- Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has expressed deep disappointment after Coughlans Bakery, an 89-year-old chain he part-owned, ceased trading due to escalating costs.
- The bakery, which operated across south London, Kent, Surrey, and West Sussex, announced its voluntary liquidation on Tuesday, having been co-owned by Ranganathan since 2024.
- Managing director Sean Coughlan attributed the closure to significant increases in business rates and employer national insurance contributions, stating these had "absolutely smashed local business."
- Mr Coughlan also cited a spike in fuel prices following the conflict in the Middle East, costing the company an additional £20,000 weekly, and recent heatwaves as the "nail in the coffin."
- Ranganathan shared Mr Coughlan's emotional video, captioning it "Gutted isn’t the word," while Mr Coughlan praised the comedian's involvement and expressed regret for letting him down.
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