In a statement published on the agency’s website, inaugural Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said that small businesses “are less confident in finding the right information because what is out there is so complex, and they really don’t have the time and resources to investigate all alternatives.”
The Ombudsman was stressing that small businesses, which account for over 97% of businesses in the country, are facing challenges concerning their energy consumption. She adds that 68% of these companies admit that energy bills hurt their cash flow. Additionally, an alarming 70%, as survey shows, were reported to sacrifice their investment on capital expenses to cover their high energy consumption.
The Government Steps In
The sad plight of small businesses inspired the creation of the government’s Business Energy Advice Program. Through this initiative, these businesses can gain access to one-on-one energy advice services extended by the NSW Business Chamber. They can likewise use the Small Business Energy Check, an online tool that can help them check their energy consumption. With the valuable information they can get, small businesses can reduce their power bills, get better energy deals, and ultimately explore ways to save.
The government also brought in the expertise of strategy and economic advisory firm, Alphabeta and digital accounting services provider, Xero who joined forces to develop the online tool for the said project.
According to an article published by Smart Company, the small business who can take advantage of this support from the government are those whose workforce consists of anywhere from six to 20 employees.
The Savings Boost Energy
With trusted assistance from the government and its partners, small businesses can now properly monitor their energy consumption, save their valuable resources, and focus on profit-generating efforts.
On a much greater scale, the program can be seen as a concerted effort for a better world. Small companies can make great leaps towards global progress. Increased awareness of their operations’ environmental and climate impacts allows them to make improvements. This responsible approach generates benefits that extend to the stakeholders.
The Reduction Increases Market Value
It is good to know that the government and business sectors are taking concrete steps that show their serious commitment to be more responsible stewards of this planet. In the end, this not only benefits them. Rather, their efforts to consume less and conserve limited resources help their coinhabitants as well.
Even a business small in size can have substantial value especially if its practices reflect goals that are not self-serving. Helping the environment that houses your business is a source of pride in itself. If you decide to put up your business for sale Australia, you can bank on its eco-friendly practices as a selling point.
Should you need guidance in putting your business on the market, reach out to our team of experts using any of the following means: phone: +61 03 9226 9222, fax: 03 9078 6315 or email: info@nationalbrokers.com.au.
