Survey confirms unfair energy market for small businesses

In the first study of its kind since the big six energy suppliers pledged more support for small businesses by ending rollover contracts, the Federation of Small Businesses  has conducted an exclusive survey of over 1,400 of its members to get a clearer picture of small energy for small businesses.  The survey found that there is some way to go before energy suppliers regain the trust of their small business customers. The survey findings show: • The majority(81%) of FSB members said energy suppliers don't care about their needs. • Two thirds (65%) of small businesses surveyed think it is difficult to switch energy supplier. Amongst those who attempted to switch the biggest problems cited were unclear notice periods, complicated contract terms and the speed of the switching process. • Only a quarter (27%) of small firms believe there is enough competition in the energy market John Allan, national chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: "It's clear from our research that many small businesses don't trust the big energy suppliers to deliver a smarter, fairer and more transparent billing process as four in five of our members say that energy companies don't care about them.”