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Go Forth Stirling BID is helping city businesses cut thousands from their annual utilities bills and offering vital support during the current turmoil in the energy markets.
The BID (Business Improvement District) commissions Eyebright Utilities to identify savings and reduce spiralling energy bills cutting costs by an average of £1.5K to £3K per year.
Eyebright’s Client Account Manager Michael Dogan works directly with BID levy payers to secure better deals for gas, electricity and telecoms – and is ready to step in and support them during times of crisis such as the existing volatility in the markets caused by the Middle East conflict.
He is encouraging business owners whose energy contracts are coming up to expiry in the next 12 months and those who are on variable rates to get in touch now.
He said: “The UK energy market has entered another period of heightened volatility as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalate sharply.
“Electric commodity prices have risen by around 10-30% since late February while gas costs have risen by between 25%-80% depending on sector and exposure.
“Although the domestic price cap provides relief for households, businesses are more immediately exposed to increases with wholesale market shifts immediately impacting renewal offers and future contracts.
“This will particularly impact on BID members who have energy contracts coming up to expiry in the next 12 months or who are on variable rates. I would suggest that to proactively shield your business from market uncertainty, it is worth reviewing your energy contract position now.”
Over the last five years, Mr Dogan has supported 14 BID businesses covering electricity, gas, water, contract management and supplier switching.
Such support includes securing better energy contracts, resolving supplier issues, managing renewals and avoiding out‑of‑contract rates plus identifying opportunities for water cost reductions.
Businesses have typically achieved £1.5K to £3K in annual savings, based on cases across the portfolio, and Eyebright’s collaboration with the BID has delivered an estimated £40K in total savings for members.
Emma McConnachie, who runs award-winning firm Stirling Podiatry, is one of Eyebright’s success stories currently saving around £300 a year on her energy bills – more than the cost of the firm’s annual BID levy.
She said: “We saved money and a lot of hassle after getting in touch with Michael for help after changing from being a limited company to a sole trader and having trouble finding a supplier for electricity. We were getting ridiculous quotes as – for some reason – the companies no longer wanted to deal with us which was stressful.
“Then I remembered the Eyebright offer was part of our BID membership and contacted Michael who took it from there and made the process so easy. He took all our information and, knowing the industry so well, he quickly came back with a range of options and companies who were happy to work with us.
“We got a great deal, and he took the hassle out of everything, and we now save more in energy costs, compared to previous bills, than we pay in our yearly levy fee which is great.
“It makes it worthwhile being a BID member when there are services like this we can use and which are well communicated to us. I would never have thought of using a broker before, but I’m glad I did and would recommend the opportunity to other business owners.”
Any BID business owners who want help with their energy costs can contact Michael directly providing information on their current set up and invoices so he can look at finding a better rate.
Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director at Go Forth Stirling, said: “We are always looking for opportunities which will save our businesses money – especially in the current climate with everyone facing extra costs.
“The partnership with Eyebright offers business owners the chance to have their existing deals with energy and service suppliers reviewed by Michael who will look at ways to save them money. It’s a free service for BID members so there is nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain by taking advantage of this initiative.”
BID members can connect with Michael Dogan by email – m.dogan@eyebrightutilities.co.uk or on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dogan1/
The Eyebright programme is one of the many opportunities, projects and initiatives offered by Go Forth Stirling BID which represents more than 600 business owners with a key objective of increasing visitors to the city and devising initiatives to help make it a more welcoming destination for businesses and shoppers.
For more information visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
