There’s more than enough to cope with when you’re running a business, so offloading some of those headaches onto a specialist in a particular sector can make life feel a whole lot easier.
Recent months have seen energy prices rocket and car sales suffer as availability drops and lead times reach near record levels – all of which has left The Apertus Group with something of a mountain to climb.
The Northamptonshire broker specialises in energy supplies and car leasing among others and, it seems, in keeping customers happy as the team helps guide customers through the the issues both of these areas are causing at the moment.
Grant McKenna, Managing Director of The Apertus Group, said:
“The price of energy and renewing contracts has become rather more complicated of late – with prices rising to levels that are worrying for businesses, and brokers having to move swiftly to lock in a good price as soon as they can.
“Meanwhile, in the car leasing sector, the shortage of semi-conductors caused by the demand for laptops and devices during the pandemic means that a car on order can be delayed by anything up to 12 months.
“Both are causing businesses concern, for different reasons, and it’s up to us to put minds at ease. There’s nothing we can do about either situation, prices have risen and cars aren’t readily available, but we are focusing on taking some of the pressure off wherever we can.”
What that means is an honest and innovative approach from The Apertus Group. That could involve anything from negotiating a new energy contract for a loyal customer to finding a better deal with a new supplier that will help a client through a difficult period. When it comes to cars, the bargaining power of The Apertus Group means that while the new car might still be some months away, there will be a vehicle, readily available, that can act as a stop-gap and make sure the driver is on the road in a suitable alternative until the new lease car arrives.
Leigh Parkin, Business Operations Manager at Eckland Lodge Business Park near Desborough, has been impressed with the level of support she’s received not only recently, but throughout her dealings with The Apertus Group since 2018. The business park offers a mix of commercial properties, from offices and workshops to factory buildings, as well as its new, purpose-built serviced office development, The Lincoln Building.
“Over the years, Grant and his team have gone to great lengths to get to know our business, from negotiating energy contracts to working with us on the new development, which was completed during the pandemic, to sort out the installation of metres and novating contracts and then transferring them over to tenants as they began to move in,” said Leigh. “More recently, Grant has been advising on installation of electric car charging points, too.
“The recent increase in prices has had an impact on everyone, of course, but having expert input, reassuring you that yes, you’re paying more, but that’s just the way the market is, and it’s still the best deal and you’re not paying more than you need to, is incredibly reassuring.
“What makes the biggest difference to me, however, is just having a broker I can trust implicitly, who takes all that hassle off my shoulders and who I can leave to look after our interests while I get on with the rest. It’s good, trustworthy, solid advice and it’s invaluable.”
Chris Bowers, Managing Director of electrical engineering firm BEES feels the same way about having someone he can trust to alleviate some of the pressures of running a business.
“I’ve known Grant for around nine years,” said Chris. “He’s arranged two vehicle leasing contracts for me, and he looks after our gas and electric supply.
“When you’re running a business, all that stuff takes up valuable time and having someone like Grant looking after everything makes all the difference. He’s a great guy to deal with, they’re an excellent company to deal with and I really feel for them with all the pressures on them at the moment, but they are still there to help with anything we need whenever we call on them.”
Find out more about The Apertus Group on 01604 212828, email info@apertusgroup.co.uk or visit The Apertus Group.
