Putting a lot of energy into saving time and money

Saving money on your utility bills is about so much more than simply finding the right tariff, and that’s how the experienced team at Dunore Energy approach their task of helping their clients keep costs down.

The company was founded in 2017 by Jon Newsham, who put together a team with more than 25 years’ experience in the energy sector. The focus, from the start, was as much on analysing energy usage and, more importantly, energy wastage, as finding a good deal.

Having built a reputation in the sector, Dunore Energy has also added new emphasis to its work with property developers and housebuilders over the past few months during lockdown.

Jon explained: “We work with companies ranging from one-man firms to large multinationals, building a relationship that not only looks at what they are paying but also the way they use their energy. I would say that 90% of reduction in cost comes from behavioural changes within the workplace, rather than lower tariffs.

“Everyone is keen theses to keep costs low but also to reduce their carbon footprint, and with the right advice, those two things go hand in hand.

“Having established ourselves in the industry, we found our services during lockdown were increasingly in demand for property developers, housebuilders and construction companies to manage their energy needs. It was difficult for them to organise installation of services, or get meters fitted, but with our contacts in the industry, we were able to help out and get things moving a little quicker. That side of the business is now taking off and we’re getting more and more referrals via word of mouth.”

Dunore Energy prefers to act as an outsourced Energy Manager, a role to which few companies can afford to dedicate a full-time member of staff. Instead, Dunore Energy will look after contracts management, checking that its clients are on the best possible tariff, while at the same time, advising the firm on its energy usage.

Unlike at home, where most people are aware of the cost of leaving lights or appliances switched on, there’s often less willingness to be so diligent when it comes to the workplace. Simple things like turning off monitors when you leave the office for the evening, or not having laptops or mobile phones plugged in all day, are simple changes a business can make.

Dunore Energy will visit the client’s premises and advise on ways to reduce energy costs, maybe by installing movement sensors that turn lights off when there is no one in that area, or discussing ways to generate power on site.

Jon added: “Sustainability and the environment are high priority now and when putting things in place to be greener also means you save money, it makes perfect sense. We aren’t here simply to do a good deal, we want to work with the client to build into the businesses processes that deliver lower costs.”

Over the past three years, Jon has built the business through networking and referrals, where it is appropriate and possible, preferring face-to-face meetings to explain his services. Dunore Energy does not cold call customers and is very much aware that there is some poor practice within the sector that can lead to mistrust from potential customers.

“One thing that always amazes me is when I find that a company that is perhaps looking at utility bills of £60,000 to £70,000 a year, does a deal on the phone with someone they don’t know,” said Jon. “Imagine if you were looking at buying a piece of equipment that was anywhere near that kind of price. You’d want to do your research, see it, have everything explained to you, and do a price comparison before you’d agree a deal.

“Yet that is exactly what happens with utility bills. It’s an awful lot of money but, maybe because it is something intangible, and a necessary expense, they just agree to a deal that sounds attractive. That’s not great business sense, it is far better to have someone looking after your interests, keeping in touch on a month, quarterly or annual basis to advise on what’s available and what you can do to save money.”

Contact Dunore Energy on 01933 427601 or visit www.dunore-energy.com