A bakery near Bristol has issued a plea to the community after the shock closure of other businesses in recent weeks. The Warmley Bakehouse on London Road has spoken of the "terrifying times" independent businesses have faced over the last three years catalysed by the pandemic and then the cost of living crisis.
Cottage Bakery in Fishponds and The Assembly Bakery in Old Market both shut within days of each other citing rising costs as major contributing factors for their closures. Owner of the Warmely Bakehouse, Ben Fortune, issued a statement on social media sharing his shock at the closures.
Mr Fortune said: "Both stalwart local bakeries with a fantastic reputation in their respective areas and loved in their community, (and further abroad). I would like to wish all their staff and their families, their customers and the owners all the best in whatever they choose to do moving forward they will be missed as they were loved."
Read more: Bristol chip shop owner has 'sleepless nights' as energy bills 'kill' business
The bakeries are sadly just the tip of the iceberg for closures in Bristol, and across the UK, as businesses battle enormous energy bills as well as increased costs for produce and wages. A number of businesses have closed since the start of the year with many citing the cost of living crisis as the reason their businesses were no longer viable. A chip owner recently told BristolLive that he was having sleepless nights and his energy bills were "killing" his businesses.
Reflecting on the closures in the statement, Mr Fortune added: "Sadly these are only the latest in a truly terrifying time for small businesses with everything from the last three to four years as well as the continuing costs these sadly may not be the last. So a personal plea, please support us or wherever you are to support your small, local independent businesses.
"They are out there wherever you live struggling under so much pressure so please don't just take the easy route of the supermarket but come and support the little guy trying to do right by his / her customers, community and family. Thank you all for all of your continued support in these troubling times."
The Warmley Bakehouse is a traditional bakery known for its daily sourdough as well as its loaves, rolls and Italian-style bread. It also offers a vast array of cakes, pastries and savoury bakes.
It serves Warmley, Kingswood, Wick, Bridgeyate, Hanham, Cadbury Heath and Oldland and has a history of supplying to the restaurant trade. It's open from Tuesday to Saturday 7am until 2pm.
Are you a business owner in Bristol who would like to share their story? We'd like to hear from you - please get in touch by contacting louisa.streeting@reachplc.com
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