IGA urges government to protect small businesses from rising energy costs

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is urging the government to implement measures to protect small businesses from soaring energy costs.

Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive comments: “As with small businesses in many other sectors across the UK, rising energy costs are a huge burden for independent garages. As the energy price cap does not apply to businesses, SMEs with narrow profit margins are particularly vulnerable to the current volatility in the energy market. With consumer spending also down as the cost of living crisis worsens, this winter will be disastrous for small garage businesses, and we have already seen a rise in independent garages scaling back or ceasing trading altogether.

“The IGA has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, asking them to urgently review the rising costs for small businesses and implement a financial support package to protect both small businesses and jobs. This will help to avoid businesses passing their costs onto consumers, who are already struggling with their own bills and everyday living costs.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS 

• Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive is available for interview.

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent trade body representing UK independent garages. They support members with the day-to-day challenges and complexities of running a garage business and offer a wealth of services, advice and resources, while ensuring that the sector’s voice is heard at Government level. https://www.independentgarageassociation.co.uk

Gemma Stannard
IGA Communications Manager
Tel: 07721 126 758
Email: gemma.stannard@rmif.co.uk