This year, we’ve got to know YOU! 

We surveyed 2,500 customers and gathered some fascinating insights from our small business customers. 

We’ve crunched the numbers and the results are in: EDF’s small business customers are leading the way in adaptability, creativity, and smart energy decisions.

So, before 2024 comes to a close, let’s explore the trends shaping businesses like yours – and see what you’re doing differently.

You may be small, but you sure are mighty!

84% of you run small businesses with fewer than 10 employees – proof that big things come in small packages. Small business owners have to wear many hats. From boutique owners to tech innovators, high streets to home offices, you create jobs, spark ideas, and make neighbourhoods thrive.

You keep communities thriving.

18% of you run retail and hospitality businesses, bringing life to high streets, restaurants, and local markets. With another 9.4% working in agriculture, it’s clear you’re the hardworking, local enterprises that serve and sustain communities.

At EDF we LOVE small business. From ordering in our favourite cakes for office celebrations, to having our very own small business Christmas market in the office - we're always championing the small businesses who make our neighbourhoods what they are.

Wherever you are, you’re smashing it. 

It’s official: the South West is home to the largest share of EDF’s small business customers (22%). Whether it’s cafés in Cornwall or creatives in Somerset, this region is brimming with entrepreneurial energy. And across the UK, from Scotland (8%) to Greater London (12%), you’re proving that great businesses come from everywhere.

Office or work from home? You’re splitting it down the middle!

• 36% of you keep the office alive – a classic hub for collaboration.
• 31% are working remotely – redefining productivity from home.
• 33% operate on-site or on the go – bringing business directly to your customers.

You hold the key to a renewable revolution!

Sustainability is a journey, and you’re already on the path.

• 84% of you are exploring renewable energy options to make your business more sustainable.
• 42% favour solar panels and 67% love the idea of battery storage, proving that small businesses are key to making big strides toward a more sustainable future.

As the UK’s biggest supplier of zero carbon electricity, we have an operational portfolio of 36 wind farms – including two offshore wind farms – and we have an ambitious vision for solar and battery storage. So you’re in the right place to reduce your carbon footprint. 

You value transparency and quick solutions.

We analysed our Trustpilot reviews for the words you used most: 

"Helpful"

"Resolved"

"Transparent"

"Quick"

This shows you value:

• Helpful and efficient customer service
• Quick problem resolution
• Transparent billing practices

We’d like to thank our small business customers for a wonderful 2024. As you can see from the data, your business is part of a dynamic community of innovators and creators shaping the UK’s small business landscape. 

We’d like to thank all of our small business customers who took the time to fill out the survey (a whopping 2,500 of you!), and all of our small business community. We’re extremely proud to support you and be a small part of your success. 

Let’s make 2025 even more successful together.