• MANZE’S pie and mash shop, a family-run institution, has been in Chapel Market for more than 100 years (Historic pie and mash shop set to close, July 28). It is an important thread of the fabric that makes the Angel unique.

At angel.london we are painfully aware of the massive effect of rates rises on all businesses, big and small. We represent them, we speak to them every day, we do our utmost to support them.

That’s why, earlier this year, we joined forces with Islington Council and Islington Chamber of Commerce to organise a 14,000-signature petition against the rises, which two of Angel’s businesses and a Chapel Market trader handed in at the Treasury.

We receive calls daily from businesses at Angel struggling to keep afloat, having been hit by massive rates rises. We’re offering bespoke advice to each business regarding whether and how to challenge their rates. We did help Manze’s appeal against theirs, but the government turned it down.

Sadly, it’s too late for Manze’s, but we’re still doing our utmost working with the council to make Chapel Market a busy, thriving place. We need every single one of the businesses there to stay open to give Angel the distinct and interesting flavour for which it is known.

CHRISTINE LOVETT
Chief executive, angel.london
Angel Business
Improvement District