A Salford business owner claims he has had to take on extra work to ensure his Chapel Street-based coffee shop can remain open.
Aidan Dewhurst, 29, who owns Brew-Tang Coffee House along Chapel Street in Salford has been juggling a second job as a receptionist at Salford University since September so he can afford to pay his electricity bill and run a business.
Aidan mans the counter at Brew-Tang every morning, Monday to Thursday, and then goes to work at Salford University in the afternoon.
He said: “I now spend less time at the café, and lose out on trade in the afternoon, however working at the university is a safer bet in terms of income. Overall having two jobs has made things easier for me, the stress of being busy is much easier to deal with than having financial burdens.
“My bills at home were going crazy. My monthly electricity bill could end up being more than I pay to rent the café space each month. I’ve had to take so much money from my business to cover the bill, hence why I need a second income.”
Aidan says the cost-of-living crisis has caused his suppliers to increase their prices too. He explained: “Coffee cups, for example, have tripled in price over the past six months, so I also need the extra work to ensure I can cover invoices and commercial bills, especially when it has been quiet.”
“Not every month is slow though, I hold music events at the café when I can, so that creates a bit of traction, although because of Coronavirus acts sometimes cancel last minute, and I can’t risk losing money at the moment.”
Luckily, Aidan has been supported by both Salford City Council and his commercial landlord.
He said: “I opened Brew-Tang in February 2020, my first year at the café was rent free, which is normal practice for new businesses, however it was during lockdown, so I only had three months of trading in total.
“Luckily my landlord was lenient with how and when I paid. If I had signed a contract with a big agent in town, I don’t think they would have been as sympathetic and I probably wouldn’t have been able to carry on.
“Salford City Council have also been supportive; throughout lockdown I received several small grants from them. It seems like they believe in, and want to help small businesses like mine, which makes it easier to deal with bills, rent and rates”.
Councillor Philip Cusack, executive support for skills, work and business at Salford City Council said they are keen to support local businesses.
Cllr Cusack said: “We recognise the impact that high inflation, tax increases and the energy crisis are having on businesses within the city, we understand that this will affect businesses and people and the additional stress this will add to finances in the coming months.
“As a council and business team we are here to offer updates on the latest news, resources to help understand the ever-changing landscape and signpost you to practical support resources from within our network.”
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