The cost-of-living crisis is affecting millions across the country as people face soaring fuel and food bills. One of the sectors that has been particularly hard hit, is the hospitality industry who face rocketing bills and the difficult decision to pass on rising costs to their customers.
For some family-run, independent businesses, the situation has deteriorated to unimaginable levels that are seeing them fighting for their livelihoods. They say they are "suffering" and are dreading the colder winter months, which would exacerbate already fragile finances.
As reported by BerkshireLive, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) says that the price rise for electricity back in April "pales into insignificance" in comparison with the 80 per cent rise that was announced for this October. With prices rising, some businesses in the county have started to close early and turn off their lights when there are no customers around.
