by Alan Wright

British businesses already struggling with the effects of the recession and higher taxes are now feeling the heat from rising energy costs.

A recent survey of 700 business leaders found that 61% are worried about the unstable economy while around half are worried about energy price hikes and rising taxes. Concerns about the effects of energy prices were highest in industries with high energy use such as construction, manufacturing and hospitality.

“With energy prices impacting on operating costs more so than ever before it’s vital that businesses look at taking practical steps to cut the amount of energy they use,” said Alan Wright of Aspire Management Services.

“Shaving money off your energy and water bills by improving insulation, putting a brick in the cistern and remembering to switch appliances off when they aren’t in use are all simple ways to increase your profit margin.

“With the right expert advice most companies find they can shave at least 20% off their outgoings.”

The Carbon Trust estimates that British businesses waste over £3billion on energy every year. The green campaigners are now offering a free Carbon Survey to all businesses that spend between £50,000 and £3million on energy each year.

Applicants can expect to enjoy the services of an on site energy expert who will draw up a tailored energy-saving action plan.

‘Th

at said, although any saving is useful, there is a limit to how much a business can save. Invariably it can be more effective for a business to research carefully what marketing is working and what is not, then increase spending on effective marketing to grow sales and profit.

Too many businesses are cutting rather than increasing effective spending in this area simply because they are not researching what is working and what is not. They may be biting off their noses to spite their faces’, added Mr. Wright.