Can’t stand the heating bill?

If you can’t stand your heating bill….start sorting your kitchen!

We all know this; energy costs have been crippling the F&B sector for the last few years. With many many of us still locked into high-rate contracts, it’s a genuine business survival issue.

And don’t look to the Government for much help. Fair play, they launched a scheme offering free expert advice and audits on how to cut both costs and carbon emissions. But it was only to 600 small and medium-sized hospitality businesses.

No surprises, then, that more help with rising energy bills is a key SME want from the upcoming Budget, especially since we’re looking at paying out another £100 after the nuclear levy bombshell was dropped.

That said, I’ve seen more heat wasted in my 25 years as an F&B entrepreneur than bad wine poured down the drain. If your staff are opening the oven door every 30 seconds for a peek, or your fridge seal is older than I am, you’re basically setting fire to your profits. It’s boring, but the biggest wine cellar in the world won’t save you if you can’t afford the lights. It’s time for a proper energy audit, not just a moan.

Want to know some immediate, practical and often overlooked ways to slash your energy use in a commercial kitchen or bar before the next quarterly bill lands on the doormat?

Take a pick from my ‘Quick-Fix Energy Hit List’ for venues

• Try using induction hobs
• Check refrigeration seals
• Get smart meter data analysis
• Try small-scale staff incentive schemes for energy saving

In my newest bar POTG East Dulwich, installing energy efficient infrared heaters has really helped reducing my monthly energy outgoings as has our steam (not gas!) oven.  

So go on – stop heating the street and start saving your skin.

This content is contributed by a guest author. Startups.co.uk / MVF does not endorse or take responsibility for any views, advice, analysis or claims made within this post.