As well as domestic consumers we also receive referrals for micro-business and small business consumers.

Micro business consumers are businesses with:

• Fewer than 10 employees (or their full time equivalent) and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet not exceeding £2 million; or

• An annual consumption of electricity of not more than 100,000 kWh; or

• An annual consumption of gas of not more than 293,000 kWh.

Small business consumers are businesses with:

• Fewer than 50 employees (or their full time equivalent) AND an annual turnover of at most £6.5 million or a balance sheet total of £5 million; or

• An annual consumption of electricity of not more than 200,000 kWh; or

• An annual consumption of gas of not more than 500,000 kWh.

Many micro-businesses are owned or run by one person from premises that may include their accommodation. Debts and the threat of disconnection can add enough pressure to stop them trading and cut off their livelihood.

It’s important to remember that a sudden change in the trader’s personal circumstances can heavily impact both their business and family life. Examples of micro-businesses we have helped include pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and corner shops.