Small businesses7 days ago'I'd have to charge £15 for coffee and cake just to break even'Cafés say they need more government support to deal with rising costs and falling footfall.7 days ago30 Jan 2026Buckie ice cream maker's bitter taste of the energy marketA phone call from an energy broker on his first day in business led to Richard Simpson paying over the odds.30 Jan 202614 Jan 2026Shop for small businesses shuts after low salesThe businesses' co-owner says it is because of a lack of sales and high overheads.14 Jan 202614 Jan 2026I feel violated by copies of my jewellery onlineEmma Farley, of Little Silver Hedgehog, says her own photos are being used to sell copied earrings.14 Jan 202611 Jan 2026Business rates used as grants to improve shopfrontsMaidstone Borough Council is offering businesses up to £10,000 to help boost footfall.11 Jan 20261 Jan 2026How indie bookshops are capturing the high streetThat Little Bookshop in Stafford and The Heath Bookshop in Birmingham are setting themselves apart.1 Jan 202626 Dec 2025Landlady puts local business on the map at ChristmasMaria Harris, runs The Stag in Lyndhurst, and promotes the independent businesses in her village.26 Dec 202516 Dec 2025Locksmith's sweet revenge on non-paying customerSam Kavanagh says he has also faced "abuse and intimidation" from some customers.16 Dec 20258 Dec 2025Ever wondered what happens to ice cream vans in winter?Ed Whitby - boss of an ice-cream van manufacturer - says that ice cream vans are increasingly being used “year-round” often because of demand for hot drinks and desserts at winter celebrations8 Dec 2025...
