Butcher fears closure amid rising energy costs

A butcher said he could be forced to close his business due to rising energy costs.

Martin Mottershead has been paying £12,000 a year at his Stafford shop, but this will rise to £35,000 when his fixed price contract ends in 18 months.

Other small business owners in the town have called for greater government support.

The government said it had introduced a 50% business rates relief for eligible firms, among other measures.

However, Mr Mottershead said worries about the rising cost of energy “keeps you awake at night”.

“How do you cope with that? You can’t pass that on,” he said.

He said he had told energy suppliers he would not be able to open his doors if bills rise to £35,000 a year.

“I have known a lot of my customers for over 35 years and to think that this could all end from something which is out of my control, like the electricity, is just sad.