'People are under real pressure': MP meets Burnley hospitality owners over survival fears

The roundtable discussion, held at Penny Black on Saturday morning, brought together operators from across the borough, who raised concerns about rising business rates, staffing costs, energy bills and the long-term sustainability of town centre trading.

Business owners said the cost of running venues has increased sharply since the pandemic, with national insurance, minimum wage rises and utility prices all adding pressure to already tight margins. Several said they now feel forced to raise prices, while customers are spending less when they do go out.

There was also frustration over business rates, with owners warning that recent revaluations and the gradual removal of pandemic-era relief have led to steep increases. Some said headline figures on their bills were “scary” and made it difficult to plan ahead.

Town centre regeneration was another key topic. Traders questioned whether major road and public realm projects would genuinely benefit hospitality, while others said more focus should be placed on creating a central “hub” feel in Burnley, with a pedestrian-friendly space in Ormerod Street, along with more outdoor seating and events to boost daytime footfall as well as evening trade.

Licensing and late-night issues were also discussed. Some owners said cheap supermarket alcohol was changing customer behaviour, with people drinking at home before coming out late, spending less in venues and creating more problems for staff and police. Several said they would prefer earlier closing times to encourage people to come out earlier rather than waiting until late at night.

Security was another major concern, particularly for businesses outside the main town centre. Francesco Tutrone, co-owner of Ballaro' Italian Restaurant, described repeated break-ins, vandalism and anti-social behaviour, calling for more visible policing, better use of CCTV and stronger partnership working with councils and landlords.

Following the meeting, Mr Ryan said: "We're lucky to have some brilliant pubs, restaurants, bars and cafès here, but I'm not deaf to the fact hospitality is feeling the pinch and have been for a few years. I've written to the Chancellor on several occasions about the need for help for businesses in Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield and I'll always be available to meet with them. I want to thank everyone who turned up, to Paul and Madge and everyone who is making this happen; we get more done together than we do alone."

Paul Earnshaw, owner of Kiddy Kids and one of the organisers, said the newly formed Burnley Hospitality Group will cover concerns across the sector and is free to join, with future meetings to be hosted at members’ venues.

“It was really positive to get so many hospitality businesses in the same room and have an open, honest conversation about what we’re facing. People are under real pressure, but meetings like this are helpful because they show we’re not on our own and that our concerns are being listened to. It’s encouraging to see the MP engaging directly with us and taking these issues seriously.”

Mr Ryan said he would take the issues raised back to Westminster, continue pressing the Treasury on business rates reform and VAT for hospitality, and work with councils, police and town centre partners on local solutions.

He also confirmed that further meetings will be held to keep the conversation going and track any progress on the concerns raised by businesses.