Business utilities – Brokers and why you need a GOOD one:
Most businesses have premises – whether that’s a shop to sell from, a factory or workshop to manufacture or assemble, an office or facility to meet your customers or even a warehouse to store your product(s). Having business premises means that you have additional fixed overheads – so when it comes to things like electric, gas, water, oil and LPG why would you want to pay more to these suppliers for exactly the same thing?
I’m proud to say I’m what you’d class as a “Utilities Broker” – some people who don’t understand what we do and think we are a waste of time or a scourge. The fact of the matter is that unfortunately – for the time being at least – utility brokerages remain an unregulated industry and regrettably there are a few out there who are unethical, give a poor price or service and thus give the industry a bad name.
I’m Steve Wilson of Focus Business Consultancy and my background is in professional practise – I have 30 years of experience in advising everyday individuals or limited companies on law and debt-related issues usually working with Chartered Accountants. When I advise a business owner on their utilities, I’m doing it on a consultative basis – not as a salesperson out to “get my figures up” or to try to reach some financially-incentivised target which may prejudice my professional objectivity and the needs of the client.
As a business owner myself one thing I can assure you of is that your water, electric and gas prices are unlikely to plummet anytime soon. You will see from switching on your TV or opening a newspaper that between Brexit, the UK’s present political instability and the resultant uncertainty it brings (foreign manufacturers pulling out of the UK until they see how we come through this time of financial insecurity) things are going to be harder for all businesses in the foreseeable future which, again, means that reducing or fixing your costs affords you some stability.
Here are the main benefits of using a good broker who is professional and trustworthy:
· They will have a genuine interest in understanding your business
· They will work hard to source the best contracts for your business
· They should be able to provide transparent figures for comparison and consideration
· They should most ALWAYS be able to beat any renewal figure you are given
· They should NEVER charge you for providing quotes and comparisons
· They save you time and let you get back to doing what you do best – your business!
If you have already had a relationship with a broker for some time then you should still try to get a second quote to see how competitive (or complacent) your current broker still is – after all the only difference in prices should be the margin they charge you for their services. Especially if you are in Residential Health Care, Hotels, B&B’s or Engineering – typically the larger users of business .
If you are uncertain about how much to pay for your business utilities or would like to discuss a renewal price you have received or have lapsed into prejudicial out-of-contract rates, then please give me a call or send me an email for a free consultation. I am happy to provide testimonials from satisfied clients and, if you are local enough, I’m happy to drop in for a cuppa and a chat about your individual requirements.
Please contact me on (07966) 279866 or at steve@focusbusinessconsultancy.co.uk