Independent Schools

We have been really pleased with the service provided by Powerful Allies. They took time to get to know us and understand our needs, and as a result provided strong analysis and advice that led to significant cost savings in a market where prices had risen sharply. Their ongoing support and response to follow-up questions and renewals has been similarly impressive.

Danny Boswell (Bursar)

Kingswood School was delighted to work with James and the team at Powerful Allies. Recommended by the Methodist Group Trust, they quickly analysed consumption data, saving my staff a considerable amount of man hours. Information was swiftly gathered and presented in a very digestible format. James then proffered options, explaining tariffs, the Powerful Allies cost model helping enormously with transparency. It is still early days, but I would thoroughly recommend their professional approach to utility provision.

Steve Vickery (Bursar)

We first met Powerful Allies at the ISBA conference last year and invited them afterwards to meet with us. We have found their approach to be professional, honest, transparent and knowledgeable. They have helped us to resolve some difficult issues. We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for an expert in the procurement and management of utility services.

Argentina (Estates)

I was hesitant to ring back yet another energy broker cold call as I get so many and had been with my previous one for 5 years and was happy enough. I’m so glad I did! From the very first conversation I felt that their open and honest approach appealed to me, as I’ve found previously that most energy brokers like to try and make out that the energy market is something not for the faint hearted and too complex to understand. They were able to offer clear explanations of the market and I feel safe in their hands when looking to renew our energy contracts. The open and honest approach to commission rates is also a reassurance when deciding who to use as an energy broker. I hope our relationship will be a long one and find everyone in the company a pleasure to do business with. They truly are a Powerful Ally to have.

Mike Simon (Estates Manager)

Powerful Allies were able to make our energy choices simple! They ensured we achieved cost savings and an effective strategy for future energy management. The savings in time and money have been a huge benefit to the school. We feel they have truly bought in to partnering with us and they are with us for the long term. Even though we’re a small school not spending seven figure sums on energy, Powerful Allies still looked after us very well.

Julie Bromilow (Bursar)

Powerful Allies provide a highly professional service, clearly explaining the complex energy market and how it works to a layman, breaking down the tariffs and fees and ultimately they gave me the confidence to make an informed decision. Renewing energy contracts is a minefield and can be badly done through lack of understanding and lack of time to scrutinise the options. Powerful Allies have a straightforward and honest approach, work with you to find the right solution for you rather than pushing a service and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them.

Alexandra D'Arcy-Irvine​ (School Business Manager)

I was first contacted by Powerful Allies a couple of years ago when we were still ‘in contract’ with another broker/consultant. We were reviewing our current arrangements and James and his team guided me through our options ; they couldn’t have been more helpful. They explained in simple terms an industry which is too often obfuscated by the people giving ‘help and advice’. They have always been extremely helpful, responding to my queries promptly and with insight. Nothing is too much trouble. I have always found the whole team at Powerful Allies to be sincere, honest, trustworthy and very capable. They have certainly made my life easier! I would highly recommend them.

Vivien Sergeant (Procurement Manager)

We are very appreciative of the services you provide, and the highly ethical and professional way in which you and your team provide it. It is very refreshing, and we look forward to developing a long term relationship!

Gail Jones (Bursar)

We at Truro School have worked with Powerful Allies for some time. They have been clear and helpful identifying faults in existing contracts and showing where savings can be made. They are a small personal team who are all friendly, professional and always willing to answer my most basic questions. The energy market can be confusing and it is very hard to compare prices from the many brokers who can cold call me on an almost daily basis. It seem that it is standard practice to hide charges and make rates appear cheaper than the later bills will be. Powerful Allies are very open about all the energy costs and find deals that are best fit for the school’s needs. I would be happy to recommend them to other schools who need a clear and straightforward partner in the energy market.

Neil Rudge (Facilities Manager)

I am prepared to say and to have widely known that I have found Powerful Allies to be good to do business with. Your approach is straightforward and the explanation of the arcane science of brokered energy purchasing is very thorough.

Estates Bursar

Many congratulations, I think this is an outstanding result and we are delighted with the work that James and your team have put into this. I think it’s a real breakthrough and ……. we are in a very good place. Thank you very much.

Ralph Arundell (Operations Bursar)

One of the first things I did when I joined my current employer 3 years ago was to look at our energy supply contracts; multiple gas, HH electricity and NHH electricity contracts, all supplied through one of the larger energy brokers.
My first opportunity to change any of the contracts was to look at our NHH electricity contracts, about 46 separate supply contracts in all.
Fortuitously James Robson made contact to introduce Powerful Allies, just at the right time, and I was able to invite him to test the market for me.
This gave amazing results. Our existing incumbent broker was recommending we stayed with our existing supplier with a cost increase of circa 18%. James Robson and his dedicated team at Powerful Allies were able to offer a new two year contract with an increase of just 1.67%. Needless to say after some verification and due diligence we opted for the new supplier deal.
That was back in 2016 and since then James has negotiated a 2 year extension to our existing gas contracts (48) with a negligible increase taking us out to 2021 with price certainty.
Now in 2018 James and his team at Powerful Allies are looking at renegotiating our NHH contract for another two years.
Earlier this year they negotiated a new HH contract for two years with an increase of less than 2% whilst the incumbent supplier was offering an eligibly comparable contract proposal for a contract increase of over 12% .
I can therefore fully recommend James Robson and his small dedicated team at Powerful Allies, who offer a dedicated personal service and will negotiate very competitive offers for gas and electricity (HH and NHH) contracts with transparency. Once they secure the offer they let you know what their charges are, so that you know and have visibility of those charges.
Give them a go you won’t be disappointed.

Brian Rollason (Building Services Engineering Manager)

Powerful Allies Ltd have acted as our energy brokers for the last three years ensuring transparent procurement of electricity and gas. In addition, they have provided proactive customer care, meeting our needs with a calm, reliable approach thankfully devoid of the jargon that bestrides the utilities market.

Jaret Bennett (Health, Safety & Environment Manager)