Energy costs are big issues for small firms, says Private Business survey

Costs of energy and good communications like broadband are the most important issues facing most small businesses, according to new research.

A survey by the Forum of Private Business found eight-out-of-10 firms put energy and telecommunications at the top of the list, while almost as many thought local banking services and roads were important.

Three-quarters responding in east London said location was effective, being in the capital—more than the South East as a whole.

Late payment and bad debt were deemed priorities by more than a-quarter of Forum members. Other priorities in order were post services, mobile communications, motorways, skills training, recycling and rail transport.