Birmingham Pubs Urge Government to Cut VAT Rates Amid Financial Struggles Monday, June 8, 2026 birmingham vat hospitality pubs taxation economy business hospitalityindustry government costs Pubs across Birmingham are sounding the alarm, urging the government to reduce VAT rates which they say are “cutting the oxygen off” businesses struggling to survive. Currently, all food and drink sold in pubs is … Read More
Birmingham’s Chip Shops and Fine Dining Unite in Plea for VAT Relief Friday, June 5, 2026 birmingham hospitality vat restaurants chipshop michelin support economy nightlife campaign The recent closure of Birmingham’s oldest Michelin-starred restaurant, Simpsons, coupled with warnings from Bedders—the city’s legendary 80-year-old chip shop—highlights a growing crisis in Birmingham’s hospitality scene. … Read More
DWP Urged to Make Urgent Changes for Benefits Claimants Born in Specific Years Thursday, June 4, 2026 dwp benefits youngpeople employment labour conservatives unemployment economy workforce education The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been pressed to implement decisive reforms for benefits claimants born in certain years, as concerns grow about dwindling opportunities for young people. The Conservative Party … Read More
Birmingham Chef Closes Michelin-Starred Simpsons After 32 Years, Warns of Hospitality Crisis Tuesday, June 2, 2026 simpsons birmingham andreasantona michelin restaurantclosure hospitability crisis economy smallbusiness governmentsupport After 32 years delighting diners, Birmingham chef Andreas Antona has closed his Michelin-starred restaurant Simpsons, citing that it “hadn’t made money in well over a year.” Antona warns this closure may … Read More
Thousands of Fish and Chip Shops Face Closure Amid Rising Costs and New £3.50 Minimum Price Monday, June 1, 2026 fishandchips prices labourparty economy smallbusiness energycosts foodindustry netzero closures britain Households across England are bracing for sharper price hikes at fish and chip shops as rising costs strain small business owners. Steve Mathews, 59, who runs Britain’s cheapest chip shop, has been compelled to raise his … Read More
Birmingham Hospitality Leaders Face Challenges Amid Tough Trading Conditions Friday, May 29, 2026 birmingham hospitality economy nighttime commerce independent business finance challenge recovery Birmingham’s hospitality sector is grappling with a challenging trading environment as economic pressures continue to mount. The recently published West Midlands Night-Time Economy Commission report outlines 25 … Read More