In the quaint town of Uttoxeter, the local coffee shop, Fueled Coffee, may soon face closure, a heartbreaking prospect expressed by its owner, Joe Ingleton. Running for four years, Ingleton’s establishment is now grappling with the burden of exorbitant business rates, which have seen a sharp increase. His previous business rates, set at £3,243, have more than doubled for the 2025/26 tax year to a staggering £7,784. The drastic rise has fueled his concerns over the sustainability of his beloved coffee shop, where he charges £3.40 per cup of coffee, a price that barely meets the mounting financial obligations of wages, rent, and utility bills.
Ingleton articulated the intense pressure that the elevated business rates have placed on him. “I don’t think they realize how many coffees I have to sell to cover my costs before even considering my wages, rent, and electric bills,” he lamented. His situation is emblematic of a broader issue that local businesses across the UK are facing, reminiscent of the struggles many endure amidst escalating operating costs. Fueled Coffee, however, stands as more than just another coffee shop; it serves as a community hub in Carters Square, known for its warm ambiance and friendly service.
He further expressed his disappointment in the support—or lack thereof—from East Staffordshire Borough Council. While the council has indicated that the government has offered varying relief levels on business rates over the years, this hasn’t eased the financial strain on small enterprises. Notably, the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief rate was initially set at 75%, but has since diminished to 40%, leaving business owners feeling the brunt of these policy changes.
The emotional toll is considerable for Ingleton, who shared candidly about the impact of these financial pressures on his mental health. “Sometimes I feel sick; I can’t sleep. I just want to stay indoors, and it’s not motivational at all.” His pleas reflect a pressing need for the council to reconsider the support provided to small businesses, especially those struggling to thrive in a challenging economic environment. His passionate connection to the community and his business underscores the importance of small businesses in fostering local economies and community spirit.
A spokesperson for East Staffordshire Borough Council responded to Ingleton’s concerns by explaining that the increase in business rates is a reflection of the government’s decision to reduce relief for businesses in the RHL sectors. They noted that while previous years provided a substantial cushion, the upcoming 40% relief rate indicates a significant reduction in available support. This policy shift poses significant challenges to business owners like Ingleton, who feel the brunt of systemic issues at play in tax policies.
As discussions surrounding local business sustainability continue to unfold, Ingleton’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance that small business owners must navigate. The reality of significantly increased operating costs against reduced support structures threatens not just individual businesses, but also the unique character and communal identity of towns like Uttoxeter. Fueled Coffee is more than a coffee shop—it is a potential casualty in the broader narrative of the current economic landscape, emphasizing the need to reassess the frameworks established to support local entrepreneurs.
The outcry from business owners like Ingleton signifies a call for action. He implores the council to acknowledge the negative implications of high business rates on small businesses’ viability, hoping that they will reflect on these concerns and advocate for necessary adjustments at the governmental level. Local communities rely on small businesses not only for services but also for the vibrant, supportive networks they create. As the situation for Fueled Coffee progresses, it remains to be seen how local officials will respond to these pressing concerns, and whether changes to the support structures will ensue to aid businesses like Ingleton’s in their quest for sustainability and growth.