Clutch of top energy consultancies win at TELCAs
A fabulous second year for The Energy Live Consultancy Awards (TELCAs) was rounded off with a surprise twist – a tied winner for the biggest prize of the night.
With even more entries than 2013, Large Consultancy of the Year backed by npower had 10 possible contenders and debate raged in the judging room.
Last year’s winner Schneider Electric shared their podium place with Utilyx after the torn judges decided they were equally deserving of the consultancy crown.
Start Energy were flying high after they won Small Consultancy of the Year award sponsored by npower for being the best all-rounder. Though they didn’t win, Hotel Energy were applauded for being an excellent niche player and Fathom mentioned for their Northern Ireland focus.
Schneider Electric picked up a second trophy, the British Gas Business award for Best Advice, narrowly snatching it from the grasp of Utility Bidder and The Energy Brokers with their commitment to benchmarking.
Utilyx snapped up a second too for IC Most Trusted (sponsored by Scottish Power), displaying clear examples and customer endorsements.
Another double winner was LSI Utility Brokers, taking home CNG sponsored gong for SME Best Customer Service and SME Most Trusted (sponsored Gazprom Energy UK). Judges praised their concrete evidence on how customers service is delivered and jargon-free explanations.
The Best Customer Service trophy for the IC sector (sponsored by GDF SUEZ UK) went to EIC, the consultancy recently brought into the stable of Utilitywise, with mention going to EIC’s detailed but realistic customer charter.
Make It Cheaper repeated their 2013 triumph, returning to bag the Consumer Champion award sponsored by Haven Power, by showing how they put customers at the heart of their business.
Everything was pretty rosy for consultancy Orchard Energy, plucking the Rising Star gong (sponsored by Hudson Energy) in a closely-contested battle.
There was no getting into a flap for Indigo Swan who won IC Most Innovative (sponsored by Opus Energy) while Inenco Direct picked up the same gong for its work with SMEs.
One of several new awards this year, the Green Energy Champion went to energyexcel llp, with judges impressed by a commitment to embedding themselves into the client and their “brainstorming approach”.
Sales Professional of the Year was another addition in 2014, recognising the people who keep a business “healthy and strong” as sponsor McLean Ross said.
Two women and three men jockeyed for the title and judges were refreshingly surprised by their modesty. Bragging rights eventually went to Richard Bennett of UES Energy for his open and honest approach.
Shining a light on those who might not otherwise be seen, the shortlist for new Unsung Hero award (sponsored by EDF Energy) was full of great, personal stories but Lyn Barnes of Select Energy Direct was the well-deserved winner.
Winners and nominees are set to celebrate in style tonight with a fabulous boat party on the Thames.
