Northants bar owner speaks on struggles in hospitality
Figures show 6 pubs a week closing last year
Around six pubs shut their doors for good every week last year, resulting in around 4,500 job losses, according to industry figures.
The British Beer and Pub Association has warned that urgent Government action is needed to avoid more "completely avoidable" closures.
Fresh figures from the trade body found that 289 pubs served last orders for a final time in 2024 in England and Wales.
Here in Northamptonshire, we've been talking to Richard Gordon who runs the Greedy Gordons chain.
He's recently also brought in collection points for people struggling in the community.
Donations for Kettering Foodbank can be dropped off at Richard's outlets across the county.
Richard went on to speak to us about the money difficulties faced in the hospitality business, be it by those who run bars or restaurants, or who work in the trade at whatever the level:
"There are so many I know and hear of who can't make ends meet, even larger operators in London.
"It's not just the small people. It's just very hard to run a business and make a profit. Plus if there's no profit it's hard to keep those doors open.
"When it comes to the issues and what we're hoping for, we've been lobbying the previous Government and this Government for some time.
"We want the VAT scheme looked at, business rates reformed. Input prices have gone up 40% since pre Covid. Utility prices have seen us struggle and we just want more support as a group in hospitality."