BUSINESS advisory company Bibby Financial Services has urged small businesses across Greater Manchester to be prepared for disruption to energy supplies this winter.

With the Met office predicting a colder than average winter and rising energy costs, firms are advised to put contingency plans into place. Leading industry bodies including, the CBI, are concerned that small businesses across the UK are facing shortages.

Ed Rimmer, spokesman for Bibby Financial Services Manchester office, said: "The sensible business owner should make contingency plans now to cope with potential price increases and disruption to supply."