Small businesses across Lincolnshire and Newark tell us they're struggling to cope

Small businesses across Lincolnshire and Newark have told us they have been impacted by both the cost of living and energy crisis.

With fewer customers spending and energy bills rising, these independent companies are expected to struggle in the winter.

Lincolnshire's independent businesses have been telling us how they plan to survive the winter, as the current rise in cost of living and energy crisis impact them.

After two years open and closed due to the pandemic, small businesses are now feeling the damage, as the cost of living and energy crisis are upon them.

We went up Steep Hill, in Lincoln finding out how these companies have managed so far.

Charlotte Bell, from Ditto design says that the energy prices were calculated into the cost, but as their first winter, they are worried by the significant rise that's predicted:

"Obviously it's a, how much they are going up because it's a significant amount. But we do use very little heating here, because it is more like a market trade stall with an open door, for customers, and a lot of the costs are shared throughout the building."

Olivia works in Lapid Art on Steep Hill.

"Crystals at the moment are really really popular, and it has been booming and it should be booming but we've seen a huge drop off due to the energy crisis. I think there's a couple of the shops along Steep Hill that has closed already, which is really sad.

"It's a bit hit and miss, like, it kind of comes in waves, there'll be like a couple people in here at one time, then other than that it'll be really really quiet, and Saturdays, you know, it's kind of half as busy as we ever were before, so it's really hit us hard."

Ash from Ashby Gifts says they've been trying to use less and think more efficiently:

"I think we were using £1.25 to £1.37, and we got the daily standing charge on top of that, and I think we've seen something like £30 a month, probably more, or less- it varies difference. But we're trying to look at seeing what can we cut down? We don't want to be tight on the heating, for people to be cold, but you know, think, do we need it on? If not. Work more, work harder. So we'll just see how it goes."

At Roly's Fudge Pantry, Gemma has said fortunately they are on a fixed term contract so have been relatively stable so far:

"It's definitely a worry isn't it, because everything else has gone up, the price of ingredients and you know, personally the cost of living and everything else. Yeah, I mean everything's gone up so it would be a concern I guess, but luckily we're fixed for now.

"It's been quieter I think than previous years, but I guess we're heading into a recession so it's bound to be, right?"

Further discussions on support offered to help businesses is hoped to take place on Monday September 5th, when the new Prime Minister is announced.