Paul Bowen, a former contestant on The Apprentice, announced the closure of one of his pie shops due to increasing business expenses, particularly a rise in employer's National Insurance. He expressed concerns about the broader impact on local businesses, highlighting the number of vacant shops in Chorley.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged Bowen's situation, noting that the trend of family businesses closing is a national issue. Bowen urged the government to take action on business rates and energy costs to support small enterprises.