BES Utilities launches fund to help businesses survive

Commercial energy supplier BES Utilities is launching a ground-breaking fund to help businesses stay afloat during tough economic times.

The fund will be used to not only freeze customers’ energy bills, but write off historic debt.

Research shows more than half (55 per cent) of small and medium sized enterprises in the UK do not survive more than five years with high running costs among the reasons given for closure.

Andy Pilley, BES Utilities managing director, said: “Times are very tough for many businesses and that is why BES, as a responsible gas and electricity supplier, is proud to set up the Business Energy Solutions Fund – the first fund of its type to help non-domestic customers in the UK.

“That is why we have joined forces with the national debt advice charity, Business Debtline, who will carry out assessments of customers’ finances and see where the BES Fund can help.

The BES Fund is designed to help BES customers of 12 months or more by freezing current gas or electricity debt. Once a new payment structure is agreed, and the next three monthly invoices are paid, BES will clear the customer’s previous arrears using the fund.

Charis Grants will handle all applications submitted via Business Debtline and then liaise between the customers and BES Utilities to ensure successful awards are made.

“We are delighted to be extending our reach beyond domestic customers as we deliver the BES Fund – the first ever scheme in the energy sector aimed at supporting vulnerable small business customers.