Brighton fish and chip shop owner urges us to shop local takeaway treats - as bills "cripple" businesses
Russell Griggs, who runs By the Beach Fish and Chips, says rising bills and national insurance means our support is vital
Last updated 19th Apr 2025
A Brighton fish and chip shop owner's urging us to support small businesses for our takeaway treats this bank holiday - as rising costs continue to hugely impact small businesses.
It follows a rise in employer national insurance at the start of this month, which bumped up tax on certain salaries by 1.2%, with small businesses telling us it's had a huge impact.
Russell Griggs owns By the Beach Fish and Chips, near Palace Pier, and said the position's more precarious for seafront-based businesses like theirs:
"All of the holidays bring tourists into the town, but as everything on the coast is very weather dependent, the weather can make or break any business along here."
Tourism Group VisitEngland is estimating 11 million people will be holidaying at home over the bank holiday weekend.
But despite that, Russell continued that as well as tax increases, rising bills are "crippling" businesses like his:
"This business will fold if it continues like this," he admitted.
"My fish and chips are £12.50 in here. I can't charge that plus VAT, as people won't buy it.
"But I still have to pay the government 20% of every single pound that goes through my till.
"There's no VAT on food so I can't claim anything on back. I'm just the collection man for the tax man."