FSB warns of ‘existential threat’ to small businesses The viability of thousands of small businesses is at risk amid a surge in energy costs, according to analysis by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). A poll by the FSB shows that energy costs are the biggest concern facing its members, with firms already under pressure in the wake of the pandemic. The FSB’s Craig Beaumont described this as a “cruel pincer” that will “lead to some businesses realising they cannot continue as is, either [by] trying to slash costs or, the last thing they want to do, lose people. Or they could have to give up altogether, shutting the business down and letting everyone go.” Pointing to concern over energy costs, Mr Beaumont said: “It is micro businesses which are the ones in trouble. Many small businesses tend to buy their energy via fixed rate deals but when these end they face much higher charges.” “For some, energy costs could prove to be an existential threat, particularly for the fragile end of the small business sector which is emerging from Covid-19 restrictions,” he added