Guides

Business utilities, explained without the jargon.

Short, plain-English answers to the questions South West business owners actually ask, from comparing energy without wasting hours to switching your water supplier and avoiding mis-selling. More pieces added as we write them.

The guides

Plain-English reads on the bits of a bill that cost the most.

switching · 5 min read

Comparing business energy prices without wasting hours

Comparing business energy properly takes a recent bill, a letter of authority and the right timing. Here is how to do it without losing a day to phone calls.

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billing · 5 min read

Out-of-contract energy rates, explained

When a fixed contract ends, suppliers move you onto default rates that are usually far higher. Here is why that happens and how to check where you stand.

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switching · 6 min read

How to avoid mis-selling on business energy

Mis-selling, pushy brokers and hidden commissions cost businesses real money. Here are the warning signs and the questions to ask before you sign anything.

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switching · 5 min read

How to switch your business water supplier

Yes, you can switch your business water supplier. The water itself never changes, only the billing and service. Here is how it works and why it pays.

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switching · 5 min read

Choosing business broadband without overpaying

Most businesses overpay for broadband by buying more than they need or never reviewing the deal. Here is how to pick the right package and what to look for beyond price.

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glossary · 5 min read

What ultrafast broadband means for business

Ultrafast broadband means at least 300Mbps, up to 1Gbps. Here is how it compares to standard and superfast, and why full fibre is the bit that really matters.

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glossary · 6 min read

What energy procurement services actually are

Energy procurement means sourcing, comparing, negotiating and managing your utility contracts properly, not just finding the cheapest rate. Here is what it covers and who needs it.

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billing · 5 min read

5 ways to cut business energy costs

Five practical ways to cut your business energy bill without dropping service, from a quick audit to getting the right tariff and an expert in your corner.

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billing · 5 min read

Reducing energy costs without disrupting operations

You can bring your energy bill down without touching how you run the place. Here is how, from a quick audit to handing the market legwork to a broker.

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billing · 5 min read

Are you overpaying for business energy?

Most businesses overpay for energy because of how contracts roll over, not because of bad choices. Here is why it happens and how to check where you stand.

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billing · 3 min read

Some simple, practical advice

A quick win that does not even need a switch: move your direct debit from a fixed budget amount to variable, so you pay for what you actually use, not what you usually use.

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billing · 5 min read

Business utility savings in Devon

Devon businesses lose margin to auto-renewals and stale contracts on energy, water, broadband and card fees. Here is where it leaks, and the local grants worth knowing about.

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switching · 4 min read

A word of warning

Energy scams prey on businesses chasing a saving. Here is how to spot a dodgy caller, what never to hand over, and how to check a broker is genuine.

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announcement · 4 min read

Helping Plymouth Scout groups cut energy costs

We helped several Plymouth Scout groups cut their energy bills, in some cases by more than 70%, freeing up money to spend on young people instead of stale contracts.

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announcement · 4 min read

10 years helping Devon and Cornwall businesses

Ten years on from 2015, we have saved Devon and Cornwall businesses £348,319 this year alone. Here is a look back, and what we are building next.

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announcement · 4 min read

What the Hormuz situation means for UK energy

Tension at the Strait of Hormuz can ripple straight into UK business energy bills. Here is why, and why the answer is stability, not trying to time the market.

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announcement · 3 min read

Euro 2024 and the half-time energy surge

When England played at EURO 2024, the National Grid saw a 1GW jump in demand at half-time. A fun stat, with a real point about how demand shapes energy costs.

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announcement · 3 min read

Smarta returns as Plymouth Albion RFC sponsor

We are back as a proud sponsor of Plymouth Albion RFC for the 2025/26 season, a club close to our hearts as it approaches its 150th anniversary.

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announcement · 3 min read

Doing our bit for Plymouth

Saving businesses money is the day job, but Plymouth is home, so we back local projects too, including the Mayflower Forest at the Marsh Mills junction.

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announcement · 2 min read

It's giveaway time

We are giving away a meal for two at Salumi Bar & Eatery. Here is how to enter, and a nudge to check whether your business utilities are costing you too much.

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announcement · 2 min read

It's coming home

We ran a Euro 2024 sweepstake for customers, with the proceeds going to Plymouth charity Jeremiah's Journey. A bit of fun for a good cause.

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Got a specific question?

The fastest answer is asking us direct. A real local person, not a call centre.

Upload your bill Call us, 01752 875100
Upload your bill Call, 01752 875100