Energy efficiency to encourage 'turn off' for firms

Date: 23rd December 2008

Small businesses have been urged to switch off their equipment and machinery over the festive season.

By doing so, according to npower, smaller firms - such as sole traders and partnerships - could expect to save as much as £7 million each day or £28 million across the entire Christmas period.

The international energy group also believes that it is the perfect opportunity for struggling businesses to fight back against the oncoming recession and cut back on non-essential costs.

Steve Fitzsimons, business relationship manager for npower, commented: "Many of the UK's small businesses are facing mounting pressure to manage costs during the financial downturn."

He added that boosting energy efficiency by turning off power-consuming equipment was a "quick and easy" way of cutting costs during a challenging economic environment.

One other consideration for small businesses is the upcoming online self-assessment tax return deadline, which falls on January 31st.