Page last updated on 5th June 2024
Small Business Focus
Recent research revealed over a third of small business owners are influenced by other local owners when it comes to business advice. Our Small Business Focus feature will put the spotlight on local business owners who talk about how they use their smart meters, how they manage their energy costs and other helpful tips.
Claire Moore, founder of Believe & Achieve women’s gym in Sheffield, shares her advice...
How do you manage your energy costs?
We were in a much smaller unit before and our energy bills were much lower but, since we’ve moved, they’ve pretty much doubled. Our energy usage increases both in the summer and winter, due to the heating in the winter - and then the fans in the summer. With a smart meter, I can track my usage and costs, so I know what I’m spending each month.
How does your smart meter help your business?
It can be really easy as a small business to put your head in the sand and pretend that bills aren’t happening. I’ve been there in the past and it’s a horrible feeling.
The more you’re aware of your how much it’s costing to run a business, the better, as it helps with cashflow and budgeting. The best bit about having a smart meter is knowing where I am financially.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Stay in your lane.
It can be so easy as a small business to look at what others are doing and compare. But the truth is we don’t ever know what is going on in any other business. It is vital you focus on your own vision and how you will achieve that. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing, if you try to copy you will always be one step behind. If it isn’t your vision you will never have real enthusiasm for it and without that if things get tough it will be easier to feel defeated and give up. Keep an eye on the competition by all means, but stay focused on why you started the business and what you want to achieve.
What is the best piece of advice you’d like to share with your fellow small business owners?
Network with others with similar businesses.
It isn’t just you, it is hard for everyone, I promise, but when we look on social media it can look like every other business is smashing it. We can sometimes feel we are the only ones struggling and doubting ourselves but when you chat to other small business owners, you see behind the advertising. Owning a small business is a constant roller coaster of emotions, there are great times which make it all worthwhile but then there are the times when you wonder why you even bother. The more you can network with others in the same field the better, get to know the real person and support each other on this exciting, challenging and slightly terrifying journey.
What is the best/hardest part of being a small business owner?
The best is being able to follow your passion and do things your own way. It gives you a great sense of pride knowing that you created the whole business and you are providing a product or a service that helps others.
On the flip side, the hardest part is being responsible for everything. You have to make every decision and even in a small business this can be exhausting! It can be very lonely being a small business owner, unless you have done it, I don’t think you can really understand. Its 24/7 even when on holiday you have to stay on top of things because if something goes wrong, it is down to you to fix it. Thankfully the good stuff always outweighs the bad.
How can you request a smart meter for your small business?
Simply enter your energy supplier in the box below and we’ll connect you. If your business works with a Third Party Intermediary (TPI) or broker, please contact them directly to request your smart meter.
Want to find out more?
- Request a smart meter - find everything you need to know about how to request a smart meter for your small business with our step-by-step guide.
- FAQs about smart meters and small businesses - find the answers to all of your frequently asked questions about smart meters in small businesses.
- Money saving tips for small businesses - our top tips to help your small business cut costs.
FAQs
How long does installation take?
Installations normally take about two hours and are arranged in advance so that you can make any necessary arrangements beforehand to ensure minimal disruption to your normal business operations.
Can I get a smart meter if my small business is in a rented premises?
Yes. If you pay the energy bills you can make the decision about whether to get a smart meter. If your landlord pays your energy bills, speak with them about getting a smart meter for your building.
You may need to check with your landlord that any changes to your meter are allowed within your rental contract.