14th Aug 2009 - 00:00
Abstract
Business owners have been given a timely boost to help them manage soaring utilities costs in a deal offering freedom from rolling telecoms contracts and the best possible rates.
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) and Chess Telecom have struck an arrangement unique to FPB members – no rollover contracts and a guarantee of best price. The deal follows complaints from business owners concerned at the poor customer service they receive from other utilities companies. With little notice, many find themselves contractually bound to at least another year with the same provider, often at inflated prices. Colin Beake, who is Managing Director of Utility Options, a utilities consultancy, explained more about the situation: "Most often, only a single letter is sent out and a non-response is taken as a business being complicit. Business owners are extremely busy and, unless notice is given within the specified time to terminate these 'evergreen' contracts, utilities companies can just roll them over for a further year or two, sometimes at exorbitant prices. They rarely play fair." Speaking about the new arrangement with the FPB and its members: "This is fantastic news for members of the FPB. Not only do members have peace of mind that they will not be tied into a contract for longer than the agreed period of time but, if they are approached by an alternative provider offering a cheaper like-for-like quote, Chess will match it."