Town mayor blames high rates for decision to close business
A town mayor has revealed that he is closing his business and says not enough is being done to help small traders.
Councillor Steve Kaye says that business rates and high rents are to blame for his decision to shut up shop in Welshpool.
He has taken the decision to close Multi-Services Wales, a business that specialises in supplying goods and services, based on Henfaes Lane.
He said both the government and unitary authorities should do more to help the small businesses that were the lifeblood of towns like Welshpool.
"There is not enough support out there for traders, whether shopkeepers in the town centre or people like myself based in industrial units," he said.
"Business rates are astronomical and rents and other overhead are high."
"You can have a good turnover but still be unable to survive."
The mayor said that his experience in trying to keep his business afloat had been an eye-opener.
"Life goes on and at least this has given me an insight into the problems out there and the lack of help.
"I am now even more determined to fight the corner of our small businesses and press for more support."
"I shall be urging Powys council to look at how it can be more proactive and work to made life easier for the small businesses that are so important to the economy.
"I shall also continue to campaign for cuts to business rates."
