Small Business Owners Say They Are In It For The Long Haul

Small business owners have shown how resilient, resourceful and committed they are despite the challenges that come with running a business.

New research shows that 90% percent of business owners say they have experienced at least one particularly difficult period in the past five years[1], which meant they seriously considered giving up their businesses altogether. Cashflow issues and rising energy costs (both 27%) were cited as the top factors contributing to the challenges their businesses faced.

But to deal with financial pressures, owners say they adapted and took practical steps including reviewing their running costs (19%), diversifying their offering by introducing new products, services or sources of revenue (17%) and reducing their opening hours (14%). A fifth (18%) used their personal savings to support their business.

The research also shows that most small business owners prefer being their own boss, with almost 7 in 10 (69%) owners saying it is preferable to working for someone else, with a similar number (71%) saying they intend to continue running their own businesses for the long-term.

They do, however, remain vigilant around their business’s finances and running costs, with 9 in 10 saying managing their businesses’ energy use and costs will be important to their business’s financial resilience over the next year.

When it comes to managing bills, the data provided by a smart meter can help business owners understand their energy use and identify where they may be able to find ways to reduce their energy bills. Arranging a smart meter installation is also quick and easy to do.

Make informed choices about your energy use

A smart meter takes automatic readings of your gas and electricity use and sends them directly to your energy supplier. It means you no longer need to read a meter and send the figures yourself, giving you more time to focus on other jobs.

Getting a smart meter installed also means the end of estimated bills. A smart meter records exactly how much energy you use so that your supplier can bill you accurately.

Your energy supplier will provide you with access to free and regular information on your energy use, either via an app, an online platform, or other data tools.

Find out if you are eligible

Whether you rent or own your business premises, you could still be eligible.

Businesses with 10 employees or less could be eligible for a smart meter.

Click here: www.britishchambers.org.uk/smartmeter to find out whether you are eligible.

[1] Research conducted by Censuswide, 500 GB Micro-Business Owners (1-9 employees, excluding sole traders), 07.09.2026 – 15.09.2026.