From the data gathered in our Energy Audit we drew up a list of energy saving projects which the British Gas client could choose from. The refit work needed to realise the energy saving was then carried out by the Utilitywise Ecofit team.

As part of the publicity for the project British Gas filmed the audits taking place. You can see our the audits being carried out here:

http://www.businessenergyinsight.com/taking-the-challenge-the-sydney-arms.htm

The business has grown over the past few years, with over 100% growth in turnover in the last year. The Company’s growth has been achieved as a result of its focus on three key elements: its investment in IT infrastructure, its focus on business process management and the development of its energy services offering.

Utilitywise moved into new offices in Market Dock, South Shields in January this year which were officially opened by local MP David Milliband a couple of weeks ago. It currently employs 230 people, making it one of the largest private sector employers in the region and, according to Chief Operating Officer Adam Thompson, its plans don’t stop there: “Tyneside has a real depth of talented individuals and we are delighted to be one of the largest employers in the area. We’ve recently moved to larger offices and dedicated further investment in training and human resources to give our staff the tools they need to succeed.

“As well as raising additional capital to increase the pace of our growth, we believe that the Listing of Utilitywise on the Stock Exchange will highlight the great potential in the North East and we look forward to remaining a major contributor to the local economy.”

In the 12 months ending 31 July 2011 the Company reported a profit before tax of £3.5 million on revenues of £11.7 million.  The Company is being advised on its listing by HubCap and has appointed finnCap as its NOMAD and Broker.

From left to right: Geoff Thompson (CEO), Andrew Richardson (CFO) and Adam Thompson (COO)

From left Adam Thompson (COO), Andrew Richardson (CFO), David Miliband MP and Geoff Thompson (CEO)

We were pleased to welcome David Miliband MP, to our new HQ on the banks of the river Tyne to officially open the building on 20 April 2012.

Mr Miliband  talked to staff as he toured the offices for an hour.

Adam Thompson, Utilitywise Chief Operating Officer comments: “We have ambitious expansion plans for 2012 and it’s great to have the support of our local MP and we’re grateful Mr Miliband has been able to find the time in his busy schedule to officially open the new building.”

With our energy services and account care arms under the same roof for the first time, we provide a complete package of energy price, carbon offset and energy savings to companies looking to get more value out of their energy contracts and reduce their consumption.

David Miliband meets Kaylea Thomas from Utilitywise

We started life as a small family owned business five years ago and are now signing 70 new accounts a day ranging in size from sole traders through to companies employing thousands of people, with high energy costs.

David Miliband tweeted “Great to see Shields company Utilitywise taking on the challenge of cutting UK energy bills. 250 jobs plus 200 more on the way.”

You can see some of the media coverage by following these links:

Sky Tyne & Wear video of the visit: http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/18611

BDaily: http://bdaily.co.uk/news/business/20-04-2012/north-east-willing-to-work-says-mp/

The Evening Chronicle: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/04/21/mp-david-miliband-hails-200-new-tyneside-jobs-72703-30808501/#ixzz1sqjNF5Jw

The Shields Gazette: http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/mp-s-jobs-hope-for-energy-efficiency-firm-1-4475155

Adam Thompson (centre front) surrounded by Utilitywise new starters

As part of our growth plans we have taken on the first batch of 20 new staff at our offices in South Shields. This takes our total workforce to 225 and keeps on target to double our workforce in the coming twelve months. The recruitment follows our relocation of the firm to our current premises on Long Row in South Shields.

We are currently signing 70 new contracts per day. Clients are keen to let us tackle their business energy problems: making sure they are on the best rates but also seeing if we can find ways for them to save energy.

The new recruits will provide a boost to our Account Care team by working with clients to provide a top-tier brokerage service and give expert advice and support. The Account Care team work alongside the energy services team which provides energy auditing and the Ecofit service installing energy saving products.

Adam Thompson, Utilitywise Chief Operating Officer comments: “As a company born out of the region, it’s rewarding to be able to create decent jobs for people on Tyneside. We have big expansion plans for 2012 fueled by the roll out of the Edd:e energy monitoring system which is proving to be very attractive to our customers.

“Energy costs are one of the major pressures businesses of all shapes and sizes face. While securing the best rate is important, the biggest savings in energy costs come from reducing consumption and that is where we are able to support businesses, which is good news for them and for the environment. Having completed our first stage of recruitment, we are now in a good position to meet our growth targets for this year.”

Utilitywise, which started life as a small family owned business five years ago is signing 70 new accounts a day ranging in size from sole traders through to companies employing thousands of people, with high energy costs.

Much of the company’s recent growth has been driven by the success of the British designed Edd:e energy monitoring system. Developed in-house, the system is unique to Utilitywise and allows businesses to identify cost savings down to the individual circuit. On average it identifies ways to reduce a company’s energy consumption by 27 per cent.

Dr Duncan Tytler, Utilitywise Technical Director said: “CRC was a good idea in its original format as it rewarded big energy users who implemented energy efficiency measures and taxed those who did nothing. “Moving the system to be a flat tax doesn’t incentivise firms, so the modified CRC will need to reward energy efficiency with some form of credit in addition to the energy saved.”

We would urge all businesses to voice their concerns to the Government and we are asking politicians to recognise the need for better incentives to encourage firms generating their own energy, making energy savings or using offset products like our Carbon Zero for Energy.

Darren Sutherland Utilitywise Energy Manager said: “It looks like the CRC is here to stay given the various pledges to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint it will be impossible to scrap the scheme entirely. “The likelihood is this that sooner or later this scheme will be extended to more companies, so even if you’re not affected now, you may well be in the future.

“The only way you can guarantee smaller bills in the future is to take action now to reduce your energy costs.” Adam Thompson, Utilitywise Chief Operating Officer added: “Energy costs are one of the major pressures businesses of all shapes and sizes face and the biggest savings in energy costs come from reducing consumption.”

To power the machines during the time the office was closed cost £1.74 per day. This might not sound a lot, but over the course of a year it amounts to £635.10, just for the three machines at that site. The client has ten sites so they were wasting £6,350 per year.
A few pounds spent on time-controlled switches wiped that wasted energy out.

You can see more about Edd:e here.