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More small business owners are saving money by going green and becoming more energy efficient.

Research by Alliance & Leicester shows four out of five small businesses have made changes to improve their green credentials – three in ten small business owners expect the improvements will lower their operating costs.

As well as helping the environment, green small businesses are also saving money on utility bills and supplies thanks to thinking green: switching appliances off and reusing supplies.

Steve Jennings, director of business management at A&L says: "With the economic downturn set to continue, businesses are looking at adopting new ways to reduce overheads and by incorporating a number of initiatives to save energy. Considerable cost savings can be made by doing this."

It’s great to do something for the environment, but it is crucial for small businesses and the self employed to save money in 2009. If finances can be streamlined and costs cut then there is a better chance of survival and even profit through this difficult year.

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