Former Apprentice star blames National Insurance hike for closing his pie shop

Paul Bowen, who appeared on the UK edition of "The Apprentice," informed the prime minister that the latest rise in employer National Insurance contributions was the pivotal reason he had to shut down his small pie shop.

Bowen first came to public attention during his time on the reality‑business series, where his drive to start a food‑centric venture was highlighted. Following the programme, he launched a traditional pie shop in a town centre, seeking to blend classic British recipes with a modern retail approach.

Having operated for several years, the shop encountered typical challenges for independent retailers, such as rising ingredient costs, supply‑chain disruptions and fluctuating footfall. Although Bowen kept the business running, the extra burden of higher employer National Insurance payments became unsustainable.

National Insurance, a payroll tax that finances state benefits, was raised as part of the government's fiscal strategy earlier this year. For small employers, the hike means a larger share of wages is diverted to tax, tightening already slim profit margins. Bowen called the increase "the tipping edge" that drove his venture over the brink.

The shutdown joins a mounting tally of small‑business setbacks that have attracted criticism of the government's tax and economic policies. Industry groups caution that cumulative tax pressures may stifle entrepreneurship and trigger additional job losses in the local economy.

Bowen’s audience with the prime minister underscores the personal effect of macro‑level fiscal decisions. Although no immediate policy reversal has been declared, the incident could amplify demands for targeted relief measures for small employers, including temporary tax credits or reduced rates for businesses with limited staff.