According to a survey by the FSB, 81 per cent of small businesses said the energy suppliers do not care about their needs, and two thirds (65 per cent) added it is difficult to switch supplier.
Amongst those who had attempted to switch, the biggest problems were cited as unclear notice periods, complicated contract terms, and the speed of the switching process.
Four in five (81 per cent) said published tariffs would have a “positive impact” on their businesses, with the main benefits being more competitive pricing and easier switching of accounts.
Only 27 per cent of respondents said they thought there was enough competition in energy retail market.
The FSB has called on the suppliers to publish “easily comparable” prices for small business customers, to commit to not reintroduce automatic rollover contracts, and to ensure customers who want to switch can do so easily.
John Allan, FSB national chairman, said: “It’s clear from our research that many small businesses don’t trust the big energy suppliers to deliver a smarter, fairer and more transparent billing process as four in five of our members say that energy companies don’t care about them.
“This week we will tell Ofgem and the Competition and Markets Authority that small businesses won’t get a fair deal until all energy companies publish easily comparable fixed prices, have much clearer terms and conditions, and operate in a more competitive and fair market.”
Juliet Davenport, founder and chief executive of renewable electricity supplier Good Energy they are “working really hard” to support small businesses.
She added: “Switching to a small supplier is a step that small businesses should consider.”