Simon Wilkinson on Channel 4 News

We’re proud to share that our Director, Simon Wilkinson, will be appearing on Channel 4 News tonight.

Simon will be speaking about the impact of rising food and hospitality costs on small businesses, including the tough decision to close our café earlier this year. Like many operators across the UK, we faced significant increases in food prices and national insurance, which made it unviable to continue.

While the café closure was disappointing, our landscaping and plant centre businesses are thriving, a sign that consumers still value investing in their gardens and outdoor spaces, even in challenging economic times.

As Simon explains, this isn’t just about one café; it’s about the wider pressures facing hospitality businesses across the country. With the Food and Drink Federation warning of food price inflation reaching 6% by the end of the year, and essentials like milk already up 50%, there is more strain to come.

We’re proud that Simon has been invited to speak on behalf of businesses like ours, representing the resilience and adaptability that defines Wilkinsons.

In case you missed it, here's the video: