SMALL businesses are calling for more help and advice to help them save energy and money.

New research by the Federation of Small Businesses has found overwhelming support for energy efficiency among small firms, with 90 per cent looking to be more energy efficient in their own business. The FSB is calling for energy companies to offer greater upfront and ongoing energy efficiency support and investment to their small business customers.

Judi Brazkiewicz, chairman of FSB Worcestershire, said: "Small businesses are, by nature, short on staff. The business owner tends to cover most of the big ticket items of running a business: recruitment, health and safety, cash flow and payroll etc. all while actually working in the business. There is little time for small businesses to take a step back and review the constants such as energy consumption. Also, many small businesses consider they may not save a great deal on energy bills as they use only the essentials: lighting, computers, copiers etc. As a small business owner myself I know that a relatively small saving, made on a regular basis, can make a big difference over the year. I urge business owners to contact MetNet, at www.met-net.co.uk as a starting point to find the support available to them.”

Smart meters will be a vital tool for giving small businesses the information they need to make the right decisions on energy use. The FSB has called for the hardware roll out to be supported by an ongoing package of information and support from energy companies.

John Allan, national chairman of the FSB, added: "Small businesses are really enthusiastic about energy efficiency and this desire should be capitalised on for the good of their business and the environment. However, what our research does tell us is a simple ‘one-size fits all’ approach will not work as different businesses are driven by a diverse range of factors.”