Apprentice star tells PM why pie shop is closing
Summary
Paul Bowen, a pie shop owner and participant in The Apprentice 2024, is closing one of his three shops in Chorley, Lancashire because of rising costs. He told Prime Minister Andy Burnham that higher employer National Insurance, energy bills, and other expenses make it hard for small businesses to survive.Key Facts
- Paul Bowen owns three pie shops called Bowen Pies; he is closing one on Market Street.
- Bowen says the increase in employer National Insurance is the final reason for closing this shop.
- Other costs affecting his business include energy bills, business rates, and wages.
- Bowen asked the government to reduce National Insurance, business rates, VAT (tax on sales), and energy costs for small businesses.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham responded that empty shops and business closures are happening all over the country.
- Burnham announced a £210 million investment to convert empty buildings into community spaces like health centers and cafes.
- Burnham aims to help revive local high streets to support small businesses and communities.
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