Ex-Just Eat boss appointed government cost of living business tsar

David Buttress, former chief executive of Just Eat, has been appointed as the government’s new ‘cost of living business tsar’.

In an announcement, the government said Buttress will work with the private sector to "identify, develop and promote" business-led initiatives, such as discounted prices or product offers, to support people with the rising cost of living.

Buttress was previously chief executive of Just Eat in the UK, leading the business from a start-up to becoming Europe’s largest technology IPO in a decade. He is chairman of Dragons Rugby club in Newport and a venture partner at 83North Venture Capital.

This work will build on the schemes that some businesses are already providing and help raise awareness of the private sector offer to the public. Examples have included price locking campaigns by retailers Asda, Sainsbury’s and Boots, and energy supplier Octopus’s decision to double its hardship support fund.

Buttress yesterday (14 June) joined a roundtable with supermarkets and sports organisations hosted by education secretary Nadhim Zahawi to discuss the role that the private sector can play in helping low-income families, including through the government’s holiday activities and food programme.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Steve Barclay said: “Businesses and organisations across the country have stepped up time and time again when the nation needs it most. The financial pressures people are facing as a result of current global challenges will be no different.

“I am delighted to have David Buttress on board, bringing with him a wealth of experience along with the vigour and ingenuity of business to go even further in efforts to support British families throughout this difficult time.”

Buttress said: “The rising cost of living that we are all facing, both in the UK and globally, provides business and industry with a unique challenge and opportunity to do our bit.

“I am looking forward to working closely with my private sector colleagues, to help support our communities and customers with practical and real cost of living saving initiatives.”

He will work in the voluntary, unpaid role until the end of the year, reporting to Barclay.