03/02/2026
We always support local businesses like ours. Copied and pasted from other local page , but meaningful for us too:
'USE US OR LOSE US' is a strong term and message that hundreds of local businesses will be crying out to their communities and the general public, the words will pollute social media this year. We are not any different, with the 3rd wage increase in 4 years to come in to play in April along with the horrific autumn budget set by Rachel Reeves, her team and The Labour Party offering plenty support for areas and sectors that did not require it and a serious lack of support for areas that yern for it. The horrifying question that kept us awake last night after the relentless news of closures was who is next to succumb the impossible task of being in business in Great Britain?
After seeing all the big names and operators that are closing or halting production over the past week in Aberdeen alone it is sobering to see that absolutley nothing has still been done to protect the hospitality industry. WHY IS IT NOT BEING SPOKE ABOUT OR DEBATED IN PARLIAMENT? WHERE ARE THE PODCASTS TALKING ABOUT IT? Despite my thoughts of nothing ever coming from them, but why is the topic not being protested. It should be. Locally and nationwide, cafes, bars, takeaways and retail units are ceasing trading. These are busy establisments too, with creditable reputations especially the ones we have seen locally this week.
More recently we see Andrew Bowie MP flying the flag for the oil and gas sector in parliament and we credit his want for trying despite it FALLING ON DEAF EARS but now more than ever we need an MP to be in parliament screaming and fighting for the entire hospitality sector of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Whether it be him or someone else, it needs representation. The 3rd biggest city in Scotland stands the most vulnerable compared to the rest at this very moment.
Over the past 4 years bills that have largely inflated and will never be seen coming down.
Wages
N.i.c
Energy
Food and drink supplies
Admin fees
What is the only bill that needs to come down in order to save the entire hospitality sector in Great Britain today with the state of national affairs?
VAT REDUCTIONS. 20% down to 5%
Ireland did it overnight. With no hesitation. 13% down to 9% just like that. 🤌 Was barely up for debate.
Businesses that adapted to the unprecedented situation during covid 19 lockdowns ensured their survival then thanks to Vat being reduced to 5%
20 pence to every pound coming in the door going to vat has been criminal for years but post pandemic its became unachievable for near on everyone and is well and truly outdated. Especially as stock supplies continue to go up, operators tranfer their costs on to the customer, then who benefits fully from the overall increase? Yup you guessed it, the Vat.
I cant suggest to anyone how to run or streamline their business going in to April but if there was ever a time unity among hospitality was needed then i'd say its now. We must push vat reductions.
Hundreds locally are close, thousands nationwide are even closer!
But taking action and making a stand will make a difference.
Please continue to support your local hospitality trader this year as they will need it now more than ever.
Thank you again to those who continue to support us. We too will need you this year.
Please Note: This post has been copied and shared on our page from another local business (Ashvale) as this is a brilliant post and needs the word spread out there. Other locals business please copy & paste this post on your page to if you agree 👍
