The quickest way to get utilities working in new business premises is to identify who already supplies each meter, take opening readings on the first day, and then arrange proper contracts before deemed rates build up. A utilities broker can handle gas, electricity and water together, while individual suppliers and water retailers can be approached directly. Setting things up properly in the first fortnight avoids paying for the last occupant’s usage and avoids the higher rates charged when no contract is in place. The eight services below are selected for speed, ability to cover more than one utility, and suitability for small businesses taking on a lease.
1. Utility Bidder
Utility Bidder is a business utilities broker covering gas, electricity, water, waste, telecoms and insurance, so one contact can deal with most of a new site’s setup. It suits busy owners who want someone else to trace suppliers, run the comparisons and handle switching through a dedicated account manager. It costs nothing to the business because the broker is paid by suppliers. The caveat: you only see the suppliers on its panel, so a niche or regional option might not be included.
2. Bionic
Bionic is a large UK broker comparing business energy, broadband and insurance. It suits owners setting up a new unit who want energy and connectivity sorted in one conversation. It can usually quote quickly once you have meter numbers. The limitation is that water is not its core focus, so you may still need a separate conversation with a water retailer.
3. British Gas Business
British Gas Business can supply both gas and electricity, which simplifies setup for a site needing dual fuel. It suits businesses that want a well-known name and a single bill. If it already supplies your meters, it can often move you from deemed rates onto a contract with no switch required. The caveat is that a single direct quote gives you no comparison, so it is worth benchmarking.
4. EDF Business
EDF Business supplies electricity and gas to UK firms of all sizes. It suits businesses moving into premises where EDF is already the incumbent supplier, as setting up a contract is mostly administrative. It also offers renewable-backed electricity options. The limitation, as with any single supplier, is that you only see its own pricing.
5. Castle Water
Castle Water is one of the largest business water retailers in England and Scotland’s open markets. It suits small businesses wanting water and wastewater billing sorted quickly, and it handles a high volume of new occupiers. The caveat is that water retail switching can save on service and billing, but the wholesale charges set by the regional water company are the same whoever bills you.
6. Water Plus
Water Plus is a large business water retailer supplying organisations across England, from single shops to multi-site groups. It suits companies wanting an established retailer that can absorb a new site into an existing account. The limitation is that customer experience reports are mixed, so ask how meter reads, moving-in dates and disputes are handled before signing.
7. Octopus Energy for Business
Octopus Energy for Business sells gas and electricity direct with an online sign-up, which suits smaller units and start-ups that like doing things digitally. It is widely regarded for customer service. The caveat is that it provides energy only, so water, waste and connectivity still need separate arrangements.
8. Do the move-in admin yourself on day one
Before any provider can help, take dated photos of every meter, find the MPAN and MPRN numbers, and get the supply point ID for water from your lease pack or landlord. Tell the incumbent suppliers your moving-in date in writing. This suits every new occupier. The limitation is time: it is tedious, but skipping it is the main reason businesses end up paying for a previous tenant’s usage.
How to choose
- Photograph every meter with a timestamp on your first day.
- Ask the landlord or agent which suppliers are in place.
- Prioritise moving off deemed rates for gas and electricity.
- Check whether the lease puts water on a shared or landlord-controlled supply.
- Bundle setup through one contact if time is short.
Take readings and meter numbers before you move a single desk in. Then contact the existing suppliers and get at least two quotes, so contracts are in place within the first couple of weeks.
