On Voice FM's 'Your Green Breakfast' host Xan Phillips interviews Anna Copper from Stakks and Co about a new campaign backed by Go Southampton to support small independent hospitality traders.
Anna explains that while revenue may be up thanks to loyal local customers, overheads—utilities, supplies, insurance, business rates, and staffing costs including minimum wage, National Insurance and pension contributions—have risen faster than prices can realistically increase.
This is leaving businesses with extremely tight margins and little reward for sustained hard work.
The group is sending a letter to the UK government calling for fairer trading conditions, focusing mainly on reducing VAT (currently 20% for hospitality, which Anna says is among the highest in Europe)
Addressing business rates; she notes temporary VAT relief previously helped stabilise jobs and the economy.
Anna warns many long-standing operators in Southampton are close to closing after months of imbalance between costs and income, and she asks the community to support the campaign, while stressing she doesn’t want customers to feel pressured when visiting venues.
Voice FM plans to continue covering the issue and share updates as the campaign progresses.
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