This year continues to be a difficult one for many, especially Manchester’s hospitality businesses. While the cost of living rises for domestic households are starting to be felt, Manchester’s restaurants, bars and pubs have also been feeling the strain as the cost of ingredients soars along with their energy bills and general operating costs.
Amidst the ongoing crisis, last week's mini-budget announcement from Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng was criticised by Manchester's Night Time Economy Advisor, Sacha Lord, who warned it would mean 'last orders for thousands of hospitality businesses'.
Tweeting after the announcement, Lord wrote on Twitter: “Speechless. No VAT or biz rate support for hospitality. Corporation tax cuts are completely useless if businesses aren’t turning a profit, or worse, closed." Just last month, a survey of landlords, found that seven-in-ten fear they will go bust over the next six months without tangible Government help on fuel bills.
Unfortunately, many have already had to make the difficult decision to shutter for good across Greater Manchester, citing the cost of living crisis, but also the lingering impact of the pandemic, as reasons for closing down.
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