simply do not have on top high utility bills, VAT and inflationary pressures on customers.
“A reduction of the interest rate we hope would at least help to create some consumer confidence and increase spending on the high street.
“Unless swift action is taken, the sector is gearing to fail with hundreds more closures.
“We already see restaurants, pubs, cafes, bars and more facing the most difficult trading landscape imaginable, with the perfect set of circumstances for failure now heightened as true scale of these costs is reckoned with.
“Figures just out from UKHospitality show on average two licensed venues closed permanently each day in the first half of 2025. This grim statistic cannot continue.
“I still contend that the single most progressive act this government can make is to recalibrate the VAT charge on fresh prepared food to be in line with Europe for fresh led businesses so we can grow, invest and thrive using artisan skills and develop our people and business normally.
“But, for now, we must hope interest rates can be lowered.”
Raised on the Wirral, Paul opened The Art School, showcasing seasonal, sustainable local produce.
A Fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Chair of the Liverpool Restaurant Association, he has previously appeared on Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen.
