UK Business Directory

Opus Energy Evolution
Opus Energy has developed Opus Evolution exclusively for the commercial market. This pioneering and unique solution allows customers to purchase and fix their electricity demand, directly with the wholesale market. Since its launch in 2007, Opus Evolution has transformed the way Opus Energy’s corporate customers purchase their energy. Opus Evolution places more information at the fingertips of the customer than ever before and is unique to the non Half Hourly metered market. This online product enables consumers to dictate when and how much electricity their business purchases. Customers are also able to see real-time data and historic information, as well as have the ability to manage their portfolio of sites through one online interface.

Opus Energy Fixed
Opus Fixed is a low-priced traditional fixed power product, ideal for companies of any size. Business customers enjoy cheap electricity under flexible and attractive terms. Standard contract lengths of 36, 24 or 12 months are available, but we can also tailor them to suit your individual needs. Our aim is to develop long-term relationships with our customers by being honest and open in our communications. Every customer under the Opus Fixed product is allocated a committed Key Account Manager to guarantee the smooth running of their contract and continuity when dealing with issues that may occur.

Opus Energy Extra
Opus Extra offers smaller corporate customer using between 5 GWh and 1/2 GWh, for the first time, access to flexible purchasing products. This solution is normally only available to the larger consuming business. Unlike a fixed price contract, Opus Extra allows the energy buyer to increase the amount of times they can purchase energy within a contract term, in order to make up the total required amount.

Opus Energy says smart meters are the big industry innovation for the next decade
New research from independent UK business-to-business energy supplier, Opus Energy, suggests that UK SMEs are turned on to the benefits of having smart meters installed in their premises, supporting the company’s ambitious target to install 40,000 smart meters at customer sites by the end of this year. 15% of the SME business leaders polled said they currently had a smart meter installed, compared to 25% (16,000) of Opus Energy’s existing SME customer base that are already operating on smart meter technology. Of the panel of 500 leaders questioned by Opus Energy, many saw the benefits related to having a device installed: • 38% thought the main benefit of installing a smart meter was that it provided real time visibility of their business’ energy consumption; • 36% saw the main benefit as accuracy of meter readings and bills; and • 31% believed smart meters encourage business owners to think more about energy saving. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, commented on the findings: “Smart meters are the big industry innovation for the next decade. Customers with smart meters are five times less likely to have a complaint as a result of bill transparency. This means that we can reduce our service delivery costs, in turn enabling us to continue to offer competitive prices to our customers.” TriRunning, a Northampton-based sport and athletics shop, was a start-up business when it signed up to Opus Energy. Gabrielle Deere, Managing Director of TriRunning, wanted to know how much TriRunning should budget for its energy consumption, and so was keen to install a smart meter. Using this data, Opus Energy will bill TriRunning for its actual energy consumption every month. Gabrielle comments: “As a start-up business I didn’t know what to expect my energy bills to be. Everyone knows that estimates can be wildly under or over actual energy usage, so I wanted to make sure I was in control of my energy bills right from the start. But how can you get control of your energy usage if you don’t know what it is you’re controlling? That’s why I wanted to get a smart meter installed as soon as possible, so I could plan my usage. Opus Energy’s offering really suited me because they installed the smart meter for free.” Opus Energy is ramping up its smart meter installation programme for SMEs, with the ultimate aim to install meters in all customer premises, and is offering free smart meters to existing customers who have not already converted. Crossley Cooke concluded, “Our research also shows that more than half – 59% - of our panel of business owners are looking to their energy providers to seek information about switching to a smart meter. Due to the success of our own ongoing smart meter roll-out, we were surprised that more SMEs haven’t yet made the switch. “It’s only when the industry can be seen to be working together to roll-out smart meters that we’ll see a more dynamic energy market offering customers the control they need over their usage and pricing.” More information, including an FAQ and details on costs, can be found at http://smartmeter.opusenergy.com

SMEs turning to renewable energy generation: Opus Energy survey finds entrepreneurs powering change
New research from business-to-business energy supplier, Opus Energy, suggests a growing level of interest among small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in generating renewable energy from their own businesses, with one third (32%) expecting to introduce solar panels, wind turbines or anaerobic digestion for example, and 38% expecting to be generating their own renewable energy within five years. To read the story in full, please visit the Opus Energy website: http://www.opusenergy.com/module/page-166/nID-150/item_action-view_item/item-opus-energy-survey-finds-smes-turning-to-renewable-energy-generation/

