COST OF LIVING CRISIS: Highland Food and Drink Club launches survey with Scottish Hospitality Group and Scottish Grocers Federation to gather information on impact of energy costs on food and drink businesses and hospitality
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A survey has been launched to gather information on the impact of rising energy costs on food and drink businesses and the hospitality sector.
It is being run by the Highland Food and Drink Club, a community interest company and social enterprise, which is working with the Scottish Hospitality Group and the Scottish Grocers Federation.
The survey which can be found via the club's Twitter page asks a series of questions including whether businesses are worried about energy costs and whether reported rising increases will put businesses at risk of failure.
The Highland Food and Drink Club was created by Scottish entrepreneur and foodie John Murray who said he had heard of one company which had an annual energy bill of £700,000 but was now facing annual costs of £3 million.
"I find it deeply concerning and worrying the levels of increases some in the business are being faced with," said Mr Murray who urged businesses to take part in the survey.
"The reason behind this survey is to get some evidence."
Highland businesses are on the brink
Mr Murray said there were concerns and worries about the cost of living crisis and energy costs for householders.
There were also concerns in the business world, as operators could face a three or four-fold increase on energy costs when their contracts came to an end.
Another concern in the hospitality sector was the knock-on impact when people's disposable incomes were reduced.
"They are not going to go out for a meal, they are not going to go out for a coffee," he said.
