Topic
local business
Business Economy #business rates#tax cuts
Birmingham Michelin Chef Says Business Rates Cut 'Not Enough' for Struggling Restaurants
Michelin-starred chef Alex Claridge, owner of Birmingham's The Wilderness, says the government's 20% business rates reduction for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues does not go far enough and omits restaurants, cafés, hotels, and cinemas. He calls for a VAT reduction instead, warning that many independent hospitality businesses are barely breaking even despite full dining rooms.
Jul 23, 2026 1 source
Business Economy #candy#stores
New York's Candy Stores Sweeten Economic Gloom as Consumer Sentiment Hits Record Low
Despite US consumer sentiment hitting an all-time low in May, candy stores in and around New York City are expanding. Third-generation owner Mitchell Cohen of Economy Candy notes that consumers still buy affordable treats during economic downturns. Swedish chains BonBon and Candy King are opening new outlets, leveraging the 'lipstick effect'.
Jun 15, 2026 1 source