Pier Point’s Owner Lorraine Arnold Speaks Out on BBC Politics Live: “We Are the Hard Working People”
We are proud of our owner, Lorraine Arnold, who recently featured on BBC Politics Live, passionately discussing the challenges facing small businesses in the current economic climate. If you missed it, you can catch her segment ten minutes before the end of the show here.
Standing Up for Small Businesses
On the show, Lorraine eloquently articulated the reality many independent businesses are facing right now. While the government assures us that the budget is designed not to impact “hardworking people,” Lorraine was quick to point out a crucial but often overlooked fact: “We are the hardworking people!”
The hospitality industry has always been about people—both the dedicated teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes and the loyal customers who support us. But rising costs are putting immense pressure on businesses like ours at Pier Point Bar & Restaurant.
It’s Not Just Wages—It’s Everything Else Too
Lorraine made it clear that while wages are indeed a significant expense, the impact of inflation doesn’t stop there. Many of our suppliers are also struggling to cope with increased costs, which inevitably get passed down the chain. Whether it’s the fresh seafood we source from Brixham, the locally brewed drinks we serve, or the produce we use to create our dishes, every aspect of running a restaurant is becoming more expensive.
Lorraine emphasized, “It’s not just our wage bill that’s increased, but also our suppliers’ costs. And they will have no choice but to pass those increases on to us. This is the reality we are facing, despite assurances that the budget won’t impact the hard-working people of this country.”
A Missed Opportunity to Say More
Those who know Lorraine will not be surprised to hear that she was brimming with even more insights and thoughts on the topic. With limited time on the show, she had to pick her words carefully, but she left a powerful impression with her passion and honesty.
If Lorraine had more time, she would have expanded on the ripple effect these economic pressures have—not just on our business, but on our local community. Pier Point Bar & Restaurant has always been committed to quality, passion for excellence, supporting local suppliers and providing stable employment for our fantastic team. However, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain that commitment when we’re facing rising costs at every turn.
What This Means for Pier Point and the Community
At Pier Point, we are more than just a restaurant. We are part of the fabric of the English Riviera, supporting local suppliers, partnering with community initiatives, and contributing to the local economy. The current economic climate makes it more challenging for businesses like ours to thrive, but Lorraine’s appearance on BBC Politics Live is a reminder that we won’t stay silent.
Lorraine’s message is clear: small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and it’s time for policymakers to recognise that when they talk about supporting hardworking people, they need to include us too.
We invite our wonderful customers and supporters to watch Lorraine’s full interview on BBC iPlayer. Let’s continue to support each other, champion our local businesses, and work together to navigate these challenging times.
Watch Lorraine Arnold’s passionate segment ten minutes before the end of the show here.
Thank you for your continued support of Pier Point Bar & Restaurant—we couldn’t do this without you!
#SupportLocal #HospitalityHeroes #BBCPoliticsLive #SmallBusinessVoices
