One in 5 small companies has re-invested all their income simply to remain afloat this 12 months, in accordance with analysis.

A ballot of 500 SMEs revealed the price of residing disaster (38 %), vitality worth hikes (33 %) and elevated provider prices (23 %) have eaten into margins.

As a consequence, plans to make their companies extra sustainable have been placed on maintain.

Just underneath half (48 %) stated going inexperienced has been much less of a precedence, although 44 % assume they’ll have the ability to do extra within the subsequent 12 months.

The research additionally discovered nearly half (48 %) imagine eco-conscious companies are extra profitable than these that aren't.

Victoria Bacon, Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the analysis, stated: “The economic climate has put Britain’s small businesses under a huge amount of pressure, so it’s understandable that they’re focusing on the essentials of running their business.

“But taking steps to reduce your environmental impact often delivers real cost savings too.

“Even small changes that aren’t expensive to implement can make a big difference to a business’ bottom line, as well as being good for the planet.

“Getting a smart meter is one small thing small businesses can do, as it can help them monitor their energy usage and identify where they can make changes, as well as keep a closer eye on cashflow.”

Looking forward, 43 % now really feel in a greater place to make their enterprise extra sustainable.

1 / 4 would finance eco-friendly modifications by decreasing spending on different areas of their enterprise and the identical quantity would search for new income streams.

Just over 4 in 10 (43 %) need to scale back their carbon footprint so their vitality payments go down - however 13 % assume it'll additionally make their workers joyful.

And across the identical quantity (39 %) need to do their bit to make sure the planet is each wholesome for future generations, in addition to being much less wasteful.

While others plan on transferring to extra environmentally pleasant packaging (17 %), shopping for in bulk to scale back transport prices (16 %), investing in good plugs (9 %) and getting mild sensors (13 %).

In the medium time period, 14 % of these polled had been hoping to buy an electrical automobile and 19 % need to exchange previous tools with extra vitality environment friendly tech.

Being extra eco-friendly topped the listing of issues small companies house owners stated they’d do otherwise in the event that they had been beginning their companies once more.

With taking management of vitality utilization and shopping for native the place potential being the recommendation they’d give their youthful selves to make their companies extra sustainable.

Victoria Bacon, Smart Energy GB, added: “Small businesses have an important role to play in helping Great Britain meet its net zero targets.

“Smart meters are an integral component of our national infrastructure upgrade to meet these targets, which will enable us all to increasingly use cheaper, cleaner energy.”