What your business needs to focus on in 2022

A new year always feels like a fresh start—a time to look back on what you could have done better in the previous twelve months. But also a time to look forward and make a positive change, personally and professionally.

And while we’re all for a Dry January, now is the time to make changes in your business.

What you can do to help streamline energy costs

There’s a lot to consider when you run a business. And it’s not always easy to know where to start. With that in mind, here are four things you might not have thought about that can save your business time and money – and win you contracts:

1.   Improving energy efficiency

Unless you’ve been living in a cave with no access to a TV or a WiFi signal, you’ll have seen how the surge in prices has led to the collapse of several energy suppliers.

And the increase is severely crippling personal and company budgets. So, it’s never been more crucial to get your energy bills down by improving energy efficiency in the workplace.

The things you need to think about include:

• Data – you can’t expect to manage energy consumption effectively without accurate data
• Installing appropriate controls to heating and air conditioning
• Review your HVAC systems – are they fit for purpose – do you know how efficient they are – an independent air conditioning is highly recommended – not only is this a legal requirement but it also provides you invaluable insight into the energy efficiency of your installation potentially saving you huge amounts.
• Investing in insulation and draught-proofing
• Using LED energy-efficient lighting
• Fitting water-saving gadgets

And while they do require investment, the long-term benefits and savings far outweigh the initial outlay.

2.  Check your energy supplier contracts

If your contracts are up for renewal in 2022, then January is the ideal time to start reviewing if you can get a better deal elsewhere. To do this, you need to understand your:

• Risk profile
• Budget
• Carbon emissions
• Current and future operations

When you know what you’re using and paying, you can shop around for cheaper deals or strong-arm your current suppliers into giving you a discount. Like improving your energy efficiency, reducing your outlay will save your business money and make your stakeholders happy – especially with the increase in energy prices.

3.  Keep on top of ESOS, heat networks, SECR, MEES legislation

ESOS, heat networks, SECR, MEES – it’s enough to make your head explode and a lot to keep on top of. The main thing about all of these is understanding how each impacts your business and budget and future plans. It is really critical you know how all this impacts on your business goals.

Keeping on top of each means you will reap huge benefits.

4.  Welcome and embrace sustainability, net-zero carbon, ESG, etc.

These days, your business absolutely has to be big on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Yes, improving energy efficiency (as covered in point one) is essential, but that’s not enough.

By embracing sustainability, you need to consider:

• Reducing your carbon emissions
• Encouraging cycle schemes
• Car-sharing
• Engagement and incentives for employees to walk or use low-carbon public transport to get to work

But not only that, you need to show you’re embracing it by:

• Collaborating with local businesses big on energy efficiency
• Talking about it in press or blog post articles

Do that, and not only can you entice businesses to choose you over a competitor (because everyone needs a green supply chain). You’ll also appeal to the best young talent to work for a company that’s serious about saving the planet.

Need help making changes in 2022?

Making these changes isn’t easy, so wouldn’t it be great to have a consultant that can help you make the right choices for your business with a click of a button?

And not only that, communicate it to your stakeholders in simple terms, too.

Well actually, you can.

Working with Inteb can help you focus your business on what really matters this year.

Our team of accredited Energy Assessors has done this for other organisations, who now have a competitive advantage and are winning new business as a result.

Make 2022 a year of change

Let’s get the conversation started – call us now on 0151 601 3476 or email [email protected]