With people being asked to remain at home due to the Covid-19 epidemic, workplaces and offices remain largely empty.

While many businesses are finding it difficult to navigate these uncertain times, one ray of sunshine is that small businesses are set to save up to £489 per month on energy costs.

At British Business Energy, we have estimated the monthly savings for businesses by region around UK, take a look at the map below.

Monthly Energy Savings for Small Businesses

These prices are based on the average monthly consumption of 22500 kWh for gas, 32500 kWh of electricity for small businesses, and average energy rates for gas and electricity by region from Gov.uk.

Small businesses in the North West typically have higher energy bills compared to the rest of the country and are set to save an average of £510 per month, meanwhile, small businesses in London are expected to save the least with an average of £463 per month.

Average Business Gas and Electricity Use (Per Annum)

Average Business Gas and Electricity Rates

The reality is that many small businesses have had to temporarily cease trading, so the amount saved in terms of energy costs is negligible if they are not able to continue functioning as normal.

However, for small businesses that are able to pivot and function remotely, this energy saving could help to eradicate costs.

For businesses that are affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, the Government has recently announced financial support for SMEs.

Government support for SMEs

• a Statutory Sick Pay relief package for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)
• a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses in England
  small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief
• grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000

More information on Government support can be found on the Gov.uk Covid-19 Guidance page.

Sources:
Gov.uk

It’s not even 10am on Tuesday 17 March 2020, and it’s already been one of the worst weeks of business I’ve ever faced because of the Coronavirus. And I know I’m not alone.

Yesterday one of our major partners said they would no longer be taking new requests for the next two months. And then this morning another partner said they would not be able to pay their several past due invoices. So not only am I looking at a major decrease in revenue going forward, but the money I thought we had was never really there at all. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, bills don’t stop because I’m not getting paid.

It’s been scary just how quickly all this has happened. Thankfully, I’ve got a little money saved up so should hopefully be able to ride it out, but I know so many other business owners aren’t that lucky.

Obviously, we all want everyone to stay healthy and avoid infection. And that should be the government’s top priority.

But the business impact from Coronavirus is also real and terrifying too. Especially for small business owners who’ve put their whole lives into their businesses and could see it go away through no fault of their own.

Talking about it has made me feel a little better, so if you’d like to share your story please feel free to do so below.

– Ian, founder of British Business Energy