SMEs uneasy over energy price rises

MORE than half of small and medium-sized business owners in Yorkshire are questioning the legitimacy of “green taxes” in their energy bill, according to new research.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jan 2014, 05:00 BST

The figures come from the Close Brothers Business Barometer, a quarterly survey that canvasses the opinion of business owners across the UK on a range of key issues.

Lee Hayes, regional sales director for Close Brothers Invoice Finance in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Our findings suggest that a number of local business owners are uneasy about the latest set of energy price increases, which have come at a time when many firms continue to struggle with their cash flow.

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“There has been a lot of debate around energy costs and green taxes with many sceptical about the validity of ‘green taxes’ and their purpose.

“With these policies adding approximately 15 to 21 per cent to the energy bill of the average medium-sized UK business, companies have a right to scrutinise their value.

“It’s understandable that business owners would like to see greater transparency around their energy bills so that they can ensure they are receiving best value for money.”

The survey canvassed the opinion of more than 700 SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) owners from several industries across the UK and Ireland.

Related topics:SMEsYorkshireHumberIreland