Thousands of businesses which are members of the British Chambers of Commerce will be able to buy energy together in the hope of cheaper deals after it announced a new partnership with energy management firm Utilitywise.

Members of participating Chambers can join a “basket” solution – i.e. buying together in bulk – called the ‘Chamber Energy Alliance’.

The basket will give flexible energy purchasing according to Utilitywise “to allow all organisations, regardless of size, to take advantage of price movements within the wholesale energy market”.

Firms can also get knocked-down prices for water and energy saving advice under a new ‘Chamber Energy Solutions’ brand in the pilot scheme.

Karina Knudsen, Business Development Director at the BCC said: “UK companies are under pressure to keep costs down and meet carbon emission targets.

“This partnership will give members of participating Chambers the option to receive energy consultation and services at a discount which has the potential to improve their competitiveness and their environmental credentials.”

Geoff Thompson, CEO of Utilitywise added: “This major new partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce has the potential to stretch across the UK, helping businesses of all sizes and in different industries. Companies that control their energy use can become more competitive than their rivals. This is especially true in today’s economic climate where energy remains a major and increasing cost.”