Are you paying more for your utilities than you need to? SLTA president-elect John Shearer is working with David Brown Consulting to reduce his bills and free up his time
IT IS still early in the process but Highlands hotel operator John Shearer is on track to make considerable savings on his utilities as a result of working with SLTA industry partner David Brown Consulting.
Shearer, who is SLTA president-elect, owns two hotels – Morangie Hotel and Mansfield Castle, both in Tain, Ross-shire. Business is buoyant with the main tourist season running from April to October and a good corporate market, tapping into the oil and gas industry and increasingly the renewables sector, bolstering the company throughout the year.
As a former international banker who gave up a globetrotting lifestyle to become a hotelier, Shearer certainly knows his way around a spreadsheet. But it’s not just about making the numbers add up – and it’s the time it takes to source good deals then implement them that is a source of frustration for him and many other operators in the hospitality and licensed trade.
Step forward Raymond O’Reilly, a partner at Linlithgow-based David Brown Consulting which last year joined forces with the SLTA to offer a free health check on water, electricity and gas bills. “We’re delighted to be working with Raymond because we can see the potential to save money,” says Shearer.
“The company is very switched on to the needs of our industry and it absolutely makes sense to bring together all your assets like energy, water and telephone – there are savings to be made and even the smallest saving can make a difference to your bottom line.”
David Brown Consulting uses market-leading technology to secure the best business rates for electricity and gas then manages it for you, taking away the hassle of dealing with paperwork.
“We’re essentially handing over everything to Raymond because he has the contacts and knows where to get the best deals for our business – he does all the hard work and I don’t have to spend time hanging on the phone, allowing me to get on with other things.”
Shearer is also exploring options to switch over to biomass energy using a heating system that burns wood fuel pellets. Not only is this type of energy more cost-effective, it is environmentally friendly and also uses a sustainable fuel source.
“Who wouldn’t want to save money on their utility bills? It’s a win-win situation,” Shearer continues.
To get in touch with David Brown Consulting to see how you can make savings within your own business call 07403 969 939 or email info@davidbrownconsulting.co.uk quoting the SLTA.