Crude oil prices have hit a high for the year at $75.17 a barrel today, before edging back slightly. The rally comes amidst a general sentiment in the world that the worst of the recession is over and economic output has turned the corner; with some sort of recovery on the way.

Evidence of this has been a reduction in China's declining output and the strengthening of output from some Euro Zone countries. A weakening US dollar has also made oil cheaper when purchased with other currencies – all except the UK which has seen the pound slide against the greenback.

Upward pressure on the price of oil may also be due to the US National Weather Service which forecasting a cold winter leading to a high demand for heating oil.

Closer to home, the cost of kerosene for central heating systems is likely to rise significantly as we move into winter. Businesses will be caught between the pound loosing its value and oil price increases.

In the recession, you might well have been looking around for cost cutting measures that you can take in your business. You might also think that there is little you can do when it comes to the cost of oil – but you would be wrong.

Installing a HeatingSave Small Business system to replace your existing time-clock will typically save between 20% and 30%+. HeatingSave is inexpensive and will usually pay for itself in a very short time.

If you still can’t find the cash right now to install a HeatingSave system, then talk to us about the interest free, unsecured, 4 year loans obtainable from the Carbon Trust. Our staff have been trained by the Carbon Trust to help you fill in the paperwork and get a loan quickly.

This means that despite the unit cost increases in your fuel bills, your heating costs could be less this year than last year – well that’s a thought!