A heart-wrenching story of a small business owner's struggle unfolds as we delve into the challenges faced by Ben Llewellyn, the director of Claremont Pier in Lowestoft, Suffolk. With a heavy heart, he shares his concerns about the future of his family-run business, a beloved pleasure pier that has become a staple in the community. But here's where it gets controversial...
Llewellyn has just received the news that his business rates are set to skyrocket, more than doubling from £31,000 to a staggering £74,000 annually. This increase comes at a time when many businesses are still reeling from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and are desperately trying to stay afloat.
The Treasury claims to be supporting British businesses, but Llewellyn describes the hike as a "kick in the teeth." He runs a vibrant pier with bars, a nightclub, an arcade, shops, and food outlets, providing entertainment and employment for the local community. Yet, despite the essential role his business plays, he feels let down by the system.
"It's a ridiculous situation," he says, "and we're facing so many challenges right now." Llewellyn's determination to keep the business alive is evident, but he worries about the potential consequences. He may have to increase prices, reduce staff, and even shorten the pier's opening hours, all of which could impact the experience for his loyal customers.
And this is the part most people miss... Even though ratepayers can challenge their valuations, Llewellyn has tried this route before, only to be met with a resounding "no." He questions the point of spending hours on paperwork and appeals when the outcome seems predetermined.
While the government recently announced a reduction in business rate increases for pubs, many other types of businesses, like Llewellyn's pier, are left struggling. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) attributes these increases to market changes and businesses recovering from the pandemic, but Llewellyn argues that the hospitality sector as a whole needs support, not just pubs.
The Treasury acknowledges that some firms will face higher costs but emphasizes its support package and capped corporation tax rate. However, Llewellyn's experience suggests that the support may not be reaching those who need it most.
So, what do you think? Is the government doing enough to support small businesses like Claremont Pier? Or are these rate increases an unfair burden on already struggling enterprises? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
