Fears The Baum may be forced to close

The Baum

Simon Crompton, owner of The Baum, has spoken about his concerns that he will have to close the award winning pub in the next two years after a staggering quadruple increase in rateable value* earlier this year.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/1/business-news/108815/the-baum-being-hit-with-a-100000-increase-in-rateable-value

Mr Crompton has run The Baum on Toad Lane, one of Rochdale’s most popular pubs, for 24 years. It was voted Camra’s national pub of the year in 2012. He also owns The Healey in Shawclough.

Despite receiving transitional rate relief, Mr Crompton is concerned the business will no longer be viable in the future.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/1/business-news/108825/the-baum-and-the-healey-qualify-for-transitional-rates-relief

He said: “The business rates have jumped from £26,000 to £126,000 for the Baum and from £15,000 to £68,000 on The Healey.

“In five years, we will need an extra £47,000 on top just to keep open.

“A few places in the country have been hit but both of mine have been hit with four times the amount. That is comparable with places in Manchester.

“We are not based in the city, and we are not of a similar size, so why? Even places in Rochdale - Nutters Restaurant is £63,000 and I will be paying more than that.

“I employ 40 people and it would be nice to be able to give people security in their jobs. We can only try as trade is not what it was; we have got to try and do the best we can.”

Mr Crompton added: “Robinsons has put the rent up to £5,000. Breweries should be fighting for us to survive, they should be campaigning against the rates rise and supporting the pubs. If there are no pubs, there are no breweries.”

* Business rates and business rates valuations are set by the government, not the council.