There is nothing like a good spat between 'friends' to focus the mind.

I refer, of course, to the crisis that very nearly erupted between Russia and the EU after the former threatened to impose a fourfold increase on its neighbour the Ukraine over the Christmas and New Year period.

I feel sure this has been a salutary 'wake-up' call to our politicians and civil servants - indeed many wars have been fought over smaller issues!

It is absolutely essential for any country that they have both a reliable and ongoing source of energy, as well as a supply that is totally secure.

Over the last two years in particular, businesses have suffered massive increases in the cost of both their electricity and gas - costs which cannot be passed on in higher prices.

We can no longer simply ignore taking a decision for our future on such a fundamental issue.

Clearly something must be done, and, whilst there is certainly a case for 'going green', this never has been the panacea that it is made out to be. Equally it will never actually be able to deliver the energy supplies that businesses - as well as households - will need.

Government has to have a very clear and open debate as well as being honest about our options.

The nuclear one has to be looked at objectively alongside all the others.

Clear decisions need to be made very soon indeed if we are to even replace current requirements.

Small businesses, just like everyone else, have to have energy in order to operate. Small businesses are in fact already very energy efficient, and it is the larger ones and the public sector that need to look to their laurels.

Equally if we are to continue to grow our economy and to attract ongoing inward investment, then a secure and reliable energy supply is paramount - we have already lost too much on skills and certainly must not allow the same to happen on energy if we are to compete.

Why is it that some materials, which includes 'so called' waste timber - currently put into landfill - cannot actually be used to help generate our energy?

Why has no one in Government recognised that North Sea gas exports have now become imports sooner rather than later?

Why is it that as so often is the case are we unable to develop long term strategies that genuinely meet our needs?

A reliable and secure energy source is fundamental to our country, our industry and our businesses, and this issue can no longer be ignored if we are to keep our economy growing, generating the added value and jobs that we rely on.

Without energy we might as well simply close down - Russia has once again reminded us just how important this issue is to us all.

* Mike Cherry is the West Midlands policy unit chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses