Around one in two SMEs (53%) have either started training staff in energy efficiency or plan to do so in the next 12 months, according to NatWest Business Outlook Tracker.

In the report, businesses said that escalating utility bills had increased the urgency to conserve energy use, prompting additional staff training to help employees become more diligent in energy efficiency.

Large companies placed energy efficiency as the most sought-after type of skill, with 78% looking to pursue training, followed by sustainable supply chains (65%).

In addition, SME manufacturers (66%) were more likely to report training staff in energy efficiency than service providers (50%).