This week the Government announced a scheme to protect non-domestic customers including businesses from rising energy bills from 01 October as part of a six-month support plan.
Prime Minister Liz Truss announced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme would provide “certainty and peace of mind”.
Many New Forest businesses and organisations welcome the financial support, including Lymington and District Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Board Administrator Jo Squibb said: “With the current business climate, this is a welcome update that shows the government is going to listen to the struggles and concerns across both domestic situations and organisations.
“For businesses, this comes as somewhat of a relief, particularly those that consume large amounts of energy and were probably not too hopeful with the previous rhetoric.
“For our members, this means they don’t need to plan as much of a shortfall and can focus on consolidating their personal finances and business ahead of the talks of further recession.
“It also means that people will be more willing to spend, which certainly for B2B businesses will mean they are less concerned about the pipeline and difficult conversations ahead” – she adds.
“With the current business climate, this is a welcome update that shows the government is going to listen to the struggles and concerns”
Lymington and District Chamber of Commerce
Claire Lee, Manager of New Forest Marque, said: “Local businesses are no doubt welcoming the reassurance of government support regarding energy prices.
“All New Forest Marque members, whether they are farmers, growers, producers or processors, or indeed those in the hospitality and retail sector, are affected by increasing costs.”
Claire Donnelly, Director of Admin No.1, said “Energy like everything cost-wise, is on the rise. As a small business, I don’t like to pass those costs on to my clients.
“As a small business, I don’t like to pass rising costs on to my clients.”
Claire Donnelly, Admin No.1
“We have the option of either selling more or reducing overheads in other areas. Selling more costs more, and reducing overheads often means clients don’t benefit from such a good service. This could also become a cost if you lose clients by not providing the same standard. This just isn’t an option.
“The Energy Bill Relief Scheme sounds great but it is still a cost to businesses to administrate, organise, apply for, and understand.
“I am pleased, however, that the Government appear to have listened to businesses and it’s great to see some support.”
For more information on the Government announcement go to www.gov.uk/government/news/government-outlines-plans-to-help-cut-energy-bills-for-businesses.
