I recently visited Ian and Nina Boyd at The Rising Sun in Brentwood to hear first-hand about the challenges they are facing as a business.
Since taking over the pub in 2020, costs have soared. This government’s attitude to business has meant that business rates and council tax have tripled, with energy bills also increasing three fold over the past five years, all of which is completely unsustainable.
Ian and Nina have spent a huge amount of money on the refurbishment of the Rising Sun - and it is looking very dapper indeed. This makes it all the more disappointing to hear how difficult the current climate is for them and other landlords in the area.
The Rising Sun is working hard to attract more people by offering a Monday quiz night and live music on Friday evenings, along with wood fired pizzas. However, rising hiring costs, including the Government’s increases in Employers National Insurance payments and the minimum wage, are contributing to hard decisions about whether they are able to hire any additional staff.
Our pubs are more than businesses—they are vital social spaces and part of our heritage. Without immediate concessions and a fair review of business rates, many will close.
I will continue to press government and local authorities to act now to protect them. Please support your local pubs - if we don't, they may not survive.
