Ross-shire businesses on the brink heave 'sigh of relief' on energy measures – but more is needed with 'really tough winter', ahead, says local FSB leader

HIGHLAND businesses pushed to the brink over the energy crisis will heave "a sigh of relief" over measures to ease their pain.

But much more needs to be done to help them through a "really tough winter".

That's the verdict of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) development manager for the Highlands and islands in response to an initial announcement from new Prime Minister Liz Truss on the crisis.

David Richardson has also flagged a new energy report published today by the FSB.

"Businesses desperately need a lifeline that will protect them, the jobs they provide and the communities they support, for all are at risk."

Out in the Cold "identifies the problems and proposes solutions to the energy price crisis facing the country as a whole".

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Commenting on today’s announcement from the Prime Minister, FSB’s Highlands & Islands development manager, David Richardson, said: “I have been in constant conversation with very worried members right across the Highlands and Islands of late, and there’s no doubt that the inclusion of businesses in the UK Government’s plans to help on energy costs will bring a sigh of relief to the many pushed to the brink by the crippling energy bills, let alone the increases coming down the tracks towards them.

"Businesses desperately need a lifeline that will protect them, the jobs they provide and the communities they support, for all are at risk. However, we will need to see more detail added to today’s headline announcements before we can properly judge the value of what is being offered. Ross-shire businesses need to know what it all means for them in practice.

“Clearly, this energy crisis is not going to go away any time soon, and FSB argues that much more needs to be done by the UK Government to support smaller businesses, including giving them the same two-year cap received by domestic consumers – businesses need certainty and six months is not enough.

"We also want to see the forthcoming hike in National Insurance contributions reversed, and VAT, especially on non-domestic energy, and fuel duty cut. Energy companies should also be prevented from disconnecting businesses who can’t pay over the winter, and from charging disproportionate up-front prices.

“Locally, we want the Scottish Government to use the underspend in Covid business support grant money to support businesses until what we hope will be an easier spring – a really tough winter awaits."

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