'We will be in survival mode for another year' says Kent business
The Hub Kitchen in Sittingbourne say it comes as the energy price cap and national living wage increases today
Last updated 1st Apr 2025
A business from Kent has told us they will have to be in 'survival mode for the second year in a row'.
Today, both the energy price cap and National Living Wage will increase by 6.4% and 77p respectively.
It now means the average household's bill will cost £111 more, while the National Living Wage will go from £11.44 an hour to £12.21.
And, on Sunday, National Insurance rates will rise to 15%.
Emily Eyre is the owner of the Hub Kitchen in Sittingbourne, she said: "This will certainly stop me from employing anymore full time staff and we are also looking to increase our retail prices because we don't want to sacrifice our quality.
"However, by doing that, the fear is that people won't be coming in and spending as much because our customers' energy bill are going up, they are feeling the pinch, so they might think about taking a sandwich to work, rather than going to the café and getting lunch.
"And, people who want to host parties may do it themselves, rather than hiring businesses like ours to do it for them.
"I believe this will be the second year being in survival mode, just getting through each month and each quarter which really limits you in terms of growth, motivation and just loving what you do because when you've been in the trenches for that long, it really is stressful, and an extra weight on your shoulders."