In a rapidly evolving energy landscape, many small or medium sized businesses face growing pressure to secure competitive and reliable energy contracts.

Making the decisions around energy is no longer purely an operational task; it is a strategic decision that can influence cost control, risk exposure, sustainability ambitions and business resilience.

There are two main approaches to choosing the best energy supply for your business. Either engaging directly with an energy supplier or partnering with an energy broker.

From talking to customers, we understand that working with a broker can save time, however dealing directly with a supplier can also create long term relationships that can also be very beneficial.

Working with an energy broker

Energy brokers & advisors act as specialist intermediaries, leveraging their expertise to identify and secure competitive deals. For many businesses with limited in-house capacity, this route can offer significant benefits:

• Access to market insight – Brokers monitor market trends and can time contract negotiations strategically.
• Efficiency – Brokers handle supplier engagement, comparison, and negotiation, saving businesses considerable time.
• Broader supplier reach – Many brokers have access to tariffs and agreements not publicly advertised.
• Ongoing support – Reputable brokers often provide account management, regulatory updates, and advice on consumption optimisation.

As with any commercial arrangement, it’s important for businesses to understand how brokers are renumerated.

Some considerations for working with a broker

When you are choosing a broker to work with, there are three points to consider.

• Track record of the broker should be considered in your choice. Are they recognised with positive customer testimonials and / or awards for their work?
• Independence is important. When choosing an expert to work on your behalf it is critical that they can search the market for the best solution for your business and are not tied into a single supplier.
• An ongoing relationship. Once the electricity contract is agreed, will the broker provide ongoing support and insights during the term of the agreement?

Partnering directly with energy suppliers

For businesses seeking greater control and transparency, direct engagement with suppliers can offer several advantages:

• Transparency and clarity – Direct negotiations give businesses unfiltered access to pricing structures, contract terms, and any additional charges.
• Stronger commercial relationships – Working directly with suppliers can foster trust and potentially allow for bespoke contract terms tailored to specific operational needs.
• Potential cost savings – By removing intermediary fees or commissions, businesses may secure more competitive rates.
• Greater control over strategy – Direct engagement allows businesses to determine procurement timing, contract length, and tariff type based on their own analysis.

Using a broker can save your business some time as they will do a lot of the ‘leg-work’ on your behalf. Speaking directly with an energy supplier, like Pinergy, can create other opportunities that could align with your business’ longer-term goals and ambitions around the management of costs and carbon footprints.

Whatever choice you make, make sure that you choose an energy plan that is right for your business. Price is always an important consideration, but control, sustainability, data and market insights can also be key inputs into how you best manage energy in your business.