Rising energy prices and taxes are biggest worries facing hospitality sector

Some 52% of business decision makers in the hospitality sector said they are worried about rising energy prices and almost as many (49%) said they are worried about increasing levels of taxation. Far fewer are worried about a possible change in government (28%) or complying with environmental legislation (16%). Further figures found that 43% said that one of their top three New Year's resolutions is to reduce the amount of energy their business uses. Despite this, one in five (21%) admitted that no one within their organisation was responsible for managing their energy consumption and controlling costs. The extent of the hospitality industry's worries over energy prices was revealed as the Carbon Trust kicked off its Best Advice campaign - a drive to persuade British companies to stop wasting over £3bn of energy every year. The Best Advice campaign was launched by Ian Cheshire, group chief executive officer of Kingfisher, the parent company of B&Q. He urged businesses to take a free Carbon Survey from the Carbon Trust, which he called "the best free advice any business will get this year." The Carbon Survey, available free of charge to all businesses that spend between £50,000 and £3million on energy each year, provides the services of an energy expert on site and a tailored energy-saving action plan. It typically identifies possible savings on energy costs of between 20% and 30%. Peter Kienast, general manager, the Lowry Hotel, said: "We have set a business objective to reduce our carbon footprint by 10% year on year and urge other businesses in the hospitality industry to do the same. We've not only cut costs, we've reduced our carbon emissions without reducing standards – in fact it has only served to bolster our reputation with our customers. "I would encourage any business in the hospitality industry that has yet to embark on the energy efficiency journey to pick up the phone and book in a Carbon Trust survey. It is likely to be the best piece of free advice a business will get this year." All businesses spending £50,000 or more on their energy consumption are being urged to visit www.thebestadvice.co.uk, or dial 0186588 5788 for more information and to register for their free Carbon Survey.