Business energy savings tips at free seminar
By Simon Bristow
Businesses in Hull and the East Riding are being invited to attend a seminar next week to help them understand the current energy market and how to make potential savings. They will also hear how they can access finance to support growth, whether existing firms or startups.
Yorkshire accountancy firm 360 Chartered Accountants is hosting the free event with energy expert Ashley Hunter from River Energy, and Rebecca Pickering from Mercia Asset Management, giving presentations and taking part in a Q&A session. Members of the 360 team will also available to discuss the impending taxation changes or any other accounting issues.
Adrian Hunter, 360 managing director, said it was a crucial topic for businesses, particularly as energy bills are set to soar from April when the Government’s subsidies for gas and electricity are slashed.
He said: “A report last year found that 54 per cent of UK small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are at risk of collapse from rising fuel and energy prices. That’s an alarming figure. We are all looking at ways we can make our workplaces as energy efficient as possible to save costs as well as to reduce our environmental impact.
“And as our bills continue to rise, we want to help businesses better understand how they can use the renewables market to drive down costs – and show them how to finance their growth.”
Ashley Hunter, managing director of River Telecoms and Energy, said: “As businesses attempt to survive the current energy crisis and huge spike in costs, River can help them navigate the extremely complex and currently volatile energy market, allowing them not just to survive but thrive.
“We will be providing advice on procurement, usage and available renewable technology that will help reduce their costs, limit their reliance on the grid and begin their journey towards carbon neutrality.”
The event will also hear from Rebecca Pickering of Mercia, which provides Humber businesses with funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), and which has recently opened an office in Hull. She said: “Access to finance can be difficult for SMEs in the North, but NPIF aims to bridge the gap. Since its launch five years ago, we have provided more than £10.5m of funding to Humber-based businesses.
“NPIF funding has played an important role in supporting the growth of existing firms across the region and nurturing a new generation of start-ups. This funding will continue to be available throughout 2023 and our new Hull office will make it even easier for businesses to apply.”
The free event will take place from noon to 2pm on Tuesday, February 21, at the MKM stadium. It will include lunch and a tour of the stadium. To book email help@360accountants.co.uk.