Your Business March 2020 - 248

* Any alterations to meet building,
health and safety and fire regulations
* Fitting out and decorating costs
* Rent, service and utility charges
* Business rates
* Continuing maintenance and repairs
* Building and contents insurance

contracts that lock you into a lessthan-competitive deal with punitive
charges if you switch before its end.
There are companies that can help
businesses find the best deals, so you
don't pay unnecessarily high tariffs or
get stuck with outdated equipment.

Bundle of energy

Protect and serve

Buying or renting a property that is
energy-efficient will help you save on
heating and other energy bills. Sellers
and landlords are obliged to provide
an energy performance certificate
(EPC), which indicates how energyefficient a building and its services
are, and can act as a good indicator
of energy costs. Search out providers
that offer energy for businesses, which
tend to offer far more competitive
rates than standard tariffs.

Communication channels

From landlines to mobile phones and
broadband, it's important to ensure
you have the best deal. Beware of

Insurance is something no company
can afford to scrimp on. But while it's
important to cover all your risks, and
some insurance is legally required,
shopping around for the best price
for your policies can save you a small
fortune. A price-comparison website
is a good place to start, but specialist
business insurance companies often
have access to the best deals and
arrange a competitive bespoke package.
You can also negotiate with insurance
providers direct on tailor-made policies.

Clean up your act

Shop around for cleaning and security
companies -most offer a range of

Save the planet - and cash
Being efficient with your water usage makes sense for
many reasons, says John Reynolds of Castle Water

Water efficiency is a great way to reduce your business's
carbon footprint. Using less water means less energy is spent
throughout the water infrastructure cycle. Water is also a finite
resource, so it's important to conserve what we have. And with
business rates increasing, it saves you money to conserve water.
Reading your water meter regularly can help your business
monitor consumption and spot issues early. You'll be able
to perceive the water demands of any new processes or
equipment, and awareness of usage can help you understand
your bill better and ensure you are being charged accurately.
There are some easy ways to save water: install low-flush
toilets; check for leaks frequently and fix any quickly; use
alternative water sources such as rain and surface water; educate
employees and customers on efficient water use; and reuse
water where appropriate such as for irrigation or cleaning.
Castle Water has expert advisers trained to help you use
less water. Our online guides, blog and social posts are
full of advice on water efficiency and tips to help you save
water. We offer range of add-on extras, from automatic
meter readings to leak detection and repairs, provided
through our network of trusted, industry-leading partners.

services, so you can use trial and
error and upgrade or downgrade as
necessary. Security is important, and
CCTV, an alarm system and light
sensors may cover your requirements
without the need for an on-site security
guard. Ask a specialist company to
draw up a plan based on your risks. 

Back to basics

There are many simple office basics
- from tea bags to stationery - that
are vital to keep a business running
smoothly. Get the best deal by
shopping around and reviewing your
suppliers regularly. Using a local
cash-and-carry can save you money, or
search for online deals. Don't be afraid
to let a supplier know if you've found
a better deal - they may able to match
or even better it. And always read the
small print to ensure you're not locked
into an arrangement that will prove
less than competitive further down the
line or one that will impose penalties
if you want to switch suppliers.

Insurance is
something no
company can afford
to scrimp on - but
shopping around
can save you a
small fortune

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Your Business March 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Your Business March 2020
