Jon Perks on helping small firms save cash and carbon – Small Business Retail Sessions (S1E5)

Welcome to the Small Business Retail Sessions podcast, brought to you by Enterprise Nation's Powering the High Street programme, in collaboration with EDF.

This series explores the major challenges that today's retailers are facing – from declining footfall and vacant shop-fronts to the post-pandemic recovery and increasing demand for sustainability.

Episode five: Jon Perks, small business director at EDF

With over 25 years in the energy industry, Jon has guided thousands of businesses through energy challenges – from volatile markets to net zero ambitions. At EDF, his mission is simple: help small businesses grow by making smarter, more sustainable energy choices.

In this episode, Jon breaks down the energy landscape for small businesses, sharing clear, practical advice on how to cut costs, improve efficiency and navigate change with confidence.

Topics discussed in the episode

• Why energy is no longer a "set and forget" cost for small businesses

• The impact of rising energy prices on the retail sector

• Common pitfalls small businesses face with contracts and tariffs

• How smart meters and energy data help business owners take control

• The importance of employee engagement in reducing energy waste

• What drives fluctuations in global and UK energy prices

• How small businesses can future-proof with clean energy tech

• Why timing your energy use is increasingly important

• How EDF and Enterprise Nation are working together to provide free energy advice

• The future of the UK's energy system and what it means for small firms

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You can watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube.

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