Endeavour Learning Trust has recovered significant refunds, secured ongoing annual savings, and gained full transparency over its utility costs, ensuring long-term financial security.
Endeavour Learning Trust is a well-established and respected educational Trust in the North West, spanning South Ribble, West Lancashire, and North Sefton. The Trust is dedicated to creating a genuinely positive impact on all the children, young people, and communities they support. The Trust’s values are at the forefront of all they do, allowing it to be a trusted education provider.
Endeavour Learning Trust approached Brownlow Utilities after appointing a new CFO, who, based on their experience with other trusts, identified unnecessary charges on their utility bills. Having previously worked with Brownlow Utilities at other trusts, the CFO turned to a consultancy they knew they could rely on for expert guidance and clarity.
Brownlow’s specialist bill audit team collated bills, data, and utility contracts from the Trust dating back to approximately 2018. Brownlow then conducted a rigorous desktop validation exercise, investigating all charges on electricity and gas invoices, together with drainage maps for water charges to identify potential savings.
Brownlow found that two schools within The Trust qualified for discounted VAT rates and should have had the Climate Change Levy (CCL) charges removed from their bills. Unfortunately, the schools were charged the full rate by their supplier, therefore a claim was made to Npower for investigation.
Additionally, incorrect surface water drainage charges were identified at three schools within the Endeavour group. These discrepancies were promptly reported to Wave/Water Plus for re-examination.
Once Brownlow had completed negotiations with all suppliers, the Trust successfully gained a refund of £11,800 from Npower by removing the CCL Charge from their electricity bills dating back to 2018. Additionally, the Trust will enjoy ongoing annual savings of approximately £4,900.
Following a comprehensive water audit, Brownlow liaised with the relevant water supplier and secured a refund exceeding £36,300 for the Trust. This process has resulted in an ongoing annual saving of £8,561 for the Trust.
Brownlow is currently exploring the possibility of further recoveries for two schools, amounting to £10,700 and £8,100 respectively, pending additional investigation with Wave/Waterplus.
Endeavour Learning Trust has achieved remarkable cost savings and improved transparency in its billing process. They are also benefiting from ongoing support from Brownlow to prevent any future billing errors.
“Having worked with Brownlow across several schools now, they have always been extremely effective in identifying errors and generating savings on our utility bills, meaning more resources are available to be directed toward teaching and learning.” – Judith Perry, Chief Financial Officer
