John Healey blasted by pie shop owner facing nightmare after Budget hikes
A pie shop boss has blasted John Healey for failing to give him “breathing space” at the Budget. Paul Bowen, who starred on The Apprentice in 2024, faces having to sell 30,000 extra pies to cover his costs. Mr Bowden, who runs shops in Chorley in Lancashire, said: “I was really positive. Andy's a northerner, and I thought - he gets it. He gets it, he's listening. And in the headlines John Healey - 'we're going to give families and business owners breathing space'. I read it.
TL;DR
- Pie shop owner Paul Bowen claims the Budget failed to provide "breathing space" for businesses.
- Bowen, who appeared on The Apprentice, faces a £700 weekly increase in costs.
- He estimates needing to sell an extra 20,000 to 30,000 pies to cover increased supplier bills (10% rise on £20k-£30k) and other rising costs.
- He is not eligible for business rates relief as he operates multiple sites.
- Bowen highlighted that national insurance and energy costs are crippling his business.
- He feels forced to increase prices, potentially alienating customers and reducing profit.
- Bowen is taking a personal pay cut and making a cut to his business's earnings.
- The article notes John Healey was seen drinking a pint after delivering his Budget speech.