Four in five small business say the ‘big six’ energy companies don’t care about their needs, while the same number want tariffs to be clearly published so they can compare rates.

Research carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) also revealed that 65 per cent of firms thinking switching energy suppliers is too difficult.

Among those who tried to change, the biggest hurdles were unclear notice periods, complicated contract terms and a sluggish switching process.

The FSB said it would present its findings to the government’s energy regulator Ofgem on Friday. Ofgem is consulting whether to refer the energy market to the Competitions and Market Authority.

FSB national chairman John Allan said: "It's clear from our research that many small businesses don't trust the big energy suppliers to deliver a smarter, fairer and more transparent billing process

"This week we will tell Ofgem and the Competition and Markets Authority that small businesses won't get a fair deal until all energy companies publish easily comparable fixed prices, have much clearer terms and conditions and operate in a more competitive and fair market."