Graham has visited McDonald’s in Beverley to hear how rising costs are affecting local employers and opportunities for young people across East Yorkshire.
The restaurant is part of a local family-run franchise business operated by Richard, who runs nine McDonald’s restaurants across the region employing just under 1,000 people, including around 100 staff in Beverley alone.
Richard started his career in agriculture before moving into manufacturing and food supply chains, including work with McCain supplying McDonald’s fries, before opening his first McDonald’s restaurant in Scarborough in 2015.
During the visit, Graham met Richard, store manager Tim and area manager John and discussed the pressures facing employers from inflation, rising National Insurance contributions and increases in employment costs.
The visit forms part of Graham’s wider work supporting local employers, high streets and businesses creating opportunities for young people across Beverley and Holderness.
Graham also heard about the company’s apprenticeship and work experience programmes, including a national scheme offering paid work experience placements for young people not currently in education, employment or training.
Richard said: “Young people will always play a part in this business.”
Graham met Courtney, who came through the apprenticeship scheme and spoke positively about her experience working at the restaurant.
Richard also highlighted the business’s links to British farming and food production, with British and Irish beef and pork used across the restaurants.
During the visit, Graham went behind the scenes and prepared his own burger.
Graham said: “For many young people, places like McDonald’s are a real rite of passage. It’s where people learn punctuality, teamwork, responsibility and the habits of work for the first time.”
“Businesses like this are creating real jobs and opportunities for young people across East Yorkshire while facing growing pressure from rising costs.”
“Local employers want to invest, hire and grow, but many are being hit hard by higher taxes and rising overheads.”
“If we want young people to have proper opportunities close to home, we need to back the businesses creating those first jobs.”
Richard said: “I love helping young people in Beverley and Holderness and I’m thrilled to be able to do this with McDonald’s.”
“We’re proud to employ local people and give many young people their first experience of work.”
“Hospitality businesses are facing significant pressure from rising costs, but we remain committed to investing in our teams and supporting opportunities for young people across East Yorkshire.”
“I was pleased to welcome Graham to Beverley and discuss some of the challenges facing employers and hospitality businesses locally.”
