Businesses are spending too little time thinking about energy efficiency, even though energy bills are nearly a fifth (17%) of a company’s running costs, British Gas Business has warned.

Research by BGB suggests that one third (32%) of medium-sized businesses have no intention of implementing energy saving measures, while 70% of them are not using any at the moment.

Kanat Emiroglu, managing director of British Gas Business which serves over 600,000 small and medium sized customers, said: “Energy is business critical – it’s impossible for businesses to function without it.

“Yet British businesses spend too little time thinking about or managing it. The combination of rising costs and tough targets and complex regulation are a potent mix. But simple steps, and a range of low and no cost options can make all the difference.”

Long-term planning and being more aware of energy use by using smart meters could help cut the energy bills which typically average £25,000 for such businesses, suggested BGB.