Over half of Brits (55%) say they have received helpful life advice – from a local business owner, research has found.
More than a third (35%) of consumers, who frequent their local high street, would count at least one independent business owner as a friend – with hairdressers topping the list.
Coffee shops, newsagents, butchers, and the local pub, are also considered some of the friendliest small businesses on the high street.
And a poll of 2,000 adults found that half feel they can speak about personal matters with high-street business owners – with 21% even trusting these proprietors more than their partner.
However, conversations with high-street businesses have changed a lot over the past year, with 36% talking more about energy prices than before the recent crisis – and 22% have these discussions with local firms at least once a week.
Rising costs (40%) and soaring energy prices (40%) come up in conversation more frequently than holiday plans (37%), nights out (9%), and relationship woes (7%).
A further 30% said they had never discussed energy with local business owners before the cost-of-living crisis – but now it’s the topic they discuss the most.
Victoria Bacon, director of Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, said: “We know how important local businesses are to communities up and down the country, and that the energy crisis is affecting them, as well as households.
“Even small things can save a company money in the long run – whether it’s turning off appliances at the wall when they’re not in use, or getting a smart meter installed for your business.”
If you can't see the poll, click here
More than one in ten (12%) say it’s their hairdresser who has been the most useful with their wise words – while beauty salon owners and bar staff are also among the most trustworthy business employees.
In a separate survey of 500 SMEs, more than 89% feel they have done as much as they can to reduce their energy costs.
However, 76% said they would welcome more advice and support on how to reduce their bills.
And of those who regularly interact with their customers, 75% have seen them become increasingly anxious about their budgets when spending with their business, and 28% think they are visiting less as a result, according to the stats by OnePoll.
While half of local business owners were aware of smart meters as a useful tool for monitoring how much power they use at home, 58% also realise they could be used by small businesses to help keep on top of energy costs at work.
And 41% of those who have a smart meter at home and work said the data they get from it has helped them to better control their energy usage and bills – while 35% said it was useful for planning their future cashflow.
Smart Energy GB has produced a new Smart Meters for Small Businesses guide, which is available today.
Victoria Bacon added: “Small business owners are working really hard to manage energy costs.
“Something they can also do both at home and at work, for many at no extra cost, is get a smart meter installed, which can give them visibility and control over their energy use.
“This means they know what they are spending on their energy before they receive their bill, which can help with financial planning and cashflow.
“To find out if your business is eligible for a smart meter, contact your energy supplier.”
