January 2024 Newsletter from Nationwide Energy

A Message From Our Operations Director…

“January has been a busy start to the year for everyone at Nationwide Energy.

While falling energy costs and great products and services have given some real opportunities to delight customers, many businesses are still facing significant challenges.

Much to the relief of businesses at contract renewal, contract offers are almost always lower than current rates. While average rates are around 25ppkW for electricity and 7ppkW for gas, some customers are seeing rates that are below 20p for electricity and about 4p for gas. Unfortunately, not all customers can achieve the same level of savings. These averages mean that some customers are still paying 30p+ for electricity and 8p for gas. While even these rates are likely to represent a saving, it’s less than others will make.

January and February are typically very hard trading conditions in hospitality. We are finding that many customers are looking at every opportunity to lower their costs by securing a new product or service that is better value &/or allows the business to operate with fewer staff present. Consequently, our field and sales team have been busy with customer enquiries on energy, telecoms, merchant services, and EPOS.

While things may be improving for existing businesses. The challenges for new hospitality businesses remain. More energy suppliers are requesting additional documents such as fully signed leases, business rates etc. holding customers on high deemed rates until they have the requested documents and processed the change of tenancy. Therefore, our Contracts team are spending more time raising complaints with suppliers and then taking the matter to the Ombudsman to get the customer compensation for the supplier’s failings.

Similarly, our Billing team continue to support customers who are receiving poor service from suppliers. Many suppliers deny customers the opportunity to speak to someone and resolve the issue directly by restricting themselves to webchat and email only contact. It’s the expertise and diligence of our Billing team that can effectively represent the customer in these more limited channels of communication. Both our Contracts and Billing team often know the suppliers processes better than their own staff.

All Nationwide staff look forward to supporting more of our customers in February.”

Gerry O’Hara

Operations Director

It’s been a busy start to the year for both energy & merchant services…

But why are customers choosing Nationwide Payments for their card services?

Rates are FIXED for the long term with only a 6 month commitment.
We only work with the suppliers whose payment platforms have had 1% or less downtime in the last 12 months.
Next day funding available with all our suppliers.
2p authorisation fee & no additional transaction fees .
Rates from 0.5% debit card & 0.7% credit card.

PLUS:

A Wide Range Of Terminals Available
Integration Options With A Number Of EPOS Systems
5 Working Day Turnaround For New Applications
Diagnosed Faults With Terminals Replaced Next Day If Reported Before 2pm

Customer Feedback, The Slanted Door, Stamford

“I spoke to Paul regarding the renewal for my restaurant after receiving quotes from other Brokers.

As energy is a big outgoing cost for the business, he spoke to the supplier direct requesting bespoke prices which would be better for me than others received. He pushed them for this quote being a time sensitive matter as I’m currently away in America.

The understanding on needs and working the extra mile for me was fantastic.

I would recommend this company to others.”

John, The Slanted Door, Stamford

Introducing Rachel…

I’m Rachel. My main interests are my motorbike and long evening rides. I also love exploring the country in my caravan with my partner and friends.

In the colder months I like to bake an assortment of sweet treats and look after my four cats Shadow, Shade, Stripe & Patch.

I’m really enjoying my new job at Nationwide Energy as a Billing and Metering advisor as the company values reflect my own which allows for a comfortable work environment and common goals.

I’m Rachel, My main interests are my motorbike and long evening rides. I also love exploring the country in my caravan with my partner and friends.