Apprentice star tells PM why pie shop is closing

Paul Bowen, a pie shop owner from Chorley, Lancashire, and former contestant on The Apprentice, announced on social media that he is closing one of his three shops due to rising business costs. Specifically, Bowen cited the increase in employers' National Insurance as the tipping point for the closure despite the Market Street location earning £100,000 annually. He highlighted other expenses such as energy bills and wages contributing to the decision.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham responded by expressing sympathy and acknowledged the challenges faced by small business owners. Bowen emphasized the broader issue of struggling high streets in Chorley and elsewhere, noting that previously shops like his would sustain themselves but now cannot due to various costs increasing. He questioned what the government is doing specifically about reducing energy prices and asked for scraping or significantly reducing employer's National Insurance.

This situation highlights the financial pressures small businesses face with rising operational expenses in the UK, potentially impacting local economies and community spaces.