Cumbria Chamber of Commerce responded to inflation hitting 9% in April, saying "this level of inflation is damaging" to local business. 

Suzanne Caldwell, Managing Director for Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: 

"The marked increase in April reflects the continuing upward pressure from surging energy and commodity costs, the energy price cap rise and the reversal of the VAT reduction for hospitality."

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce represents businesses across Kendal, and Mrs. Caldwell said that nearly all of the businesses under their remit had raised concerns over inflation: 

"It's worth remembering that while households are facing staggering increases despite the (energy) cap, businesses don't have that "protection." 

Mrs. Caldwell expressed doubt that the inflation rise will resolve itself over this year.

"While inflation may moderate a little over the summer, it's probable to surge to over 10% in October with the expected energy price cap rise (for consumers)."

Ms. Caldwell's remarks echoed the stance taken by the British Chamber of Commerce which represents the institution nationally. They warned that there was a "real chance of a UK recession this year." 

It is not only Cumbria Chamber of Commerce that is worried about the impact of inflation on businesses.

The Kendal Business Improvement District (BID) is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to campaign and advocate for the development of businesses in Kendal. 

Peter Brendling, manager for Kendal BID said: 

"The rising costs will hit businesses in more ways than one. Not only will their costs go up but as the public will have larger billls on essential services, they will have less to send with local businesses. This at a time when many businesses have felt the effects of COVID." 

In the House of Commons, Boris Johnson has had to defend the government against accusations of not doing enough to tackle the inflation crisis during Prime Minister's Questions.

Labour has backed a windfall tax on oil and gas giants, and today senior Conservative MP Robert Halfon joined their calls. 

Inflation is measured by the Office for National Statistics, which releases figures periodically. It is calculated by looking at an average of consumer products over a period of time, therefore the 9% figure represents inflation over last April.