Full Marks for College’s Utility Savings

A College from County Durham has recently saved tens of thousands of pounds in energy costs with the help of the region’s largest business membership organisation.

Finchale College, a member of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), approached the NECC Utilities team to assist them with a utility audit to reduce wastage on their gas and electricity bills.

After consulting Karen Brogden, business manager at NECC utilities, the college conducted a full, free of charge utility audit and saved £30,187 on their bills as a result.

Head of Administration and Finance at Finchale College, Tony Ford said:

“As a small independent charity we value the services offered by NECC.  Membership enables us to access areas of expertise that we might not otherwise be able to source. It also offers us the comfort of knowing that we are part of an organisation that is committed to best value and best practice across a range of activities. 

“Importantly, as illustrated by our dealings with NECC Utilities, they readily understand the perhaps cautious approach that many charities find necessary.  Karen didn't push us and didn't try to get us to sign up to something we don't need.  She advised us and guided us objectively - and did a lot of the groundwork, too!  We really appreciate what we've saved from this exercise and readily commend it to others."

NECC Utilities business manager Karen Brogden added:

“I’m delighted that we could save Finchale College more than £30,000. It is a great example of the benefits of this free service which is particularly relevant at this time of year. As we near the winter months, businesses will be more conscious of the amount they are spending on their energy bills as their gas and electricity usage increases.

“I would encourage more NECC members to get in touch with the NECC utilities team to see if they could benefit from a Utility Audit. As we have shown with Finchale College, the savings that can be quite substantial.”

Businesses interested in conducting a utility audit and taking advantage of the significant savings available should contact the NECC Utilities team on 0300 303 6322 or email enquiries@necc.co.uk