Uttoxeter espresso store might shut over excessive charges, proprietor says | EUROtoday

High enterprise charges might result in a espresso store closure, its proprietor stated.

Joe Ingleton, who has runs Fueled Coffee in Uttoxeter for 4 years, stated his enterprise charges had greater than doubled.

“We charge £3.40 for a coffee and I don’t think they realise how many coffees I have to sell to get that covered before I start with the wage, rent, electric bills,” he stated.

He stated he needed extra help from East Staffordshire Borough Council. The council stated the federal government in current tax years had set the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) aid at 75% of the enterprise charges invoice, however the degree of aid had been decreased to 40%.

He stated he beforehand paid £3,243 in enterprise charges expenses however his invoice for 2025/26 elevated to £7,784.

“I can’t carry on with these high [business] rates,” he advised BBC Radio Stoke.

“Sometimes I feel sick, I cant sleep, I just want to stay indoors and its not motivational at all.

“The council say it is for small companies, that is their likelihood to face up and say its mistaken.”

Mr Ingleton said he was passionate about the community and his business but found the current business rates were affecting his mental health.

A council spokesman said the increase in business rates was due to government providing RHL businesses with a relief on their business rates charges over the last few years.

“In 2023/24 and 2024/25 tax years the RHL aid was set by the federal government at 75% of the enterprise charges invoice,” they stated.

“However for the 2025/26 tax 12 months the extent of aid has been decreased by the federal government to 40%.”