Gas and electricity costs for UK businesses, charities and public sector bodies are set to be capped under a new government package.Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has suggested that the move could stop companies from collapsing under the weight of soaring energy bills this winter.

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While some trade bodies have welcomed the news, others like UK Hospitality warned that the government must avoid a "cliff-edge" when the six months of help finishes at the end of March.The BBC has spoken to several firms across different sectors about what the announcement could mean for them.'Panic not over'At Ye Olde Fleece Inn in Kendal, Cumbria, they have not "done the maths" yet, but are relieved to have more certainty.

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The steep rise they were facing - from £44,000 a year for gas and electric, to around £124,000 a year - will be avoided, for now."That some help is coming gives us a bit of hope," says Josh Farrant, front of house manager. "But we are still massively going to have to look at the way we do things."Customers are already having to forgo sourdough toast - the cost of running the grill is "ridiculous" at current prices, says Mr Farrant.

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They'll be looking at other kitchen equipment and whether they can rely more on the pub's log fires, less on central heating.And while the government support is very welcome, Mr Farrant still has concerns, especially about what will happen in a few months time."It doesn't mean the panic is over," he says. "It's going to run for six months, then we'll see."Source: BBC

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