Not every saving needs a switch. Sometimes the quickest win is a small change to how you pay, and it costs you nothing but a phone call. Here is a genuinely simple bit of advice that can free up cash straight away.
Pay for what you use, not what you usually use
Most businesses pay their energy and water by direct debit on a fixed or budget amount. The supplier estimates your yearly use, splits it into even monthly payments, and you pay the same thing every month regardless of what you actually used.
That is fine if your usage is steady. But if you are using less than normal, you are effectively paying the supplier in advance and letting them sit on your money. The fix is to move from a fixed budget direct debit to variable billing, so you pay for what you actually use, not what you usually use.
How to do it
It is a five-minute job:
- Find your meter readings. They are usually in the meter cupboard, wherever that lives in your premises.
- Call your current supplier. Tell them you want to move from a fixed or budget direct debit to variable.
- Give them a current reading so your billing reflects real usage.
That is it. No switch, no contract, no broker needed for this one.
When it helps most
This little move pays off fastest if your business is currently running below its normal level, quieter season, reduced hours, whatever the reason. If you are using less, paying for what you actually use rather than an estimate means the saving lands quickly in your cashflow.
A small win, but a real one
Compared to switching supplier, this is about as easy as cost-cutting gets. It will not be the biggest saving you ever make, but it is one you can sort yourself this afternoon, and every bit of freed-up cashflow helps.
Where we come in for the bigger wins
When you are ready for the larger saving, the one that comes from getting onto the right contract, that is our job. We help businesses across Devon and Cornwall save at least £1,000 across energy, water, merchant services and broadband. You can reach us on 01752 875100. And we’re paid by the supplier when you switch, never by you.
What to do this week
Make the direct debit call today, it takes five minutes. Then, for the bigger saving, upload a recent bill at /upload-bill/ and we will review it for free and tell you what you could save on a better contract.