Salisbury traders hit hard by cost of living and energy crisis

The Journal visited traders selling at Salisbury market on Tuesday, 16 August, and asked how their outgoings have been impacted.

Phil Ridout, 52, a butcher and salesperson for Wiltshire Game Ltd, said the energy price increase in April will cost the business "£8,000 a year more" and it "can't absorb those costs".

The business must keep the large fridges running at all times to preserve the fresh meat.

"We have to pass that on to customers, but I do feel for the public because they're going to get the brunt of it," added Mr Ridout.

Despite this, Mr Ridout said the market is "still relatively good value", adding: "We try to keep our prices as competitive as we can."

Out with the old and not in with the new

Brian Askew, 53, has run a Charter Market makeup stall for 22 years and agreed the value is good, he said: "Business is back on the increase because shops are becoming more expensive."

Mr Askew said reduced rent on Tuesdays has helped but the main problem he sees is the lack of new traders replacing the old ones who are retiring.

"It's very hard to start a business up. I think the council are doing alright but the traders are not there."

Simon Baker and Danny Bozic from Charter 1227 Catering.

Simon Baker, 46, and Danny Bozic, 51, of Charter 1227 Catering, said all their business costs have "rocketed" with oil now costing £36.99, when a few months ago it was only £19.95.

Mr Baker said the duo "try not to pass costs to customers because they are also affected" but the business has "seen a drop as people have less money".

Concerned for the future, Mr Baker added: "We think it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better."

Energy firms 'do what they like'

Some traders are advocating for publicly owned energy as private companies continue to see record profits.

Fuel and electricity bill increases have heavily impacted various Salisbury traders, causing them to speculate about alternative solutions.

Nima Rihri, 49, owns Simply Olives and Nuts and has been a Salisbury Charter Market trader for 14 years. He said: “Energy companies must be publicly or government owned. Private companies do what they like and people have no choice, they have to pay it.”

Rising energy prices have affected Mr Rihri’s customer-base, he added: “People are scared to buy anything because they don’t have the stability.

“These companies don’t think about people, they are thinking about profits.”

Salisbury Charter Market shoppers in 2020 by Spencer Mulholland.

Oscar Viney, 40, owner of Feel Good CBD, thinks putting the power back into people’s hands is principally a good idea but he questions whether the government would do a better job.

He said: “Energy should stay privately owned but more legislation is needed from the government.”

Commenting on the viability of publicly owned energy Mr Baker, said: “Making energy publicly owned is a nice idea. But then again, how good is the government at running a business?”

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