ClearSky Business Warns Small Companies to Brace for Energy Price Increase

ClearSky Business has warned that winter’s fall in temperatures is to be followed by a steep rise in energy bills. The leading provider of accountancy, tax, payroll and HR services has also given advice on how small businesses can keep their utility bills as low as possible.

In a recent article on the company’s official blog, ClearSky Business referred to a survey of 500 small business owners by the Make It Cheaper price comparison site. This found that 94% of SMEs believed gas and electricity prices were set to soar again, with two-thirds expecting a rise of more than 10% in a year.

The message for small business owners is that price increases are likely and that they should prepare for the worst.

Energy prices are considered the most unfair of all commercial overheads. When survey respondents were asked to name the outgoings they considered most overpriced, energy bills surpassed petrol costs, rail fares and even bank charges.

As for the cause of energy price hikes, small businesses agree that the supplier’s desire to make a profit was a bigger factor than government policy or the UK’s dependence on oil and gas. More than 45% also cited greed of the energy supplier as the biggest contributor.

Worst of all is that small businesses feel powerless to make a change.

While companies may not feel able to stem the increase, there are ways that they can keep their outgoings as low as possible. All they have to do is ‘play the field’.

Jennifer Whittaker, from ClearSky Business, explains: “Taking the time to shop around for the best deals and tariffs could result in significant savings.

“Just as a small business owner will do his or her homework before appointing an accountant, employment law advisor or payroll provider, equally they should look around for the best energy deals on offer.

“There are plenty of price comparison and advice sites out there offering impartial, honest advice on the best energy deals for small businesses.”

In her article on the ClearSky Business blog, which can be read here, Whittaker explains other options that are available to businesses looking to curb their energy spend. In the meantime, shopping around is one way to find a good deal.

ClearSky Business provides expert accountancy, tax, payroll and HR advice to small businesses. For more information on business expenses and other commercial issues, visit http://www.clearskybusiness.co.uk. 

Contact Information

Jennifer Whittaker

PR & Social Media Executive

ClearSky Business

jennifer.whittaker@parasolgroup.co.uk