Trust and transparency are the two qualities that companies look for in energy and utility consultancies.
That’s according to a new survey conducted by British Independent Utilities (BIU) with responses from some of the UK’s leading organisations.
Cheaper energy supplies surprisingly came in second place, followed by companies wanting more innovation and new technologies. Firms also said they would want access to information on industry specific legislation.
Russ Priestley, BIU’s Founder and Senior Partner said: “I expected to see cost savings feature prominently in our survey responses but I was surprised to see that trust and transparency topped the table.
“We’re trading in a fiercely competitive market and it’s the consultancies that combine innovative energy products with unrivalled customer service and a rock solid work ethic that will stand the test of time.”
September 20th, 2012 at 10:20 am
I am so pleased with the results! It is so hard to find a consultancy that would be respectful, considerate and honest about their actions. I have seen number of consultancies carrying about their pockets first and then remembering about the customer. Maxim Eyes have been operating now for 8 years and have done our utmost to educate all our account managers that it is the customer that should be on the forefront of their minds and that they should provide a service that would allow them to sleep well at night – and this means honest, professional and true advice. I am therefore very glad that customers see and appreciate that.
Report comment Report commentSeptember 21st, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Of course consumers want trust and transparency first, this is pure common sense and a worry if this has not been recognised by industry experts. Considering other forms of public research it has been suggested the energy industry has a worse reputation than the banking industry with no surprise as to why:
- A whistle blower made a statement last Tuesday on oil market manipulation to the FSA and Office of Fair Trading
- Speculation on a minority of Consultants charging consumers twice via a fee and brokerage
- Rolling of energy contracts from energy suppliers
I always say consumers are becoming savvier and the days of pulling the wool over consumers eyes are long gone.