Member Article

Control Energy Costs invests £250,000 in its first Midlands office

A specialist in utility management has invested over £250,000 into launching a new Midlands hub to help support its growing industrial client base.

Control Energy Costs (CEC), which provides companies with a full utility management, procurement and site works service, has just moved into a self-contained 250 sq ft facility at the Basepoint Business Centre in Bromsgrove.

The opening is the firm’s first office outside of its Surrey headquarters and comes after it signed up an additional 100 manufacturers over the last twelve months.

As part of the expansion, CEC has also appointed two new specialists in Martin Boyden and Adrian Pillatt, with plans in place to increase this by a further seven people between now and the end of 2018.

“This is our way of proving our commitment to the West Midlands,” explained Liam Conway Head of CEC.

“Industry is a big focus for us and we have enjoyed a lot of success in the region, helping manufacturers reduce their energy costs through careful planning and negotiating the best possible deals.”

He continued: “In the last twelve months, we have signed up 100 companies…taking the number of clients in the area to 350. With our membership of Made in the Midlands really paying off and the recent investment, we will look to take this figure up to 500.”

Control Energy Costs work with more than 900 companies across the UK every year, with its team of analysts providing an initial, no-obligation audit and then working with the customer to identify existing issues and opportunities to reduce bills or secure better supply contracts.   The company has recently launched CEC Direct as a transparent, clear and valuable alternative to the majority of energy brokers.

Unlike most, it declares what it will do and its costs in a Service Agreement with the client, removing hidden fees or hidden commission.   “The location in Bromsgrove is perfect for serving all of the Midlands, with fantastic transport links and a modern office that gives us meeting space and all the latest IT infrastructure,” concluded Liam.

“We want to be the energy consultant of choice for the region and build on the million pounds of savings we deliver every year.”

Black Country-based Petford Group, one of the UK’s leading tool makers and injection moulders, is one of the firms that has benefitted from the CEC approach.

Managing Director Mel Sinar worked with Liam to conduct an initial audit and analysis report on their energy usage, which resulted in a £13,000 backdated refund charge, an £18,000 improvement on supply contracts going forward and a further £14,000 annual savings on energy taxes.

“There really is nothing to lose by having a chat, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I like the CEC business model, as it only takes payment on achieving an actual result,” concluded Mel.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .