Co-owner of The Galley in Penarth Marina has met with Vaughan Gething to outline pressures facing the business as running costs increase by 200%. 

Marcus Hill met with Mr Gething, Minister for the Economy of Wales, to discuss the impact soaring energy and supply bills are having on the business. 

The meeting came as FSB Wales organised a small business roundtable and drop-ins in the South Cardiff and Penarth constituency. 

Mr Hill said: "The cost of doing business has dramatically increased in recent months, which is having an impact on every aspect of our work. 

"The reduced VAT and business rates reduction throughout the lockdowns was a big help, but that support is almost all gone now.  

FSB Wales organised a small business roundtable and drop-ins in the South Cardiff and Penarth constituency. (Image credit: FSB Wales)

"Many small businesses are having to go without, just to keep the doors open. We're struggling to keep prices down as our running costs have exploded. 

"Our café is a landmark of the community, and we will do everything in our power to keep serving our customers. We've just released new menus with new frappes, tropical smoothies and a big stack bap. We have a lot to offer. 

"I'm grateful to our Member of the Senedd, Vaughan Gething, for coming to visit us and listening to the issues we're facing. We hope to see more support for the small business community as costs continue to rise." 

Rob Basini, development manager for South Wales at the Federation of Small Businesses, added: "FSB is driven by the needs of its members and for so many businesses, those needs are challenging at the moment.  

"We have an important role in providing an interface between businesses and our elected representatives.  

"We organised a series of drop-ins with Vaughan Gething because we wanted small businesses in the area to feel they had the opportunity to directly discuss the impact of the current economic climate on their business."