The night-time economy in the West Country has found a staunch supporter in a local music venue, as businesses across the sector gear up for a momentous protest in London next month.
Culture Calling, spearheading the demonstration slated for Sunday, October 15, is demanding a substantial reduction in VAT to address the mounting financial challenges beleaguering businesses. According to their website, the current financial climate is “unsustainable,” with costs soaring up to 40% above pre-pandemic levels. Since March 2020, a staggering 13,000 establishments have been forced to close permanently, and thousands more teeter on the brink of collapse.
In a public statement, the organization highlighted the harrowing consequences of the Spring budget, which failed to provide the much-needed relief sought by struggling businesses. “We are faced with an urgent crisis that demands immediate action from a government that once promised to safeguard the well-being of all,” their website post passionately declares.
The Cheese & Grain, based in Frome, made headlines a year ago when it supported nationwide calls to address exorbitant energy prices during an interview with Hits Radio. Now, the venue is once again lending its support, this time advocating for a reduction in VAT.
Rob Dahl, the operations manager, expressed his concern about the across-the-board cost escalation that has proven burdensome for businesses. “The cost of living crisis is affecting various aspects of society, and with a 40% increase in costs, everything is strained,” Dahl lamented. He recounted the plight of his colleagues in the events industry, with venues and pubs shutting down at an alarming rate, leaving a trail of heartbreak in their wake.
While the Cheese & Grain operates as a charitable trust with a focus on promoting Frome, they wouldn’t be eligible for the potential VAT reduction, as it primarily benefits more conventional venues. Nevertheless, Rob wholeheartedly supports the push for change. According to him, the UK events industry contributes approximately £42 billion to the country’s economy annually. He emphasized the industry’s standing as an exemplary national treasure and called for essential support amid these turbulent times.
When requested for a response, a representative from His Majesty’s Treasury stated, “We acknowledge the challenges facing the hospitality sector, which is why we have provided extensive support amounting to hundreds of billions of pounds throughout the pandemic and following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. We have also implemented £13.6 billion in business rates relief, cut energy bills, reduced fuel duty by £10 billion since last year, and have ensured the preservation of draught pint prices through the Brexit Pubs Guarantee.”