Opus Energy launches NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme: New roles with on-the-job NVQ Diplomas announced
Opus Energy has announced the creation of new jobs alongside the launch of a bespoke NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme. The launch marks National Apprenticeship Week and celebrates Opus Energy's recent Best Companies award win. From its base in Northampton, Opus Energy is working closely with one of the UK’s biggest training providers, First4Skills, to launch the scheme which will assist Opus Energy in recruiting and training talented individuals looking to work in the energy sector. Five apprenticeships will be awarded across two key roles within Opus Energy: - Apprentice Customer Service Administrator: Diploma in Business Administration (Level 2) - Apprentice Customer Service Advisor: Diploma in Customer Service (Level 2) Annamarie Petsis Jones, Head of HR, Learning and Development at Opus Energy, commented on the launch: “We’re very excited about our new NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme, which we hope will bring new, local talent into the company. “We’re looking for a complete range of applicants, so not just school leavers but anyone with a genuine interest in working in the energy sector, a true passion for excellent customer service and an ambition to learn and develop within Opus Energy.” Each NVQ Diploma has been tailored to suit Opus Energy's specific requirements, with starting salaries double those of usual apprenticeship rates. Opus Energy has also made a pledge to track the five successful candidates’ development closely and offer them the opportunity to move on to an NVQ Level 3 upon completion of their probationary period. In addition to the NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme, Opus Energy has recently introduced a Management Development Programme – a further incentive for those looking to break into the energy sector and climb to a senior management position. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, said, “We are entering another exciting year of planned growth, and this could not have been achieved without our employees. Our aim is to be one of the best employers in the energy sector, and our recent Best Companies award demonstrates the commitment Opus Energy shows to its workforce. We believe that these new qualifications will help our employees excel in their roles and move up the ladder.” Clare Green, Account Director, First4Skills, added; “First4Skills is delighted to be working in partnership with Opus Energy to be able to support all employees, currently and in the future, by giving them access to a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications. These will bring out the best in Opus Energy employees, making the most of their potential, and in doing so will provide the building blocks for a stronger, more successful business.” For further information about the Apprenticeship Scheme, please visit the Careers section on the Opus Energy website: http://www.opusenergy.com/careers/.

Opus Energy signs wind power agreement with Danish energy company Nordjysk Elhandel
Opus Energy has entered cooperation with Danish energy company, Nordjysk Elhandel (NEAS), specialising in renewables for the balancing and trading of wind power production from wind turbine generators in the UK. "Wind power generation is expanding rapidly in the UK and we at Opus Energy want to secure the best possible set-up in production management for wind power generators. The cooperation with NEAS gives us access to state-of-the-art services in scheduling and balancing of wind power, and competencies in trading of wind power. This will provide UK wind power generators with the best service and maximum value for their production and associated certificates. We believe this cooperation will give us a competitive edge to enable us to expand our market for wind power generation”, explains Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, of Opus Energy. Today there is approximately 5,970 MW installed capacity of wind power in the UK. However, this number is expected to rise dramatically to more than 10,000 MW in 2015 and well over 20,000 MW in 2020, based on the figures for wind turbines presently under construction, approved and planned. “At NEAS we have invested many resources in building up the strongest possible set-up in production management and trading of wind power. For example, we have our own meteorologists and analysts forecasting production volumes, and we have developed specialized IT systems for balancing and scheduling of wind power generation. Also, we have years of experience in trading of wind power in Denmark, Sweden and Germany. The cooperation with Opus Energy provides us with a highly competent partner to market our services for wind power generators in the UK”, says Bo Lynge Rydahl, CEO at NEAS. Opus Energy and NEAS expect to sign the first wind power production purchase agreements (PPAs) in the UK within the first quarter of 2012. They will market their services to wind power generators on the basis of competitive and dynamic pricing structures and outstanding balance responsible party services.

