Energy users “want to be more in touch with generators”

The UK is on the cusp of a brave new energy world where energy users want to be much more in touch with generators – to the extent they want […]

The UK is on the cusp of a brave new energy world where energy users want to be much more in touch with generators – to the extent they want to become generators themselves.

That’s according to independent energy firm SmartestEnergy which has shaken up the structure of its management and plans to grow its workforce by a quarter to adapt to this change.

The firm which buys electricity from around 600 independent generation projects around the UK said it expects staff numbers to rise from 110 to 138 during the current financial year.

Chief executive Robert Groves (pictured) said his firm is developing a more joined-up approach between its power purchase and retail teams.

Mr Groves said: “The long term prospects for both our core power purchase and retail businesses continue to be very strong and the investment we are now making is aimed at ensuring we have the resources needed to meet the changing demands of those we work with across the business.”

Setting up new specialist account management teams to deal with more “complex needs” of large customers, says the firm.

The growing role of third party intermediaries is being taken into account as well with a new Channel team at the firm to work with TPI partners and develop new products and services.

The SmartestEnergy boss added: “With the major developments currently underway in the energy sector, this reshaping of the business will help us get much closer to our customers and ensure we can continue to react quickly to meet the changing needs of the market in order to deliver long term value and excellent service levels to our customers.”

A senior management reshuffle at the top-level of the company has seen David Taylor, previously Head of Sales, has become Vice President Sales & Marketing while former Vice President Commercial Rob Owens picks up a new role as Head of Strategic Planning.

Andy Cormie, who joined the company last year from Ofgem, has been appointed Vice President Customer Service & Operations.

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