For manufacturers, every operational cost is under constant scrutiny. Raw materials, labour, logistics and production efficiency all play a significant role in protecting margins, but one cost that is often underestimated is energy.
For businesses operating large manufacturing facilities, energy isn’t simply another utility bill; it is one of the largest operational overheads and a cost that can significantly influence profitability. In an increasingly volatile market, having the right energy strategy isn’t just about securing a competitive price at renewal – it’s about building a long-term partnership that continually looks for opportunities to reduce costs and add value.
One Northamptonshire company that understands this well is EBC Brakes Ltd. Established in 1983, EBC Brakes has grown into one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of high-performance brake pads and brake discs.Â
From its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Northampton, the company supplies products to customers across the UK and throughout the world, earning a reputation for engineering excellence, innovation and quality British manufacturing. Nearly five decades on, EBC remains one of Northamptonshire’s greatest manufacturing success stories, proudly producing millions of brake components every year while continuing to invest in British manufacturing.
Manufacturing on this scale inevitably requires significant energy consumption, making effective procurement and ongoing energy management an important part of the business.
When EBC Brakes reviewed its energy procurement strategy, the objective was clear – it wanted to work with a local business that could offer a more personal, relationship-led service than many of the larger consultancies operating within the energy sector or indeed the suppliers direct.
However, there was one condition that couldn’t be compromised. The figures had to stack up commercially. Being local wasn’t enough. The solution still needed to deliver the most competitive pricing available while demonstrating genuine expertise and long-term value.
Enava Energy was delighted to be invited into the tender process.
Working with access to more than 25 UK energy suppliers, our role wasn’t simply to collect quotations. We undertook a comprehensive market tender, analysing supplier pricing, contract structures and future market conditions to secure the most competitive commercial solution for EBC Brakes.
But for us, procurement is only the beginning. Too often, energy procurement is viewed as a transactional exercise that takes place every few years when contracts approach renewal. Businesses obtain several quotations, appoint a supplier and then hear very little until the next renewal cycle begins.
At Enava Energy, we believe that approach leaves significant opportunities unexplored.
Our relationship with EBC Brakes extends far beyond securing competitive contract rates. As its trusted energy partner, we continue to work alongside the business throughout the lifetime of the contract, helping identify further opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency and navigate an increasingly complex energy market.
One of the first opportunities came through a detailed review of EBC’s electricity infrastructure.
Rather than focusing solely on the unit rate, we carried out an in-depth analysis of the site’s energy usage, electricity metering arrangements and network charging structure. This identified an opportunity to reduce ongoing costs by reviewing elements of the electricity supply with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Working proactively alongside both EBC Brakes and the DNO, we successfully helped secure a significantly lower standing charge banding, generating meaningful savings that extended well beyond the original procurement exercise.
It’s an important reminder that the cheapest unit rate doesn’t always deliver the lowest overall energy costs. A detailed understanding of network charges, supply capacities, metering arrangements and consumption profiles can often uncover additional savings that standard procurement exercises simply don’t identify. These opportunities only come to light through ongoing engagement, regular reviews and a genuine understanding of how a customer’s site operates.
That proactive approach forms the foundation of every partnership we build. Alongside regular account management, EBC Brakes also benefits from a dedicated Customer Success Manager, providing an additional direct point of contact for day-to-day support. Whether it’s contract administration, billing queries, changes to site details, meter-related questions or supplier liaison, our customers have real people they can contact directly, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and efficiently while allowing their own teams to remain focused on running the business.
This partnership also demonstrates an important point about today’s energy market. There is often a perception that larger organisations need to work with larger brokers to achieve the best commercial outcomes. In reality, that’s not always the case.
Despite being a relatively young and independent consultancy, Enava Energy has the expertise, supplier relationships and market access to compete commercially at almost any level of energy spend or consumption. Whether supporting a growing local business or a major UK manufacturer such as EBC Brakes, our objective remains exactly the same: delivering the most competitive procurement strategy while providing a level of service that larger organisations often struggle to match.
For us, securing a contract is never the finish line, it’s the beginning of a long-term partnership.
Our customers benefit from ongoing market advice, regular contract reviews, proactive cost-saving initiatives and continuous strategic support throughout the life of their agreement. We become an extension of their business, ensuring they have experienced professionals continually monitoring opportunities rather than simply waiting for the next renewal date.
We believe businesses shouldn’t have to choose between commercial competitiveness and exceptional customer service. The two should go hand in hand.
Our partnership with EBC Brakes demonstrates exactly that. A specialist independent broker can deliver market-leading commercial results whilst remaining agile, responsive and genuinely invested in a customer’s long-term success.
Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better.
We’re incredibly proud to support one of Northamptonshire’s most successful manufacturers and to play a small part in helping EBC Brakes continue its remarkable success story.
Strong local partnerships, backed by expert advice, detailed analysis and an unwavering commitment to customer service, can deliver results that extend far beyond the initial procurement process. That’s exactly what being an energy partner should mean.
For more information, contact Enava Energy on 01604 902900 or visit the website.
