The company, which helps thousands of UK businesses save money on utilities, has found that many owners are unaware that telephones, sitting on vacant desks, are costing them money.

M&C Energy Group Director, Colin Barrow, explains: "When you consider that rental on every telephone line can cost upwards of £40 per quarter, that's a lot of wasted money. We audit hundreds of companies for utility expenditure every month and have found that the vast majority has telephones not be used, or in inappropriate places that lead to mis-use.

"With businesses having to cut costs, now is the time to consider whether the current number of lines are required. It is our experience that almost every SME can have up to five lines that could be dispensed with. This would save the company upwards of £800, or more if you count in the maintenance costs."