The small business owners struggling to pay energy bills

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

UKUKUK – The UK electricity bill has risen to unimaginably high levels. Because of this, thousands of small businesses across the country are facing the possibility of closing as electricity bills have risen to levels that many owners find difficult to pay.

Unlike residences, the company’s electricity rates are not capped, leaving some business owners facing bill increases of more than 350%.

John Evans, the owner of Weeping Cross fish bar in Stafford, says his gas bill has gone from £9,000 to £32,000 a year. Although the bar itself is small, 5 by 10 m in size, and only works for takeaway. “I just don’t know how I can stay in business,” he says.

Even before the increase in gas bills, chip shops had already been hit by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has doubled the price of some types of fish and cooking oil. Meanwhile, due to the drought in the UK, potato prices have risen by 25%. Evans’ store is one of 10,500 stores across the UK, employing around 100,000 people and serving 182 million servings of fish and chips a year. He explains that his clients simply cannot afford such a huge price increase if they want to stay in business.

Related Posts

The industry is demanding help from the government, such as reducing the VAT rate, which was reduced to 5% during the Covid lockdown but has since returned to 20%.

Ian Ibbetson finds himself in a similar situation and is also weighed down by the prospect of rising electricity bills.

In the first year after acquiring the pub in September 2020, Ibbetson paid £9,000 for energy. By the time he arrived to renegotiate his contract last November, gas prices were already rising and so his bill more than doubled to £21,000. Soon his one-year contract was due to be renewed again, and he began calling energy suppliers, fearing that his costs would double again.

The 63-year-old is trying to attract more visitors with events like monthly comedy nights and live music on Sunday afternoons. But it’s hard not to notice the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, as regulars show up less often and there’s less walk-through shopping.

About Senior Reporter

With over more than 6 years of writing obituaries for the local paper, Senior Reporter has a uniquely strong voice that shines through in his newest collection of essays and articles, which explores the importance we place on the legacy.

Senior Reporter

With over more than 6 years of writing obituaries for the local paper, Senior Reporter has a uniquely strong voice that shines through in his newest collection of essays and articles, which explores the importance we place on the legacy.

Recent Posts

National Insurance Company Limited AO Apply Online 2025: Direct Link Eligibility and Vacancy Details

The National Insurance Company Limited (NICL), owned by the Government of India, has invited applications for 266 Administrative Officer (AO)…

June 14, 2025

Work-Life Balance the Japanese Way: What Is Yutori and Why You Need It

In today's frantic world, the Japanese philosophy of Yutori provides a refreshing alternative to the hustle mentality. Meaning "room to…

June 14, 2025

Taiwan Welcomes Filipinos with Extended Visa Free Entry Until 2026

An extension of Taiwan's visa-free travel programme for Philippine passport holders has been renewed for another year. This extension allows…

June 14, 2025

Judge Blocks Rubio’s Plan to Lay Off 2,000 State Department Employees

A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily prevented Secretary of State Marco Rubio from laying off almost 2,000 U.S.-based…

June 14, 2025

eShram Card  for Unorganized Workers Full Guide: Who Can Apply, Required Documents and How to Check Balance

Launched on August 26, 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment the eShram Card is the pioneering initiative of…

June 13, 2025

Unilever Under Fire: Ivory Coast Workers Accuse Unilever of Union Rights Violations

Employees at Unilever Côte d’Ivoire have alleged that the company severed its collective bargaining agreement with employees amid plans to…

June 13, 2025