Brownlow’s energy purchasing and management decisions have yielded almost £465,000 worth of savings for The Comfy Group.
Comfy Group, a family-owned business, has been manufacturing bedding products since 1973. Over the years, the company has expanded significantly, becoming one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of quilts, pillows, mattress covers, and bed linen. Committed to quality and comfort, Comfy Group designs products to enhance sleep for individuals of all ages—including pets.
Specialising in supplying independent and private retailers, Comfy Group also develops bespoke ranges for national retailers. With an in-house design studio and cutting-edge technology at its Manufacturing Centre, the company remains at the forefront of the industry, producing high-quality products for many well-known brands.
The Comfy Group was locked into a long-term fixed energy contract that had been agreed upon during a peak in the market. As a result, they were paying significantly above current market rates, with annual energy costs of more than £1m. This high expenditure was putting substantial financial pressure on the business.
Additionally, with energy prices fluctuating and the market evolving, the Comfy Group lacked the flexibility to take advantage of potential cost-saving opportunities. They needed expert guidance to explore alternative energy purchasing strategies and identify ways to optimise their energy usage.
To address the Comfy Group’s high energy costs, Brownlow Utilities facilitated their transition into a flexible purchasing basket with the supplier Total Energies. This approach provided the client with greater control over their energy procurement, allowing them to benefit from market fluctuations and secure more competitive rates over time.
In addition to optimising their energy contract, Brownlow Utilities supported the Comfy Group with sustainability compliance. This included assistance with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) to ensure regulatory compliance and improve sustainability reporting.
Furthermore, during this comprehensive review of the Comfy Group’s energy portfolio, a historical bill audit was conducted to identify potential billing errors and recover any overpayments. This further reduced costs and improved financial efficiency.
By transitioning to a flexible purchasing strategy, the Comfy Group achieved significant cost reductions, with estimated annual savings of over 50% compared to their previous fixed contract. This new approach not only lowered their overall energy expenditure but also provided continued financial benefits and control through improved market positioning.
Across their energy baskets, the Comfy Group consistently outperformed against their fixed contract baseline costs, securing substantial savings:
Electricity (Total Energies):
Gas (Corona Energy):
Additionally, the historical bill audit uncovered billing discrepancies, resulting in a further cost recovery of approximately £1,400.
The above energy purchasing and management decisions have yielded almost £465,000 worth of savings for the group. These combined savings have significantly reduced financial strain on the business, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively while maintaining energy cost stability.
“From the initial contact with Brownlow, right through to enabling the energy agreement, they have been a pleasure to work with. The promises made about the service have been met and the advice given has been invaluable. Given the recent turmoil in the energy markets, having a partner you can trust is essential for now and the future.” – Jarrod Hargreaves, Chief Operating Officer
