I was saddened and angered to hear of the fate that has befallen Sweet William’s Bakery. A business in Ipswich, established and run by Zoe Hayman-Cox, a hard-working local lady – who has sadly fallen victim to the unfair practises of a large utilities company.

In 2021 Zoe, after quitting work in employment disputes, something she had done for 17 years, took up baking, something she found herself to be naturally talented at and in 2021 set up Sweet William's Bakery, which began operating out of the Chantry Park bowls club.

Despite initial success in October 2023 Zoe received a utility bill of £6000, dated for one month’s usage, from her provider. Zoe fought and questioned this bill, and the utility company eventually sent a new bill in return, dated for 6 months - back bill from June 1 - October 30. However, this was still ridiculous as had Zoe given birth in May 2023 therefore utility usage for the business was low as she was not operating the bakery over that period.

After countless emails, calls and other attempts of communication and even threats of disconnection, it was only when the company sent a representative for a “pre-disconnection” visit, that Zoe found out that they were actually trying to bill her for 2021-2023. That is the third time that a different billing period was offered by the utility company.

In April, Zoe received a second deadlock letter, and a letter from a collection company who have applied to the court to disconnect her electricity supply, but she still hadn’t got a bill that made sense, had correct dates, or added up.

My constituent has always provided readings when asked and has consistently asked for clarity from the utility company over what her business is being charged for. However, she has never received a satisfactory response. Zoe has subsequently received two deadlock letters and a visit from a collection company requesting £2,900 be paid of the business's electricity supply will be cut off.

This has damaged Zoe’s business immeasurably and has drawn its longevity into question. On her behalf I have written to Amanda Soloway MP, Minister for Affordability and Skills asking her advice on this and intend to raise this case in the house.

In Ipswich we are lucky enough to have many wonderful small shops, cafés, restaurants and producers serving the town, that we are all able to use, benefit from and enjoy – enhancing the character and community of our town.

It is all too often that local small and micro businesses fall foul of the malpractice of big fat cat companies. Furthermore, it is not the first example of this utilities company in question acting in such a way.

As a Conservative MP I think it is of fundamental importance that I do my upmost to defend small business’ in my constituency in the face of such callous practice at the hands of faceless corporations. Upholding our values and preserving our community. One of the most important small institutions that are key pillars of localities in villages, towns and cities all across Britain are small independent businesses.

Tom Hunt is Conservative MP for Ipswich