Congratulations to Daniel Keatings, Opus Energy sponsored gymnast, and Team GB for qualifying for the London Olympics
Opus Energy, proud sponsors of Daniel Keatings, wish to congratulate Daniel and Team GB for their success at January’s London Prepares event, in which Team GB qualified for London 2012. Opus Energy is pleased to release a video featuring the champion gymnast powering through his pommel horse routines in front of a wind turbine. The video was filmed at Beech Tree Farm, near Melton Mowbray. Opus Energy helped complete the installation and connection process of the turbine to enable the farm’s owner, Craig Birch, to generate energy for his green waste composting business. You can view the video on You Tube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEhUFMq1WtM

Opus Energy employees raise £20,034 for Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Opus Energy, the Northampton and Oxford-based energy supplier, has raised a grand total of £20,034 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust which its employees will present to the Trust in Opus’ Northampton office (Royal Pavilion, 2 Summerhouse Road) at 11am on Monday. Presenting a cheque to the Trust will be Cara Kelly, Luke Spencer and Jamie Cooper, Opus Energy employees who each undertook fundraising activities, contributing to the total sum raised of £20,034. Credit Co-ordinator Cara Kelly completed a 10-day trek in the Peruvian Andes this November, raising £1,713; ten members of the Opus Sales team, including Luke Spencer, donned their running gear and took part in The Run Northamptonshire this October, raising £1,270 which Opus Energy then doubled; and August saw the first annual Opus Energy Charity Golf Tournament, at which Jamie Cooper was on the winning team, raising £220. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: “We chose to support the Cystic Fibrosis Trust because the charity is one that is close to our hearts – one of our colleagues has a son who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, so we wanted to do what we could to show our support for them and help others with the funds raised. We’re delighted with the amount we’ve raised for the Trust. It’s an extraordinary achievement, pulled off by a collection of some of our most adventurous and game employees. He added, “This is a great way to end the year, and a real benchmark for our collective fundraising efforts in 2012 which will see us continue our support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. We’re pledging that our employees will raise another £10,000 for the Trust which Opus will match – that’s another £20,000 for this great cause.” Sue Piper, Senior Corporate Fundraising Manager, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, "On behalf of all at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust we want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the support of Opus Energy. It has been hugely inspiring to witness how the staff have embraced numerous challenges and opportunities, and each has demonstrated huge commitment and given their time and energy in different ways. She continued, “By extending the original 12-month partnership the target has far exceeded our original expectations so we are delighted with the results. We are truly grateful for such a significant contribution and wish to extend our thanks to all at Opus Energy for helping to make a big difference to the lives of all those with Cystic Fibrosis. We’re thrilled that Opus have decided to support the Trust again in 2012."

SME owners switched on to renewable energy but simply can’t afford it or find it too confusing
A poll of UK SMEs by business-to-business energy supplier, Opus Energy, points to the sector being switched on to buying energy from renewable sources but put off by cost and perceived complexity. Nearly three quarters of small businesses that are not currently on a specific renewable energy tariff (72%) said they would consider it in the future, with the rest ruling it out as a result of cost (47%) and complexity (18%). One third (29%) claimed to be not interested. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, believes the findings provide a useful insight into the real impact of current renewable policy on UK small businesses: "We estimate that around 10% of every customer’s bill is made up of green subsidies and that the proportion of renewable subsidies that all UK businesses pay will rise by around 25% over the next 12 months. SMEs are paying for renewable energy whether it’s clear of the energy it supplies to its customers from cleaner, low-carbon sources. to them or not. “There needs to be more transparency for small businesses around the contribution they are already making to renewables – and perhaps then there’ll be greater take up by SMEs.” Over the last few years Opus Energy, a major supplier of electricity and gas to businesses in the UK, has sourced a large proportion of the energy it supplies to its customers from cleaner, low-carbon sources.

