What More UK works with MPs to gain positive amendment to new tax proposals

By Scott Dawson Advertising

29 Jul 2021

tony-grimshaw-with-the-upcycled-range.jpeg

 

In the UK it is estimated that five million tonnes of plastic is used every year, nearly half of which is packaging. The UK government brought in measures to address wastage and benefit the environment, including the complete ban on 1 October 2020 of single-use plastic straws, cotton buds, and drink stirrers in England, except for exempt uses.

What More UK, which is already a zero to landfill company, was prompted to develop its Upcycled range as a response to the growing amount of plastics ending up in landfill or worse, in the ocean. Wham Upcycled is an award winning range of housewares, which features all their most popular lines, as an eco-friendly range manufactured from 100% recycled & recyclable plastic. 

The UK government additionally plan to introduce a new Plastic Packaging Tax, on packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic, to be paid for by the manufacturer, and starting from April 2022. Last November the draft list of products affected was released, and What More were concerned to see items on there that were very much multi use – including buckets, plastic bowls, loft storage and food storage containers.

The Treasury position is that the cost of £200 per tonne will apply to any ‘tax liable’ plastic packaging, where 30% recycled content cannot be demonstrated. The proposed millions extra in annual taxes would have hampered What More’s future investment plans, affected the livelihoods of 350 colleagues, and caused them to be less competitive both in the UK market, and their large export market which covers 75 countries.

Local MPs for What More’s manufacturing site locations, Antony Higginbotham and Sara Britcliffe, agreed that the HMRC proposals did not match the Government objectives on reducing unnecessary single-use plastic. They sent letters of support and attended meetings and consultations with HMRC, along with fellow North West MPs, Mark Menzies, Chris Green and Mark Logan.  

Thanks to these consultations and work with the trade association BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association), HMRC have announced today that the draft legislation has been updated, to clarify that a number of items are outside the scope of the new tax – including toolboxes, plastic cups, shop fittings and many others. 3 categories of products from the meaning of a ‘plastic packaging component’ have been removed. HMRC agreed such products do not typically contribute to plastic pollution.

Company director Tony Grimshaw OBE, commented: “What More have a focus on recycling and reusing materials and we are proud of our credentials. 10,000 tonnes of plastic used in our manufacturing processes is fully recycled already. I’m very grateful to the five MPs and our trade association BHETA for understanding our position and working hard to ensure that HMRC appreciate that our industry is part of the solution, and not the cause.  

None of What More’s products will now be subject to this tax. I’m delighted with the amendments to the draft legislation, and this means we can continue to invest in our colleagues and expansion plans.”

What More UK manufactures storage boxes and housewares of all kinds including bakeware, around-the-sink items, products for the home laundry, utility room, and items for the garden such as planters and troughs. What More’s products are all made in East Lancashire and are sold in 76 countries around the world. More can be seen on their website here: www.whatmoreuk.com

You can read more about the proposed Plastic Packaging Tax here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-plastic-packaging-tax-from-april-2022

Latest news

1

Hundreds of jobs losses will be 'crippling blow' to town Oliver Ryan MP for Burnley

Hundreds of jobs losses will be 'crippling blow' to town

29 Aug 2025

2

Council praises Animate's boost to city centre six months since opening Animate

Council praises Animate's boost to city centre six months since opening

28 Aug 2025

3

Morgan Sindall completes work at first phase of Accrington Town Square regeneration Accrington Town Square

Morgan Sindall completes work at first phase of Accrington Town Square regeneration

27 Aug 2025

4

Plans submitted for Lancashire's tallest building Artist impression of the new scheme

Plans submitted for Lancashire's tallest building

27 Aug 2025

5

Expanding construction business doubles size of Blackpool HQ Evolution

Expanding construction business doubles size of Blackpool HQ

26 Aug 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs
Sub36 Deaf Village Social1200
Networking
17 Sep 2025

Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs

The Deaf Village, Blackburn, BB2 5EN

10:00 - 12:00

LBV124 September/October Launch Event
MBP Arc Cinema Preston Opening 205
Networking
18 Sep 2025

LBV124 September/October Launch Event

The Arc Cinema, Preston, PR1 2BL

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
Linkedin Cover.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
03 Sep 2025 - 03 Sep 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Harewood House , Leeds, LS17 9LG

09:30 - 16:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!
Preston Tech Connection Sept 25.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
17 Sep 2025 - 17 Sep 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin