Daily Archives: June 16, 2026

                 Restaurants may look packed, but behind the scenes many are fighting for survival. Rising taxes, soaring energy bills, higher wages and stubborn inflation are squeezing already tiny margins, leaving even award-winning chefs shutting their doors. Hospitality bosses warn that unless ministers act on VAT and business rates, Britain risks losing not just restaurantsContinue reading “Busy tables, empty profits as hospitality crisis deepens”

                 TikTok crackdown threatens youth-driven firms and local brands The Prime Minister’s planned ban on social media for under-16s is being welcomed by many parents, but small businesses are now asking what it means for them. Thousands of micro firms rely on TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat to reach younger customers, build local buzz andContinue reading “Under-16 social media ban could hit small businesses hard”

                 Delivery apps were once seen as a lifeline for restaurants, cafés and takeaways. Increasingly, many independent operators see them as part of the problem. With commissions often taking 25% to 35% of every order, small hospitality businesses are finding themselves busier than ever but making less money. As platforms expand into “super-apps” thatContinue reading “Delivery apps are eating Britain’s independent restaurants”

                 Nigel Farage’s proposal to raise the VAT registration threshold from £90,000 to £150,000 could be one of the biggest shake-ups for small businesses in decades. Supporters say it would free thousands of firms from red tape, encourage growth and keep prices lower for customers. Critics warn it could create new market distortions, costContinue reading “Could a £150,000 VAT threshold unleash Britain’s entrepreneurs?”