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Two-Thirds of Small Firms Hike Prices Repeatedly as Rises Set to Continue
Research for Smart Energy GB found 82% of owners expect more increases as supplier costs, energy bills and inflation keep rising.
- Two-Thirds of small businesses have raised prices three times or more in the last five years, with a quarter planning further increases before summer ends.
- Nearly 17 per cent average increase in outgoings over the past 12 months has forced businesses to raise prices, alongside a 23 per cent rise in monthly energy costs over five years.
- Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy, said owners are "doing everything they can to manage rising running costs, while limiting the impact on their customers." Yet 88 per cent of business owners consider raising prices a last resort.
- Consumers have cut back on discretionary spending in recent years, with 55 per cent reducing eating out, 51 per cent cutting new clothes, and 49 per cent decreasing takeaways.
- Research by OnePoll found 84 per cent of Brits still support local independent businesses, even as 82 per cent of owners brace for further price increases throughout the rest of 2026.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources67
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center52Last UpdatedBias Distribution96% Center
Bias Distribution
- 96% of the sources are Center
96% Center
C 96%
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