Selkirk’s Spark Energy is on the up as profits increase

Selkirk’s biggest employer has reported a sharp increase in turnover and profits on the back of strong customer growth.
Borders MP Calum Kerr meets Spark Energy chief executve Chris Gauld on a visit to the Selkirk-based energy supplier. Picture by Gareth EastonBorders MP Calum Kerr meets Spark Energy chief executve Chris Gauld on a visit to the Selkirk-based energy supplier. Picture by Gareth Easton
Borders MP Calum Kerr meets Spark Energy chief executve Chris Gauld on a visit to the Selkirk-based energy supplier. Picture by Gareth Easton

Spark Energy said revenue increased by 43% to £118.6m in the year to June, while pre-tax profits climbed from £1.27m to £3.4m.

The company’s annual report for the year to June 30th 2015 also revealed a 20% rise in customer numbers, which currently stand at 140,000.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Spark Energy has predicted further expansion as the GB rented homes sector continues to grow, despite recent tax changes for buy-to-let landlords.

Chef executive officer Chris Gauld said: “The market is moving strongly in our direction, with the number of people renting their homes doubling in the past 10 years.

“Despite having to overcome the numerous obstacles of succeeding in an energy market which has always been challenging for new entrants, the hard work and substantial investment we’ve put in means we’re now firmly established and more than able to compete with the Big Six.

“There are still a number of hurdles to overcome to make our industry a more level playing field, but we’re seeing real changes in the GB energy industry. It is a very exciting time for us as a company and we are now in an excellent position to continue our growth by providing our customers with the very best service - official figures showing that we receive around a third of the complaints of the best performing Big Six supplier.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are highly encouraged by this significant increase in profit and turnover, which was driven through a combination of continued customer growth and reduction in bad debts.”

Employee numbers at Spark Energy’s Selkirk HQ rose in the period from 190 to 246, mostly in customer-facing areas, and currently stand at over 300.

Mr Gauld added: “We’re now one of the biggest employers in the Borders and in August we increased our leadership team with the appointment of senior staff, including a continuous improvement director and energy services director headhunted from two of the Big Six energy suppliers.

“The installation of smart meters in all our properties remains a long-term commitment, despite delays in to the UK-wide Smart Metering programme resulting in a lack of financing. However, I’m pleased to report last week we installed the first smart meter in our 2016 rollout plan.”

Related topics: