Chester Link

Industry: Food manufacturing

Service: Housing provision to vulnerable adults

Result: IEC delivers a complete business energy management service tailored to the charity’s needs to ensure it pays the best rate possible for its energy and that no money is wasted on unnecessary char

About Chester Link

Chester Link supports individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism to lead independent and fulfilling lives by facilitating and providing person-centred high-quality care. The charity owns and leases properties to these vulnerable individuals in the Chester community.

Chester Link receives limited funding from Government and local Council sources so it is crucial that every penny is used to sustain frontline services. Any overspend on utilities has a direct impact on the care and housing the charity can provide. Before working with IEC, Chester Link received poor advice from previous consultants, resulting in significant overspend and avoidable charges.

Project brief

When Chester Link approached IEC, following a strong recommendation, the charity needed a trustworthy, experienced partner to restore confidence after damaging past experiences. Chester Link wanted to receive transparent guidance during business energy contract renewals and ensure the best value deals were secured. It was also important to ensure that every invoice was validated, to check for errors, overcharging and any other inconsistencies.

The outcome

IEC discovered that Chester Link had been incorrectly charged 20% VAT in the past, despite being eligible for the 5% charitable rate. IEC worked with suppliers to correct this and recover a portion of the overpayment, which has saved the charity significant funds. As a charitable organisation, Chester Link should not have been paying the Climate Change Levy (CCL). IEC ensured this charge was removed, preventing further unnecessary costs. The team checks every invoice and addresses any discrepancies, which means Chester Link can have total reassurance that it is not overpaying.

IEC provides clear, proactive communication whenever contracts approach renewal. Chester Link relies on IEC’s market expertise to secure the most competitive rates, protecting the charity from volatile pricing. With the charity avoiding unnecessary charges and costly mistakes, all money saved can go directly back into frontline care.

"It is very important to Chester Link not to waste a single penny and appointing this consultancy has restored our confidence that energy costs are being managed responsibly and with expert oversight. Now we can focus on providing safe housing and life?enhancing support for adults with learning disabilities and autism, without worrying about overspend on our utility bills."

Charlotte Bunton-Deer, Housing Co-Ordinator