News about us
As one of the leading utility consultancies in the UK, Business Cost Consultants is regularly quoted in news and trade press. Below you will find recent press coverage on Business Cost Consultants. Please email us if you would like to find out more about the content of these stories or if you would like to discuss how Business Cost Consultants could help your organisation in similar ways.
Competition in Scotland Welcomed
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The introduction of competition in the provision of water and sewerage services can only be good for Scottish businesses, according to Glasgow-based Business Cost Consultants, one of the country's leading independent utility consultancies. However, they do not expect the flood-gates to open when organisations are free to switch suppliers.
Scottish Water has already separated its wholesale and infrastructure side of its business from its retail (customer-facing) side, which is now known as Business Stream. From 1 April this year Scottish businesses of any size or location will be able to buy water services from one of three suppliers: Business Stream; Satec and Aquavitae. Others are sure to follow
"It's exciting that Scotland will be the first country in the world with a water market that is open to competition, following this model. We are hopeful that the free market will drive real value for money for our clients throughout Scotland. However, we do not expect a dramatic change as of 1 April. We expect to "test the water", if you'll forgive the pun, and take our time to evaluate the offerings from all three retailers" said Donnie Maclean, Head of Business Development at Business Cost Consultants.
He added: "For many years businesses have been at the mercy of utility suppliers. From our experience in advising businesses on utilities and managing their accounts on their behalf, we have seen that water bills are frequently inaccurate and the services provided are not up to scratch.
Competition in the marketplace can only be a good thing as the providers are eager to build a good reputation and customers will be able to vote with their feet if they are not getting the service they expect."
"The three companies have set out their stalls and are promising improvements in pricing, service and billing. As we deal with thousands of water bills and help with service issues on our clients behalf each month, we will be very keen to see if these service improvements come to fruition.
We wish good luck to all three companies and welcome more serious entrants to the market.
As with gas, electricity and telecoms, we know that clients will appreciate independent advice when they are choosing their water supplier. Clients are normally seeking best value for money, not simply the cheapest price. We use our expertise to evaluate all the offerings."
Mr Maclean was speaking after a presentation to the Major Energy Users'
Council in Glasgow on 7 February 2008. At the conference he revealed how Business Cost Consultants was helping its clients reduce water consumption, most notably with Celtic and Rangers football clubs who have reduced their water consumption by 40% and 71% respectively. He will be speaking again at Armourer's Hall in London on Wednesday 13th February.
Permanent link for this article
