Save energy, save money, it all adds up!

As the autumn approaches here are our pointers on how to save money on your energy bills.

Switch energy supplier

Have you changed supplier in the last three years?  If not you could save money.  Compare prices and change if necessary before the big winter bills set in. Visit www.utilitywarehouse.co.uk

Product efficiency
You could make 20% more tea using a more energy efficient kettle (statistics from British Gas)
When buying anything from a cooker to a kettle, it always pays to check the energy rating and the kwh/annum on the bottom right of the label.

Insulate your home
One of the most effective ways to cut your energy bills.  Based on a semi detached house you could save £140 a year by insulating your loft, and £160 with cavity wall insulation.  (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) There is funding available if you meet the criteria.

Don't Panic! The Black Monday storm is clearing

by Paul Northmore, Managing Director

This week has been a rollercoaster of a ride for the markets with Monday 24th August being named 'Black Monday'.

The tumble in Chinese equities as a result of a slowdown in the economy has taken its toll on global equity and bond markets with the Chinese Shanghai Composite Index falling over 8%.

This was followed by European and then US market falls, the FTSE 100 finished 4.7% lower at 5,898.87 and the S&P down 3.9%.

The slowdown in China and the devaluation of its currency have spooked markets. We have seen a significant fall in commodity prices on the back of this as well as significant falls in stocks with exposure to China. In addition we are facing further falls in the oil price which is having an adverse effect on oil and gas companies. Some of this we have seen first hand at the fuel pumps.