Best ever year in sales with a 60% uplift in new contract wins.
Leep Utilities has announced that the last financial year (to 4.4.21) has been its most successful since its 2017 launch, despite the impact of the pandemic.
The last mile multi-utility network owner and operator reports that although the business, like most, faced new challenges, some of the changes have had a positive effect allowing the business to become more adaptable and resilient.
The team had to quickly re-evaluate operations when the pandemic hit, forcing the UK into lockdown in March. Outgoings were tightened and the company prepared for a reduction of activity. In fact, sales were ahead of budget with the business securing 25% more schemes in 2020 than any previous year.
Commenting on the past 12 months, Managing Director of Leep Utilities Louise Manfredi, explained how the business thrived during lockdown: “As a utility operator we were able to maintain people in the field, so we were able to keep live projects on track. The sales teams also saw an immediate reduction in travel time, which meant more resource directed at business conversion. At the same time, we saw an increase in the availability of client decision makers. These factors had a positive impact on contract negotiations.”
Securing multiple new schemes across the residential, retail, industrial and commercial markets, Leep Utilities managed to successfully bring a number of new water contracts on board increasing its portfolio by 35%, alongside winning its first Gas networks contract. The amount of new business won is a 60% increase on any other year.
Due to the success, Leep Utilities were then able to grow the team, making an additional 22 hires, including Annette Hardcastle as Director of Customer Operations. Annette’s role was vital to the business, ensuring customers were getting the support they needed during such strange times. Looking to expand the team even further in 2021, Leep Utilities are actively recruiting a further six roles within the business.
Louise added: “As unpredictable as the past 12 months have been, we’re happy to be coming out the other side ready for what’s ahead. A big learning for us has been that trust is key – we value trusted relationships with our staff and customers, ensuring the right support systems were available both internally and externally was crucial to our success throughout the pandemic.”
