One fifth of businesses who had purchased products from the energy market had experienced a consumer problem that had impacted their business Consumer Scotland is already working with stakeholders in the energy and water markets to drive up standards for small businesses in those sectors: • In energy we have had success in influencing DESNZ’s proposed approach to regulation of Third Party Intermediaries (brokers) so that it will provide greater protection for those consumers using higher risk products and services • In water Consumer Scotland is chairing a cross-sector Governance Group which will monitor and review the first Code of Practice for the non-household sector, which has been in operation since April 2025 To help achieve a positive consumer experience for small businesses – and avoid the negative impact on time and resource that can flow from consumer problems - the report makes a series of clear, practical recommendations including: • To help small businesses access appropriate consumer and contractual information the Scottish Government should work with small business representatives, consumer advocacy organisations and advice bodies to explore the scope to enhance access to consumer and contract law information for small businesses. We consider there may...