Immingham play cafe owner urges for modernised business rate system amid high costs
Natasha Brown of The Social Cafe highlights the financial struggle and calls for reformed business rates
A play cafe owner in Immingham has voiced concerns over the high running costs that are impacting her ability to break even.
Natasha Brown, who runs The Social Cafe, notes that rising business rates and rent have made it increasingly difficult to sustain her business compared to a few years ago.
Natasha explained, "What I found the most is I've got really high costs at the moment with business rates and rent and everything that I need a really large number of people in every day to make that possible to make ends meet. So we are getting a nice amount of people, but it's just not enough."
Natasha is advocating for a reform in the way business rates are calculated, stating that the current system based on square footage is outdated and unfair to newer businesses with larger premises.
"The way they work out the business rates is based on square footage of your business and for me to have the play area in the cafe. I need to have a large area. Not every new business is going to be a tiny little shop and I think that the way they work that out seems to be a bit outdated," Natasha said.
She believes that business rates should be determined based on revenue rather than size. "If you're not turning over a certain revenue, then you shouldn't have to pay," she added, highlighting the disparity with larger businesses like banks.
The Social Cafe, located in Immingham, fills a gap for family-friendly venues in the area. It provides a space for new parents with initiatives like 'Maternity Mondays', where parents can meet others, weigh their babies, and receive advice from health visitors.
Natasha said, "All of the parents that come in, say, we've got nowhere to go. We have to drive either to Scunthorpe or Grimsby or Cleethorpes to have anything like this."
To appeal to a wider audience, the cafe recently rebranded from 'The Kiddies Cafe' to 'The Social Cafe'. Natasha explained the change, noting, "It just makes it more welcoming for everyone."
With a new gym set to open opposite their location, Natasha hopes to attract gym-goers too, saying, "I really want to grab their attention as well."