A CAMPAIGN to get a fairer deal for Yorkshire businesses from gas and electricity companies has been launched.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and watchdog Energywatch said small businesses were getting a raw deal from energy suppliers.

They said small business energy use is similar to that of domestic users, but they do not benefit from the same protection that domestic users receive.

The Make the Connection campaign is calling for energy companies to provide fair and clear energy contracts, improved customer services and more accurate and timely bills.

FSB Yorkshire and Humber policy chairman Chris Glen said: "At a time when energy costs for small businesses are spiralling out of control, the least small firms expect is to be treated fairly.

"It is not acceptable for some gas and electricity companies to get away with unclear pricing policies, misleading sales calls and ineffective complaints procedures. The FSB has been campaigning on these issues for some time."

Small businesses can get free advice on (0845) 906 0708.