Opus Energy appoints new Head of HR to support accelerated growth
Independent energy supplier to UK businesses, Northampton and Oxford-based Opus Energy, has announced the appointment of Annamarie Petsis Jones as its new Head of HR, Learning & Development. Annamarie took up her position on 10th October. Having recently secured a placement in The Sunday Times Top Track 250 league table, Opus Energy experienced an unprecedented 31% growth on 2010 sales figures in 2011, and has continued to see a rapid rate of growth for the first six months of this financial year, leading to the creation of 100 new jobs. Annamarie’s appointment coincides with an enhanced commitment to learning and development that is planned to include the introduction of an NVQ apprenticeship scheme to the business, and a bespoke management development programme. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Annamarie to the business and look forward to refining our recruitment strategy so that we continue to attract high calibre candidates to support our business as we enter another exciting year of planned growth.” Annamarie Petsis Jones commented on her appointment, “I’m thrilled to be joining Opus at such a critical time for the business. We recently announced the creation of 100 new jobs by the end of 2012, Opus Energy’s 10th anniversary year, so I’m looking forward to a busy year in particular in implementing a recruitment strategy to support the business growth.” Annamarie joins Opus Energy from Denticare Ltd in Bedford where she was Head of HR for the last three and a half years. Prior to joining Denticare Ltd, Annamarie worked in employment law for five years, having completed her legal training with More Fisher Brown Solicitors, London in 2002.

Opus Energy marks The Sunday Times Top Track listing with creation of 100 new jobs
Independent energy supplier announces jobs creation to meet accelerated growth Independent energy supplier to UK businesses, Northampton and Oxford-based Opus Energy, has today announced the creation of 100 new jobs as it celebrates making The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table of Britain’s leading mid-market private companies. Published on Sunday 16th October, the Top Track 250 league table ranks Britain's private companies with the biggest sales. Opus Energy’s success in achieving a placement in the Top Track 250 was based on sales figures to March 2011 which show 31% growth on the previous year to £198 million. A typical Top Track 250 company is owned and run by established families and entrepreneurs, and has between 100 and 13,000 staff. Currently employing 360 staff at both its Northampton and Oxford sites, Opus Energy has continued to see a rapid rate of growth for the first six months of this financial year and expects to create 100 new jobs by the end of 2012 to meet the demand. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: “‘We are extremely pleased with this recognition of our performance over the last year but are now very much focused on the future. We are creating these new jobs to meet our continued level of growth.” He continues: “We’re proud of our workforce in both Northampton and Oxford and expect that most of the new jobs will be filled by local people.” Opus Energy is working with local recruitment agencies and is also encouraging people with relevant industry experience and a customer focus to visit the company website at www.opusenergy.com.

Opus Energy signs Virgin Media as impressive growth continues
Independent energy supplier to UK businesses, Opus Energy, has today announced the signature of its 100,000th business site, Virgin Media. The business joins a portfolio of market-leading brands which includes Paperchase, Allied Irish Bank (GB), University of Cambridge, Halfords and KPMG, amongst others. Opus’ success comes at a time when the energy regulator, Ofgem, is looking for ways to decrease the dominance of the ‘Big Six’ energy providers and demonstrates that independent suppliers can thrive. The company’s Corporate division, experienced 28% growth from this time last year and continues to expand rapidly. The stellar performance is due to Opus’ market-leading solution for larger corporates, Opus Evolution, which has seen a 122% increase in customers. Opus’ corporate customers are making the switch away from traditional fixed price contracts, displaying a growing appetite for flexible purchasing solutions which enable them to take advantage of fluctuating electricity prices. Opus expects the growth to continue into 2012, as demand for Opus Extra, which gives the smaller corporate customer access to flexible purchasing on the wholesale market, grows. Steve James, Commercial Director, responsible for the Corporate division commented: “We are delighted to have hit the 100,000 mark, and welcome Virgin Media to our roster of customers, the latest in a long line of flagship brands to join us. Our growth demonstrates that there is an alternative to the Big Six suppliers and is a result of our commitment to developing innovative and flexible products driven by our customers’ needs.” “We work with our customers to provide individual billing solutions, contract types and reporting functions tailored to their requirements, rather than by trying to squeeze them into a ‘one-size fits all’ approach.” Opus Energy’s growth has also been driven by the rapid expansion of its gas supply business. Launched in October 2009 the service now has over 8,000 live sites, an uptake or more than 75% over the business’ initial target. Designed to offer customers an affordable and reliable alternative to existing suppliers, the service allows them to access competitively priced, fixed-term contracts, shielding them from price fluctuations. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Opus Energy’s Managing Director comments; “The last 12 months have been very exciting for Opus Energy. Our continued growth and investment in our customers is reflected in not only the successful introduction of new products, services and partners but also in the increased employment of customer facing staff to help deliver the services we provide our business customers. We now look forward to continuing to expand over the next twelve months.”