Bay Tree Lodge

Industry: Hospitality

Service: Energy procurement

Result: IEC delivers a business energy management service tailored to the guest house's needs – ensuring it pays the best rate for its energy and that no money is wasted on unnecessary charges.

About Bay Tree Lodge

Bay Tree Lodge is an eight-room Victorian guest house dating back to 1886, set in Hoole, a short walk from Chester's historic city centre. The family-run business operates as both a guest house and Airbnb accommodation, with each room offering a private or en-suite bathroom, free fibre-optic Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Project brief

IEC's relationship with Bay Tree Lodge spans over 14 years. As a fellow family-run business, IEC brings an inherent understanding of how these businesses operate – something not always found elsewhere. Bay Tree Lodge needed an energy partner to manage its procurement and keep costs under control.

The outcome

As a family-run business committed to keeping room rates reasonable while maintaining a comfortable, welcoming environment, Bay Tree Lodge keeps a close eye on its outgoings. With eight bedrooms and bathrooms to heat and light, energy makes up a significant share of its costs.

IEC has managed the guest house's energy procurement for over a decade, regularly securing savings by beating renewal quotes. IEC also helped Bay Tree Lodge successfully challenge a gas supplier that had overcharged the account after incorrectly estimating the meter had rolled over – saving the business thousands of pounds. IEC worked with the owners to secure a substantial rebate, guiding them through the process from start to finish – including helping with the Ombudsman paperwork – to reach a successful resolution.

“The team at IEC has been invaluable in securing the best energy contracts for us. On one occasion, when it came to light that we'd been significantly overcharged on a historic contract, Gavin Jones guided us through the process from start to finish – even helping with the paperwork for the Ombudsman – and ensured we reached a successful conclusion. Throughout our relationship with IEC, the team's help and support has been second-to-none.”

Tom Briggs, Owner