Firms concerned over inflation and energy bills Analysis from Barclays shows that three quarters of SMEs are worried about the long-term impact soaring energy bills and rising inflation will have on their business. Respondents warned that rising energy costs and higher raw material prices are putting significant pressure on businesses, with more than a third voicing concern that having to increase their own prices in response would make them less competitive. Almost half of the SMEs polled said they were pessimistic about the outlook for the economy, with two fifths describing the current business environment as unstable. The Federation of Small Businesses has called for relief measures to help firms, including a fuel duty cut and reform of business rates.