Black Country businesses urged to act as global energy pressures drive up costs
21 Apr 2026
Published in: Member News
Stuart Smith, Managing Director at Oldbury-based commercial heating contractor Lord Combustion Services, outlines the measures Black Country businesses can take to manage rising energy costs.
Black Country businesses are being urged to take proactive steps to reduce energy consumption as ongoing global fuel market instability continues to place upward pressure on operating costs.
Geopolitical tensions involving Iran have disrupted international supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to tighter global oil and gas availability. While UK energy supply remains stable, prices are set on international markets and therefore businesses continue to feel the effects of global volatility through higher electricity, gas and fuel costs.
For organisations across the West Midlands, particularly those in manufacturing, logistics, retail, hospitality and education, the impact is increasingly evident in rising overheads and tighter margins.
Energy-intensive operations are most exposed, but even lower usage businesses are seeing indirect cost increases through supply chains, transport and wider inflationary pressure.
With the uncertainty in global energy markets likely to persist, cost control must become a growing priority, and energy specialists such as ourselves are encouraging businesses to focus on practical efficiency measures that reduce unnecessary consumption and improve control over usage.
Smart building controls are increasingly being adopted as an important solution, allowing organisations to monitor and manage energy in real time. The integration of zoning enables these systems to divide buildings into independently controlled areas so heating and cooling can be directed only where it is needed.
This means that different spaces such as offices, warehouses and meeting rooms can be managed separately based on occupancy and operating hours. The result is more precise control, helping to eliminate waste in empty or low usage periods - a common issue in commercial premises.
Heating systems are another major area of concern. Many commercial buildings still rely on outdated or poorly maintained boilers and controls, which can significantly increase running costs.
Regular servicing and system optimisation can deliver immediate efficiency improvements, while upgrades such as improved zoning and recalibration can further reduce consumption without impacting operational requirements or staff comfort.
Businesses are also being encouraged to consider how energy is used throughout the working day. Shifting high demand processes to off peak periods where possible can help reduce exposure to higher tariffs, particularly for manufacturers and warehouse operators. Building efficiency remains a further opportunity for cost reduction.
Improvements such as better insulation, reduced draughts and upgraded glazing can significantly lower heat loss and reduce reliance on heating systems during colder months. Alongside this, energy monitoring and benchmarking are becoming increasingly important tools for commercial decision-making.
Accurately tracking consumption patterns and comparing performance over time helps businesses to identify inefficiencies and target investment more effectively.
While external factors continue to drive volatility in global energy prices, organisations are being advised to treat energy management as a strategic priority rather than a short-term cost saving exercise.
Those that invest in smarter controls, improved efficiency and better data visibility are likely to be better positioned to manage ongoing uncertainty and reduce exposure to future price shocks.
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