Cheshire’s capital city has always been famous for its quirky independent shops, cafes and restaurants, but many of Chester’s businesses are in danger of closing their doors forever.

Thanks to the cost-of-living crisis, hospitality is on a knife edge. But to help fight the battle, Chester Bid - which represents 150,000 local firms - has launched a campaign to encourage the Government to do more. 

The #BusinessSOS campaign believes mass closures and redundancies are inevitable if Government does not swiftly implement measures that alleviate the critical pressures that businesses, like households, have been facing since April 2022. 

Their three-point-plan includes reducing VAT, reducing energy bills to match the domestic policy and energy rate relief, which is a discounted kwh price on all business energy bills.

“I have spoken with dozens of Chester businesses in recent weeks who all tell me that rising energy costs eclipse any challenge they’ve faced in recent years,” Carl Critchlow, CEO, Chester BID. “Without immediate government intervention there is a very real risk hundreds of businesses could be forced to close, and jobs lost. Our businesses have shown great resilience in the face of rising costs and are doing everything to shield their customers, but the government must now step in to ensure their survival.”

For more information visit: chesterbid.co.uk