Owner Rhys Edwards warns of a 'perfect storm' of rising taxes and rates that has left the beloved Cefn Mably institution unsustainable.

The Moody Sow farm shop, a cherished fixture at Cefn Mably Farm Park on the outskirts of Cardiff, has announced it will close its doors for the final time. Owner Rhys Edwards confirmed the shop will cease trading on Sunday, January 25, following a period of increasingly difficult financial pressure.

Mr. Edwards described the current economic environment as 'unbearable,' citing a combination of rising taxes, high business rates, and rampant inflation. He admitted that the decision was made out of necessity to prevent the total collapse of his entire business and the loss of his family home.

The closure will result in several redundancies, including the shop's resident butcher, who is also Mr. Edwards' brother-in-law. The owner expressed deep sadness at being forced to let down a loyal team that has stood by the business through years of hardship.

Speaking on the challenges faced by independent retailers, Mr. Edwards highlighted the impact of recent UK Government policy changes. Specifically, he noted that the rise in employer National Insurance contributions had added a significant and unmanageable burden to his monthly overheads.

The shop's financial struggles were further compounded by business rates, which are controlled by the Welsh Government. While some relief programs exist, Mr. Edwards argued that the support has not been enough to offset the cumulative costs of operating in the current climate.

History has not been kind to the venture, which suffered a devastating flood in 2020 just as the global COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold. Although the business initially showed resilience, it has never fully recovered from the financial impact of those consecutive crises.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Government responded to the news, stating that they are providing £78 million in non-domestic rates relief this year. They emphasized that almost half of all businesses in Wales currently benefit from full relief, paying no business rates at all.

Despite these government figures, the reality for many small business owners remains bleak as they navigate a landscape of shrinking margins. The Moody Sow is the latest in a string of well-known Welsh establishments to cite rising operational costs as the primary reason for closure.

Community reaction has been one of shock and sadness, with many regular customers describing the shop as a vital source of local produce and a hub for the Cefn Mably area. Many have taken to social media to share their memories of the farm shop's high-quality Welsh meats and crafts.

As the final day of trading approaches, the focus remains on supporting the staff through the redundancy process. Mr. Edwards thanked the public for their unwavering patronage over the years, noting that their support was what kept the business going for as long as it did.