicked, both based in Blackburn. Lancashire was the birthplace of industry pioneers CN Creative, which launched in 2008 and was sold to British American Tobacco for £40m in 2013.