Alex Veitch, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the BCC, said:

“The Government’s Energy Strategy is a welcome step in the right direction which will help meet our Net Zero targets and reduce firms and households’ exposure to volatile global energy markets in the long term.

“The first step in any energy security strategy must be to reduce demand yet this plan fails to bring forward support for energy efficiency measures.

“The transition to the cheaper, cleaner energy sources of tomorrow is vital, however prices are soaring today, and businesses need support now. This strategy is a missed opportunity to provide that which is why we are urging Government to introduce a temporary SME Price Cap, expansion of the energy bills rebate scheme to include SMEs, and a six-month extension to the Recovery Loan Scheme.”