Newcastle energy consultants help Middlesbrough fashion retailer expand

A Newcastle energy management firm have signed a three-year deal with a Middlesbrough fashion retailer.

Orchard Energy will help Stever Cochrane, who runs luxury fashion store Psyche, to protect against rising energy prices in order to pursue growth.

Psyche’s 35,000 sq ft store on Linthorpe Road stocks designer clothing and accessories from brands including Armani, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Barbour.

Mr Cochrane said rising costs had become an important factor in the battle to survive on the high street and he had been concerned that energy prices could impact plans to invest in store and online. The company’s future plans include the relaunch of its website which currently brings in sales from around the world.

Steve said: “We export to the USA, Russia and Australia and with 21% of our online orders coming from overseas it’s important that we continue to develop our online presence alongside our high street offering.

“The deal with Orchard means we can use their expertise to make sure we buy energy at the right time.”

Orchard Energy’s Peter Bicchiri works with businesses across the North East including fellow Middlesbrough-based retailer Barker and Stonehouse.

He said this winter’s energy price rises were likely to add significantly to the retail sector’s woes.

“Reviewing contracts early and putting an energy management strategy in place that will give budget security means businesses like Psyche can ring fence the money they’ve earmarked for future development and press ahead with plans that will help them compete in a tough retail environment.”

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