Industries
The increases in utility bills particularly electricity and gas have affected all businesses and this is reflected by the breadth of clients we serve. If there is a common factor, it is in a recognition that time can be better spent concentrating on the core business, whatever that might be, without the distractions and frustrations of managing utilities. The decision always remains with the client, but the tedious business of gathering the data to make like for like comparisons is handled by ESS.
Property
Managing a large portfolio of properties can impose huge administrative burdens on proprietors or charitable institutions. Private landlords, housing associations, nursing home groups, corporate offices and shopping centres have all achieved cost savings under the ESS programme as well as the benefits of simplified administration.
Education
Working closely with state funded and fee paying organisations ESS has worked successfully in securing savings and refunds with a variety of educational establishments some of whom had already utilised the services of group purchasing organisations. We are particularly pleased to have assisted a number of Special Schools who are dependent on additional or charitable funding.
Manufacturing
Energy costs are estimated to be approximately 3% of input costs rising to over 10% in metal finishing and chemical sectors. In November 2007, raw material prices increased by 10.3% whilst factory gate prices only increased by 4.5%. In a world where it is increasingly hard to pass on cost increases to the customer it is essential to make savings on overheads where possible. ESS has secured refunds and savings for a range of businesses including bakers, printers, machine shops and industrial warehouses amongst others.
Leisure
Private clubs are operating in a highly competitive market to attract and retain their memberships. For example, the savings and refunds secured by ESS in Sports and Health Clubs, Indoor Bowls Clubs, and Golf Clubs is helping make subscriptions go further and reduces the administrative burden for staff.
Charities
Registered charities that are dependent on a combination of state funding and charitable donations are particularly exposed to cost increases in utilities. Ever more complex compliance issues and the need to increase standards of care put further strain on budgets. Special schools, housing associations and retirement homes have all secured savings and refunds through the programme.
Public Sector
The public sector is under increasing scrutiny to act in the best interests of tax payers whilst delivering an increasing level of service and best value to the community. Having an independent third party reviewing utility expenditure can reduce costs even where there is access to a preferential group scheme. Borough Councils, Colleges of Further Education and NHS Hospital Trusts have all secured savings with ESS.