Feeling the pinch? 30% of UK SMEs tremble over potential £20k losses
The Trump tariff shockwave
It’s no secret that new trade tariffs are stirring the pot for small businesses across the UK. Roughly three out of every ten SMEs are worried they could lose up to £20,000 this year — a hefty hit that underscores just how crucial smart saving tactics have become.
Utility Bidder’s energy‑saving playbook
Energy bills often feel like a double‑edged sword for SMEs, squeezing budgets tighter than a pair of jeans after a holiday. But fear not! The experts at Utility Bidder have cooked up a tasty menu of tips and grants to keep those bills in check.
Key ways to slash electricity costs
- Switch to smarter devices: Equip your office with LED lighting and energy‑efficient appliances to slash usage.
- Fine‑tune your thermostat: Small temperature tweaks can save a bundle over the year.
- Unplug idle gear: Devices left on standby can gobble up unnecessary power.
- Go solar if you can: Small solar panels can give you a nice, tidy bite of free energy.
Make the most of grants and subsidies
- Energy efficiency grants are available for businesses wishing to retrofit old equipment.
- Innovation vouchers help cover the cost of high‑tech energy solutions.
- Local council rebates for installing renewable sources or upgrading insulation.
Don’t let those tariffs and soaring energy costs throw a wrench in your plans. Armed with a few smart changes and a dash of support through grants, your SME can keep the lights on and the profits flowing.
Conduct an energy audit
Why Auditing Your Energy Use Is a Must
Staying on top of the latest government energy regulations—like the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard—is more than a bureaucratic chore; it’s your safety net against hefty fines and, in some cases, a sudden shutdown. Let’s keep things on the right track.
Put a Detective on Your Business
An energy audit is your business’s own Sherlock. It hunts down the hidden energy vampires that’re draining your budget. If your heating bills are ballooning, it might be time to check if your building is simply frigid or if your insulation is on a sick leave.
Key Findings That Keep the Money Flowing
- Heating Highs: Out-of-date or thin insulation is letting heat scream out. Tighten up and watch the savings slide in.
- Cooling Creeps: Old HVAC units are noisy, costly, and nerdy—replace them for smoother rides.
- Lighting Lurkers: Upgrade to LED and say goodbye to lightbulb tantrums.
Peace of Mind + Piggy Bank
By tackling the leaks identified in your audit, you not only keep the regulators happy but also cut your operating costs dramatically. You’ll feel like you’ve spent a fortune on a savings app—minus the app.
Bottom line: a proper energy audit will keep your business safe, your wallet happy, and your energy usage as lean as a kangaroo’s pouch. Don’t wait—get started today and put those energy tears to rest!
Smart meters
Why Smart Meters Make Your Energy Bills Bite Less
Think of a smart meter as your business’s personal energy whisperer. It keeps you in the loop on how much electricity you’re using, does it all in real time, and saves you from those dreaded “estimated bill surprises.” Below, we break down why upgrading is a smart move—and how to get it done, even if you’re renting.
What Smart Meters Do for You
- Real‑time Tracking: See your usage as it happens. Perfect for spotting spikes before they turn into expensive bills.
- No More Guesswork: Say goodbye to guessing bills. You’ll know exactly what’s driving the numbers.
- Budget Better: Accurate data means you can set realistic budgets and keep your finances in check.
- Spot Inefficiencies: Pinpoint where energy drains are hiding—whether it’s a humming fan or an old air‑conditioner—so you can fix or replace them.
Getting One Installed
If your place isn’t already wired for a smart meter, you’ve got two main options:
- Ask your energy supplier: Most providers can drop in a meter and get everything set up for you. Just let them know you want the upgrade.
- Check with your landlord (if you’re renting): Some tenants worry about changes, so it’s good to confirm you’re allowed to install. That way, you avoid any lease tiffs.
Once you’ve got the meter hooked up, you’re on your way to smarter energy use—and a lighter bill at the end of the month. Cheers to more efficiency and fewer surprises!
Keep your business energy efficient
Keep Your Home Cozy & Cut the Bill—Simple Energy Hacks
Ever feel like your heating bill is—well—just a “bill” of your bank account? If your property is your grandparent’s house (aka an older building), it might not be using the snazziest insulation tech out there. Here’s what you can do to keep warm without breaking the bank.
Upgrade the Walls, Seal the Loss
- Insulation time! Old walls and windows can act like a cold refrigerator—heat just escapes through them. Modern wall insulation plugs those gaps and saves you from those pesky “heat is literally walking out” moments.
- Don’t overlook the floor. A flooring upgrade can mean your heat stays where it should: inside.
- Result? Lower heating bills that don’t make you want to scream at your meter.
Power Down When You’re Not Powering
- After the final office click‑clack, turn off those laptops. Remember, those gadgets keep humming even when you’re sleeping.
- Don’t forget to shut off all unnecessary electronics—the blender, the gaming console, the robot vacuum. They’re still drawing juice even when idle.
Switch to Lights That Don’t Bite
- Incandescent bulbs are the old‑timer version of your smartphone—fuel‑hungry and short‑lived.
- Swap them for LEDs. They’re brighter, last longer, and the energy savings mean you can finally buy that fancy coffee you’ve been craving.
In short: Insulate, unplug, upgrade the lights. Your home stays toasty and your wallet stays happy.
Switch energy suppliers
How to Keep Your Energy Bills from Ruining Your Day
Why Checking the Energy Market is Not a DIY Project
Ever felt like you’re stuck with a contract that’s as stale as last week’s lunch? Switching suppliers keeps those pockets happy and makes sure you’re never paying too much for the electricity that powers your office fridge.
When to Start Looking for New Deals
- End of Fixed-Term: Your contract’s up? Time to scout.
- Unexpected Tariff Changes: If the provider shuffled the rates after you moved, you might be on a plan you never intended to sign.
- New Premises: Adding a new office can reset the whole energy game.
Pro Tips for Scouting the Market
1. Check Competitors every few months—especially if you’re on a “one-size-fits-all” contract.
2. Track Performance of current suppliers: are they on time? Are the bills accurate?
3. Stay Informed about emerging renewable options; they often come with a fresher price tag.
Bottom Line
Don’t just cling to the old supplier out of habit. By keeping your eye on the market, you’re ensuring your energy costs stay as low as your coffee budget—except this time, it’s the actual power, not the caffeine.
Check if you’re being scammed
Heads‑Up! Energy Company Scams Are on the Rise
With bills climbing higher, phone calls, texts, emails and even door‑knocks that look come‑out‑of‑the‑blue “energy experts” can feel oddly familiar. Unfortunately, most of these slick tricks are designed to grab your personal info rather than help you.
Where the Fakes Show Up
- Phone calls – the classic bait.
- Text messages & emails that mimic official correspondence.
- In‑person knockers at your windows or office door.
Don’t Give Them the Goods
If you suspect a scam, do not give out any personal data, bank details, or other information based on those contact details. Instead, report the incident right away – someone else in the neighbourhood might have fallen for the same trick.
Know the Real Payback – Government Grants
Chris Shaw, CEO of Utility Bidder, reminds business owners that rising energy bills don’t have to keep your head in the clouds. See these key schemes:
Smart Export Guarantee
Get paid for generating your own renewable power and heat, then feed it back to the National Grid.
Clean Heat Grant
Financially support the switch from fossil‑fuel heating to low‑carbon options like heat pumps.
Green Gas Support Scheme
Help decarbonise England’s gas supply by injecting more green gas into the grid. Those who register will receive tariff payments for the next 15 years.
There are many more grants out there. Do your homework and find the one that best fits your business.
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