As NCB members annual energy costs are rising and savings with suppliers are almost impossible there has never been a more important time to be aware of your energy costs.

The benefits of saving energy aren’t just about reducing costs, though of course every £ saved is a £ of extra profit, saving energy can also help reduce equipment replacement costs because of improved operating efficiency. Improve your reputation showing customers and staff that the environment matters to your business by reducing CO2 emissions and the impact on the environment.

Energy is a large controllable cost, and savings go directly to your bottom line. Make sure you have these simple no-cost actions in place to reduce bills.

1. Switch to energy saving and LED lightbulbs

Using greener bulbs will cut energy usage and save money. LED lights are available in many more options now.

2. Install motion sensitive lighting

It’s easy to leave lights on where you don’t need them. Motion sensitive lights will turn off automatically when rooms are not in use. Areas in your shop that aren’t in continuous use such as fridges, cold rooms, or toilets can all benefit from motion sensitive lighting.

3. Air conditioning

If you do need air conditioning, then only use it when you need to and help it stay efficient by keeping doors and windows shut.

4. Invest in microgeneration

Producing your own energy can help keep bills down and cut your business’s carbon footprint. Solar photovoltaic panels – which need only daylight, not sunlight to generate electricity – work on buildings of all sizes.

5. Service your equipment

Ensuring your equipment is at its most efficient will help keep bills down.

6. Update your technology

Old and out of date models of, fridges, equipment and even boilers tend to be far less energy efficient. Update to energy efficient products wherever possible and make sure

7. Conduct an energy review

Easy for us to say, tricky for you to find the time but taking your own regular meter readings and keeping track of what processes use the most energy will help you identify areas where savings can be made.

8. Check your invoices.

Most butchers will receive electronic or paper invoices. They should be kept and filed for easy retrieval. It is important to check the meter number is correct and that meter readings are actual, not estimates (E). Submit actual readings so that invoices are accurate.

9. Shop around

When the time comes to renew then make sure you have your actual meter reads and invoice information, contact an Energy Broker (NCB recommends Focus Assured) and make some phone calls yourself. The time spent getting the best deal here can you pay you back 3 times over in savings.

NCB Members can contact Focus assured on +44 (0) 1923 854 770 for reliable advice on their next energy contract.