Member Article

Energy companies should do more to support SMEs

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on energy companies to do more to offer SMEs the same protection as domestic customers or risk damaging local economies.

New FSB research indicates that 80% of small businesses are worried about rising energy costs. Many feel they have a limited knowledge of energy options open to them and struggle to understand complicated contracts.

According to Ted Salmon, FSB North East regional chairman, energy and fuel costs are the biggest barriers to growth for many members.

He commented: “We want the energy companies to pass on the recently announced bill reductions to small and micro businesses.

“Given that small and micro businesses typically behave like domestic customers in the energy market they should be treated in an equal fashion.”

He is now calling for greater transparency of the big six providers, simpler pricing structures, and a promise that small and micro businesses receive the same protections that demoestic customers with energy contracts have.

Ted continued: “Alongside this the Government should be doing more to help small and micro businesses by ensuring there is greater transparency of the big six providers and introducing a more transparent pricing structure.

“Small and micro businesses will help lead the recovery and re-balancing of the economy in the North East and by pushing through these changes will help more to survive, grow and prosper.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .