For Jon, the main challenge remains his energy costs, especially standing charges, which are a daily fixed fee paid to energy suppliers for being connected to the system, regardless of how much gas or electricity a business uses.
He said the amount these charges had increased since 2021 was “outrageous”, adding that the energy regulator Ofgem had failed to protect small businesses from the increases.
A spokesperson for Ofgem said it had introduced new rules to ensure businesses get fairer treatment, more support resolving disputes, and greater transparency on fees charged by energy brokers.
They added: “We know high energy bills continue to be a challenge for many businesses. We are working closely with government and industry to understand the range of issues non-domestic customers face, and where the powers we have to tackle them could be stronger.”
The government said it was right to impose tariffs on imports of Russian fish, as well as other exports from the country.
A statement said local takeaways were “essential to thriving, vibrant communities” and support would be developed which included reforming business rates.
