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Climate Change Agreements (CCA’s) were introduced by the UK government in April 2001 as an incentive for businesses to reduce their energy bills and as a result, their carbon emissions. They are voluntary agreements containing targets for eligible industry sectors. This was introduced after the government implemented an energy tax (levy) which appeared directly on all business’s energy bills known as Climate Change Levy (CCL). CCL was originally intended to be tax neutral with a corollary reduction in National Insurance contributions. continue

In this ever-changing economic climate, it is not unusual for businesses to vacate sites or move into new premises.   However, an often neglected aspect of the moving process is the closing down of your current utility accounts or ensuring the contract associated with your new site is in your business’s name. When contracts are agreed and signed, they are legally binding for the business, the supplier, and the property exactly as listed on the contract.  As such, for the duration of the contract the occupant listed on the contract is responsible for all charges associated with that property and contract.  If said occupant was to vacate the site, the contract becomes null and void.  Imagine moving into a site and automatically assuming the previous occupants costs as they neglected to close their account!
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Always bear in mind that if it’s too good to be true, there’s a catch!

Unfortunately, as of late unscrupulous call-centre agencies have been targeting businesses with misleading information regarding CCL exemption and a reduction to 5% VAT. However in the majority of cases this is just a ruse in order for businesses to give up confidential contract information, which in turn is sold on to any number of other sales type agencies as a lead..so beware.

These are clearly cynical sales agencies abusing businesses trust for their own financial ends.
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There have been many questions regarding this governments commitment to ‘green energy’ since the last cabinet reshuffle with the new energy minister having a reputation for being less than keen on renewables and investing in sustainable technologies. Are we still pursuing the goals we’ve set out or will things change direction somewhat? The UK population remains convinced that the sustainable, green, renewable…call it what you like, is here to stay and a reasonable proportion are happy to invest in it either on a domestic or commercial basis. Perhaps the uptake may be slower than hoped and having taken the odd beating here and there [especially with Feed In Tariff cuts] – but it is not going to be stopped. continue