The High Street has been suffering from challenging times. There is increasing competition from online firms and out-of-town retailing. The economic downturn has led to many consumers reigning in their spending, whilst constantly looking for discounts. There are many pressures on retailers looking to increase their sales and profitability. Most retailers can save significant amounts by shopping around to get the best deals on services such as electricity, gas, telecoms and insurance premiums.
“90% of smaller retail businesses pay more than they need to for energy and telecoms”
Case Studies
Energy
Busy managing the shop, dealing with customers and suppliers and getting orders ready, time spent trawling through energy contracts often feels like time wasted. You may have many locations or perhaps many gas or electricity meters within your organisation. Utilise can help you manage your complete portfolio. Many retailers small and large have welcomed our free service that will do all of this for you.
Taking care of your administration and going to the whole market then producing a competitive tendered report, to ensure that you are getting the best prices available.
To support a busy retailer, firstly we got full contract information for the energy supply. We diarised all relevant dates and managed the contract dates. At the appropriate times we tendered all his energy contracts with the dependable suppliers in the market. With- comprehensive and transparent market reports they could see exactly what new prices were available. We demonstrated, against their renewal and current prices, the exact savings for each meter within the shop. We made independent recommendations (we work for the client, not the suppliers), but the choice was always theirs to make.
The company now have an Individual Account Manager who they can contact about any issues with their supply or contract. The friendly personalised service has resulted in this company being confident that they can concentrate on running their business, while they know that Utilise are managing their costs.
Utilise only deal in fixed-prices. This particular retailer saved 19% p.a. with prices fixed for a three year term to protect them from future price increases.
Telecoms and ICT
After a free full analysis of their current telecoms provision, Utilise produced a quote that was far more cost effective. We helped the client cancel his existing contract and to take up the Utilise option once that contract had expired.
The exercise initially achieved a cost savings of 44% on all landlines and even when the current supplier came back with improved terms, Utilise’s price was still a 27% saving.
A high quality business grade broadband was connected to the premises to enable online ordering and customer communication. Our experienced technical sales team went through all the options available in plain English and guided the retailer in selecting the best solution for his business. Our consultants will manage the project from the initial contact to maintaining the system throughout its lifecycle
Insurance
Our partner insurer offers commercial insurance specially designed to meet the needs and responsibilities of the modern retailer. Providing insurance for a wide range of retail trades including florists, grocers, book shops, and stationers, including: full accidental damage cover, including damage to glass; seasonal increase of 30% for stock; wide business interruption cover including failure of utilities; employer’s liability; public/products liability; legal expenses including cover for contract disputes; a wide range of standard and optional extensions tailored to meet your needs; access to a range of added value services including online production of health and safety plans, business continuity plans and telephone help lines; providing legal, health and safety advice and employee counselling .
You can rest assured that they will do all the hard work to arrange the right policy for your business and take the hassle out of finding the right cover for you.