Cutting through the media stories, the pages of costs and tariffs and the stress, The Apertus Group aims to leave clients feeling confident that even if they don’t like the energy bills they have to pay, at least they know they’re getting the best possible deal.
Based on Moulton Park, The Apertus Group has recently employed energy specialist Curtis Avery as Business Sales Manager, strengthening the team at a time when businesses of all sizes are beginning to become seriously worried about the rising costs of gas and electricity, with few signs of anything easing any time soon.
Having built a wide range of experience working for energy suppliers, dealing with brokers and consultants, and getting to know how they operate and what they want for their clients, Curtis is in a good position to offer the sort of honest, transparent advice for which the firm has become known.
Keeping a keen eye on the market, and on the tariffs available, Curtis can only offer reassurance to procurement managers and business owners that they can put their trust in him and his team of consultants.
“Analysts say that we will see prices reach an all-time high and then steadily drop over the next 18 months to two years, while stressing how important it is as a country to make ourselves less reliant on the global market through investing in our own energy and renewable sources of energy,” said Curtis.
“I believe it is unlikely it will ever go back to the times when we were paying something like 4p per kw for gas, but it won’t stay up around 16 or 17p, where it is now.
“A friend of mine, who works as an analyst in the industry, once said they are targeted on getting 51% of decisions correct, so that they are right more often than wrong, but no one can really predict what energy prices will do, so all we can do is reassure our clients that we’re all facing high prices at the moment, there’s no magic deal that will cut that price significantly, but that we are always doing everything we can to find and negotiate the best possible deals.
“Most of the time, businesses understand that’s as much as they can hope for and trust us to work for them.”
The Apertus Group has a proven track record in saving customers money, using their knowledge of the market and relationship suppliers to get the best deals available, bespoke to each client’s individual needs. The current situation, however, could well mean that it’s the advice and guidance available that will be of most use to clients.
“If you come to us for advice and we think the new deal you’ve been offered by your existing supplier is the best one for you, we’ll just tell you that,” said Curtis.
“Similarly, if you’ve come off a contract onto a deemed rate that is reasonable, we won’t suggest you commit to a fixed term at the level prices are at the moment. It might be that you’re better to wait and see how things go and tie in a few months from now if prices are starting to come down. What we won’t do is find a deal for the sake of making ourselves some commission.”
With prices high, and consultants like those at The Apertus Group taking a small fixed amount based on usage, engaging the services of an expert is actually good value for money at the moment. This is especially true if there are new contracts that need negotiating or if there are any disputes over rising costs.
Energy bills can be difficult to fathom and sitting on the phone trying to get through to a supplier’s call centre a waste of someone’s valuable time. An experienced energy consultant will not only be able to quickly grasp the figures and advise whether it’s normal or worth pursuing, they’re also more like to get through to suppliers, based on well-established relationships, and get an answer quickly and efficiently.
Curtis added:
“During my career, I’ve worked with many brokers and consultants and from each one I think I’ve picked up best practice and adopted them in my own work, as well as seeing things I don’t like and discarding them.
“I worked closely with the team at The Apertus Group before I joined them, and I like the way they do business. Clients always get the best service level, they’re open and transparent with suppliers, brokers and clients alike and there’s an attitude of not selling just for the sake of it. It’s a fun place to work and I’m delighted to be on board as part of the team.
“No one is going to be happy with their energy bills for a while yet, but if they know they have someone like The Apertus Group, with their best interests at heart and doing what’s right for its clients, at least they know they’re not paying any more than they need to be.”
Get in touch with the team at The Apertus Group to find out how they can help your business. Call 01604 212828 or email: energy@apertusgroup.co.uk
