Energy costs force Chiswick dry cleaners to ask council for business change

Image above: Lapels dry cleaning at 107 Strand on the Green

Lapels dry cleaners ask LB Hounslow for permission to change business into a coffee shop

The owners of the dry cleaning business Lapels at 107 Strand on the Green are considering transforming their premises into a convenience or coffee shop.

They have made an application to Hounslow Council for a change of business use, (PALL/2023/1062), due to the steep increase in energy costs, which they say are making the dry clearner on its own economically unviable.

The shop, facing Kew Bridge, has been a dry cleaning business under the name Lapels since 2007.

The application states it has become increasingly difficult to comply with the energy requirements and that neighbouring properties have the required A3 licence necessary for restaurants and cafés where hot food is consumed on the premises, which should be sufficient grounds for the Council to approve the change of use.

Local businesses experiencing similar difficulties are changing their business model in different ways. Watermans arts centre in Brentford have announced they are reducing their opening hours.  Riverside Studios in Hammersmith have started the pre-administration process. Both cite soaring energy costs.

The Government has recently reduced its assistance to businesses for energy bills. The end of cheaper fixed-rate contracts is adding to the financial strain, presenting some companies with double the energy bill this month.

Commentators on small businesses and financial matters anticipate more announcements from small businesses as energy costs continue to rise.

Read more stories on The Chiswick Calendar

See also: Energy costs force Watermans arts centre in Brentford to reduce opening hours

See also: Riverside Studios open as usual despite entering pre-administration process

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