Pub landlord welcomes business rates cut

A Little Sutton pub landlord has welcomed a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues from next April.

Ryan Higginson, 34, licensee of The Cheshire Yeoman on Ledsham Road, said the reduction would provide much-needed support for the hospitality sector.

The business has recently expanded by opening guest accommodation alongside its food and drink offering.

Ryan, who has run the pub for the past 18 months, said:

"The hospitality industry is so squeezed at the moment that even a little bit of relief is welcome.

"For me, it's probably a saving of about £100 a month, which is roughly the cost of a keg of beer. If you buy 10 kegs, one of them is effectively free because you've saved that money on business rates. Those little savings all add up."

Ryan, who also runs a computer recycling business in Hooton, said the pub is a team effort, with colleague Ellie Farnan managing the bar.

Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP Justin Madders, who visited the pub, said:

"Pubs and clubs play an important role in our communities, creating jobs and bringing people together. Hospitality businesses have faced significant challenges in recent years, so this reduction will be welcome news for many local venues."

Nationally, nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues are expected to benefit from the business rates reduction, with the average pub forecast to save around £1,100 over the next financial year.

Pictured - Pub landlord Ryan Higginson and Justin Madders MP outside The Cheshire Yeoman.