Minister Sarah Jones says the move will help pubs and venues which ‘faced soaring energy costs as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – leaving us at the whim of global oil and gas prices’
Our hospitality sector has been hit incredibly hard, with thousands of pubs serving pints and providing a meeting place for our communities closing their doors one last time over the last 15 years.
These establishments scattered across our country, that are steeped in British tradition and heritage, are being swallowed up because of matters out of their control.
Many of our favourite pubs and venues have faced soaring energy costs as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – leaving us at the whim of global oil and gas prices.
That is why we are driving towards clean power, getting us off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel prices.
We are also rolling out schemes to provide direct support for our cash-strapped hospitality sector – helping to protect your local boozer or café.
Over 600 pubs, hotels, restaurants and cafes will take part in a trial to receive free advice on how they can become more efficient and cut their energy bills, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
This will save small businesses £3 million, so they can keep more money in their pockets to grow their business, employ local people and continue to serve your pint of lager or fish and chips.
Businesses will have the expertise at their fingertips to make straightforward changes to save money and cut emissions so they can focus on growing the businesses they are passionate about.
This is exactly what businesses have been asking for, with a recent report from the Federation of Small Businesses finding that 64% of small businesses think sustainability should be a high priority for the government, but only 26% of small businesses believe they have the know-how to make their business net zero.
Through this support, businesses are also estimated to cut 2,700 tonnes of carbon over the year – helping the sector go green while cutting their bills.
By delivering this support, we are continuing to move forward with our plan to support British businesses – turbocharging growth, creating thousands of good jobs and a building a more sustainable future for our country.