The British Independent Retailers Association has welcomed the news that the government is intervening in the energy crisis for businesses, and will be getting a support package for the coming six months.
The Prime Minister, Liz Truss, last week announced there would be a support package for six months which will provide ‘equivalent support’ to gas and electricity bills which were due to rise in October.
In an open statement to the PM, Bira’s ceo, Andrew Goodacre (pictured) said the announcement was welcomed by business.
Andrew added: “We welcome the government intervention announced today. Retailers on every high street will welcome any support, but we still have concerns.
“Making the energy rate for businesses the same as consumers still imposes a 300% increase on energy bills for many businesses, and that will still cause hardship for those business owners. We also believe that any review over the next six months should have a broader remit of looking at all business costs.
“There is limited prospect of prices reducing in six months time, and so we cannot afford to see business rates increase in line with inflation just as this business support comes to an end.”
In a survey conducted with Bira members at the end of August, 65% of business owners has said a price rise would force them to reduce staff numbers or wages.
