Burnley Businesses Convey Budget Expectations to Bank of Dave Founder

Business owners in Burnley have stated that the upcoming autumn Budget must address the escalating costs of both goods and employee wages. These individuals shared their perspectives on BBC Breakfast with businessman Dave Fishwick, founder of the Bank of Dave, a community bank established to offer loans to residents in his hometown. Fishwick commented that for certain local businesses, the Budget “could be the difference between survival and not”. Christine Dobson Moore, who owns a cafe, informed him that “a lot of the politicians haven’t lived in the real world, they’re not us”. She further stated, “They haven’t survived off a fiver for a week like we have, and it’s heartbreaking at times.” She added, “You get some some nights and think ‘what’s the point?'”. Ms Dobson Moore, proprietor of Sanwitches Café in Sabden, reported that business operations had become “quieter”. She identified “the national living wage” as “the main problem for us,” explaining, “It’s probably going to go up again and we’re struggling now to pay our employees.” Harry, the operator of Smash Burgers, a burger van, has been conducting business for six months. The 17-year-old expressed a desire for “inflation come down on oil prices,” noting, “because my oil, I was paying £5.50 for five litres, and it’s gone up to £8.50, a 40% increase at least.” He indicated that a reduction in prices would “definitely help me, because otherwise I have to put prices up, and then people get a bit iffy.” He also wished for “access to funding, making sure it’s easier for the younger people to be able to gain money.” Veka, a window manufacturing company located in Burnley, employs 420 individuals. Tim Taylor, the commercial director, stated that for the business and as an employer, “national insurance contributions have been at the forefront of our thinking for some time.” He explained that this “indirect tax” is anticipated to “affect employers in the long term.” Taylor remarked, “It won’t have an impact on day one on individuals on the shop floor here, but we do have to start planning.” He added, “The amount of money we’re going to invest over here in the next three to five years is colossal, so we’ve got to have long term growth.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves is scheduled to present Labour’s first Budget in 14 years on Wednesday, having cautioned that it will necessitate “difficult decisions.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that his government intends to make “tough decisions,” choosing to increase taxes “to prevent austerity and rebuild public services.” Mr Fishwick commented, “Chancellors, they’re in London, they’re in ivory towers, they’re not here having steak pudding, chips, peas and gravy. This is real.” He observed that businesses in Burnley “are all saying the same thing, they need something out of this budget that’s going to help them move forward.” He concluded, “The cost of living, the energy crisis, fuel duty, whatever it is, this could be the most important budget ever.” Adding, “Let’s hope they get it right.” Information on listening to BBC Radio Lancashire’s highlights is available on Sounds, with updates from BBC Lancashire also accessible on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details regarding its external linking policy are available.