“Energy and utilities create significant costs for our business and now that we have partnered with Brownlow, we have a clear view of our business utilities and are enjoying the savings as a result.”
Doric Group, a leading Packaging and Baking Products company based in Cheadle Hulme, South Manchester, operates several manufacturing sites across the UK. As the country’s top supplier of baking products, Doric Group remains focused on maintaining efficiency throughout its operations.
For many years, Brownlow managed Doric Group’s gas and electricity portfolios, consistently optimising energy usage and cost savings. During their routine oversight, the Brownlow team noticed potential issues with water charges at the Burnley-based Doric Cake Crafts site, a key division of Doric FPD and an integral part of Doric Group. The water charges appeared unusually high, raising concerns about possible inefficiencies or billing errors.
To address these concerns, Brownlow launched a thorough review of the site’s water and wastewater invoices. The team carefully analysed the charging services, tariffs, and consumption data, searching for discrepancies or areas where costs could be reduced. To gain a deeper understanding, Brownlow conducted a physical survey of the site’s water infrastructure. This on-site inspection allowed them to assess the water flow and pinpoint areas where they could adjust or eliminate charges.
The investigation revealed a critical finding: surface water from the Burnley site did not flow into United Utilities drains as previously assumed. Instead, it entered a private surface water drainage network. This discovery proved significant, as it meant that the site had been incorrectly charged for services it did not use.
With this evidence, Brownlow approached Water Plus to correct the billing errors. As a result, Doric Group received over £19,000 in refunds for charges dating back more than six years. Beyond the immediate financial recovery, the correction of these charges led to ongoing annual savings of approximately £6,000. These savings have positively impacted on the company’s bottom line, allowing Doric Group to reinvest in its operations.
Brownlow’s proactive approach highlights the importance of regular utility audits and site surveys in uncovering hidden inefficiencies. By ensuring that Doric Group only pays for the services it uses, Brownlow has helped the company enhance its financial efficiency and maintain its leadership in the baking products industry.
“We strive to be financially efficient across all our operations. Energy and utilities create significant costs for our business and now that we have partnered with Brownlow, we have a clear view of our business utilities and are enjoying the savings as a result”
-Bruce Murray, Group Finance Director