Tim How new chairman of WSTA

Former Chief Executive of Majestic Wine Tim How has been confirmed as the new chairman of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association. After the announcement at the WSTA's annual general meeting How warned that further tax increases on alcohol expected in next week's Budget will force more businesses to cut back on jobs and investment.

He said the latest industry figures confirm falling sales in both on and off-trades as consumers rein in spending. Despite the decline, next week's Budget is scheduled to introduce a 2% above inflation alcohol tax escalator, announced by the Chancellor last year.