Three-quarters of firms 'suffer at hands of energy providers'

Date: 5th March 2009

Nearly three-quarters of small businesses have experienced problems with their energy providers, new research has shown.

The investigation by the Forum for Private Business (FPB) specifically pointed the finger at the utilities ombudsman Consumer Direct and Consumer Focus for not acting in the best interests of small firms.

Representatives from the group also called for a dedicated watchdog for energy providers, which could protect small businesses, such as sole traders and partnerships.

Colin Beake, the FPB's adviser on utilities, commented: "Businesses should be sure of their contractual agreements, be aware of when their contract ends and be sure to cancel their agreements in due time to allow them to locate the best prices when the contracts end."

He added that the current system needed to be "overhauled" to better support small businesses.

Meanwhile, the British Chambers of Commerce has renewed its call for the government to cut small companies' corporation taxation at the upcoming budget address.