Top managers in the grocery retail and manufacturing sectors have been urged to "lead by example" and lend their support to Caravan, the industry's welfare charity. Those attending a reception at the House of Lords, hosted by the charity's patron Lord MacLaurin, heard that the role of Caravan would increase in the future. Gavin Neath, chief executive of Unilever Bestfoods, and vice-president of the charity, said: "There is overwhelming data to suggest the problems of financial hardship in old age will grow." Neath said the charity needed to "mobilise knowledge and support" in all parts of the industry. {{NEWS }}