THE owner of a former deli group has shared what the business’ energy bills would cost today.

Marc Faulkner set up The Deli Group in 2018, with shops set up in Newton-le-Willows and Dentons Green.

The community catering company had a positive impact on the community as it supported those in need.

Due to financial pressure from unprecedented factors including the pandemic and rising costs, the shops had to close their doors earlier this year.

Marc has since shared his heartache of having to give up the business and commiserates with independent businesses who are struggling during this period of financial catastrophe.

He said: “I used to co-own and run what was a relatively successful community catering company, with three outlets in our local area, as well as supporting the community through initiatives such as our community fridge.

“A combination of the fallout from Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, rapidly increasing costs right at the beginning of the current cost of living crisis and disastrous changes introduced by Just Eat, forced us out of business earlier this year, which was heartbreaking and had untold consequences both for us personally and also our staff and suppliers.

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“Out of curiousity, given the current narrative around energy prices for small and medium sized businesses, I’ve just obtained a quote for just one of our former shops, to see just how bad things have gotten.

“Almost £80,000 per year for a single, small backstreet sandwich shop and deli; that’s more than some similar sized shops turn over.

“This is the reality right now for small businesses. It’s a catastrophe, and the domino effect of businesses failing, employees losing their jobs and therefor being unable to support other businesses and pay their living expenses is going to change the face of our economy and our local communities beyond recognition.”