Survey claims rising price of energy is crippling hair salons

A new survey has revealed that over half of UK micro-businesses feel the rising cost of energy is threatening their future - with two thirds of independent hairdressers (63%) feeling the rising cost of energy is crippling their future. Almost a third (33%) are forced onto a high tariff because they are seen as a credit risk, and 37% have been asked to make large, upfront payments. Alarmingly, 15% have been cut off for missing a payment, with dire consequences for some salons. The survey for energy supplier Utilita Energy, also reveals that 42% of independent salons feel they get an unfair deal from energy suppliers, while 71% say they have been caught out by unexpected T&Cs such as crippling rates, inflexible payment terms, high deposits and extended contracts. Director of Utilita Business Energy, Shaun Underwood, says: "We should be supporting Britain's small businesses, but it is clear there are a significant and growing number of small businesses that appear to be treated unfairly and have very real concerns. I believe customers should not be asked to pay crippling up-front deposits when cashflow is a problem, should not be put onto discriminative contract rates and should not be punished or shunned by suppliers. We faced these very same issues in the early days so we really do understand.”