Energy firms refusing to supply small UK businesses over bankruptcy fears

Hospitality sector in particular is finding it hard to renew contracts, with some asked for 10,000 deposit

Major energy firms are refusing to supply small businesses out of concern that they could go bust, while some are demanding 10,000 up front, business owners and industry experts have told the Guardian.

In the latest sign of the deepening energy crisis, business owners said they were struggling to find a supplier in the run-up to the busy October period for renewing gas and electricity contracts, leaving them facing extortionate" bills or demands for a deposit.