Cost of living support

We know from speaking to businesses that rising energy costs and inflation are causing concerns for businesses. The retail and leisure industry’s concerns are even greater as the cost-of-living crisis impacts on people’s spending.

If you are a business in Knowsley, it is important to remember that help and advice is available to you.

Help with energy costs

Support is available to businesses and non-domestic customers. The Energy Bills Discount Scheme runs for 12 months from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

This scheme replaces the Energy Bill Relief Scheme which supported businesses and organisations between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023.

Eligible non-domestic customers will receive a per-unit discount to their energy bills during the 12-month period from April 2023 to March 2024. This is subject to a maximum discount.

The scheme is available to everyone on a non-domestic contract including businesses, voluntary sector organisations (such as charities), and public sector organisations such as schools, hospitals and care homes. Further information, visit the Government’s website.

Advice and support

If you are a business and have a particular concern or issue you would like to get some help and advice on, then please ring the Business Support helpline on 0151 477 4000 or visit www.investknowsley.co.uk

Tips for businesses

During the cost-of-living crisis the Invest Knowsley team have been speaking to businesses to identify key issues impacting them.

Reducing energy costs

• Standardise working hours ensuring energy use is contained within a certain timeframe.
• Ensure equipment is turned off when not in use.
• Install energy-efficient lighting.
• Add smart meters to monitor consumption.
• Consider alternative sources of energy

Controlling costs

• Assess all costs – by completing a thorough review of all costs, you could identify those that could be cut or identify a cheaper alternative.
• Source locally which will save on import costs.

Support for employees

Everyone is feeling the impact of the cost of living, including your staff.

• Sign up to corporate staff discount schemes with the benefits passed on to your staff with savings in supermarkets or meals out.
• Provide staff with tea, coffee, milk or food items (such as tins of soup) for them to use whilst at work.

Focus on customers

Everyone is reviewing their spend, including your customers. You could look at ways to maintain their custom by introducing loyalty schemes and introducing payment instalments to help to spread the cost of buying.