Agreement magazine- June issue 2008

Energetic expansion for Spark 

Spark Energy continues to fuel its rapid expansion into the UK energy market, winning a series of deals worth an estimated £5m during the last three months.

The energy provider, supplying gas and electricity to lettings agents, has acquired 50 high profile partners including Harvey Scott Properties Ltd and Howards Residential Lettings, representing a total in excess of 20,000 properties under management. 

This news has allowed Spark Energy to double the size of its customer service team and centralise it under one roof at the company’s head office in the Scottish Borders as well as introducing a number of IT-led process improvements. Amongst these improvements, the company has introduced a data feed system to streamline the letting agent’s administration process, enabling them to manage the change of tenancy process automatically, which also reduces errors. This allows letting agents to concentrate on running their business and tenants to concentrate on enjoying their new home with Spark’s price guarantee and tenant benefits package.  

The company also plans to roll out Smart Meters across its entire customer base this year, helping tenants see exactly where they are using energy thereby enabling the tenancy to reduce usage and their bills. 

PJ Darling, CEO Spark Energy says: “We’ve had a lot of success for a company that isn’t even two years old. Not only are we already generating revenue but we are increasing revenue 20% month on month. From past experience I know only too well the headache tenant utilities cause letting agents, so it’s great to be providing a service that none of the Big 6 are addressing.” 

Michelle Foreman-Rowe of Howards Residential Lettings, operating 10 offices across East Anglia comments: "Spark has listened and understood the letting agent’s frustration in dealing with utilities.  Personal contact rather than a call centre combined with a service that fits with a high level of turnover is a great combination.”

Fancy winning £500......

Read it and Reap!

Spark Energy customers are being offered the chance to win £500 just for giving an accurate meter reading. All customers are being asked to submit a reading before the 1^st of July and those that do will be entered into a prize draw with a £500 first prize.  Meter readings are essential in allowing Spark to create accurate quarterly statements and monthly direct debit collections. Customers can submit readings anytime on the website by clicking ‘submit a reading’ or by returning postage paid meter reading cards.  

Terms and Conditions

The Insider- 1st May 2008

One to watch- PJ Darling, Spark Energy 

Setting up a company aimed at taking on the big boys in the gas and electricity provision market may seem a tall order.

But PJ Darling, who founded Selkirk headquartered Spark Energy just over a year ago, identified a gap in the market ignored by the Big Six - providing services to the residential lettings market.

By the end of the current funding round, the company's David versus Goliath assault on the energy market attracted £1.2m - including a £500,000 investment by a London-based investment house - enabling Darling to rapidly increase his rate of growth.

Although still in the throes of the company's birth, Darling points out that Spark Energy currently supplies gas and electricity to some 3000 properties and intends to increase that to 20,000 by the end of the year.

The company takes care of all the admin hassle involved in changing utilities at the time of a change in tenants, in exchange for having the agreement switched to Spark by the letting agent.

"There are only about three million residential tenants in the UK but it is a huge opportunity for us," Darling explains.

"We are looking for about 8 per cent of the total market over the next five years, so it will be about 200,000 customers by 2012. That said, the average customer spends about £1000 a year on electricity and gas so you are looking at around a £200m company in terms of turnover."

He adds that the company should be "earnings-positive" by around November, although it is already "cash-positive".

Darling's first foray into entrepreneurialism was starting a minicab company in London called Blueback.

"It was such a non-sexy industry that nobody had bothered to consolidate it," he says.

"That was what we intended to do so we raised about £5m in angel funding to build a new, branded platform and to start taking over various companies within the marketplace."

So far, Darling says, Spark Energy is not on the radar of the Big Six providers - Scottish & Southern Energy, British and Scottish Gas, Npower, EDF, E.ON and Scottish Power.

"They know about this marketplace but have not entered it as it is too small," he adds.

Spark Recruitment- May 2008

Current Jobs

Customer Service Representative 

Reporting to the Operations Director, you’ll perform the vital role of handling contact from our customers over the phone and by email.  Spark Energy aims to deliver the best customer service in the Utilities sector, so great communication skills, a passion for delivering on our promises to customers and a strong sense of ownership of the customers issue from first contact to final resolution are key qualities required for this role.  Experience of working in a customer service role and good problem solving skills will make you stand out from the crowd.  As we are a new company, being up to the challenge of a fast-changing environment where your ideas can make all the difference to a customer are also key requirements. 

The Advertiser, North England- 04/08

Pattinson joins forces with Spark 

Pattinson Rentals has joined forces with Spark Energy, a specialist supplier of utilities to the lettings industry. Managing the administration surrounding the set up, data flows and closing of tenant energy accounts is a complex and time consuming activity.

Andrew Hartley, head of Pattinson Rentals said, “By appointing Spark Energy as preferred supplier to our full management properties, the Pattinson Rentals’ property management team can concentrate on what we do best- delivering great service to tenants and landlords. The tie up is good news for tenants too. “Spark’s price guarantee, renewable energy targets and commitment to excellent customer service means the company is the natural choice for anyone renting in the UK.” Spark’s director of sales, Chris Gauld, said “The property lettings market has been crying out for a tailored solution to tenant utilities’ management.   As an independent energy company, we have complete control over pricing, partner support and customer service delivery. We are really excited about working with Andrew and his team at Pattinson. Like us, they are committed to working hard to improve the lot of residential tenants in the UK.

Established by Keith Pattinson over 30 years ago, Pattinson offers a wide range of property services, including residential and commercial sales and letting, as well as monthly auctions held at the Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park ground. In addition to its network of 30 high street branches across the North-East, stretching from Middlesbrough in the South to Ashington in the north and including offices in Darlington and Durham, the company operates an extended hour’s customer contact centre and has an extensive network of agents working form home.

Sold Out Magazine online- April 2008

Five million pounds of new business in three months

Spark Energy continues to fuel its rapid expansion into the UK energy market, winning a series of deals worth an estimated 5m during the last three months.
The UK’s newest energy provider has acquired 50 high profile partners including Harvey Scott Properties Ltd and Howards Residential Lettings, representing a total in excess of 20,000 properties under management. This news has allowed Spark Energy to double the size of its customer service team and introduce a number of IT-led process improvements, including a data feed system to streamline the admin process. The company also plans to roll out Smart Meters across its entire customer base this year, helping tenants see exactly where they are using energy.

PJ Darling, CEO commented on the progress since launching in January 2007: “We’ve had a lot of success for a company that isn’t even two years old. Not only are we already generating revenue but we are increasing revenue by 20% month on month.”

Spark Energy plans to further its presence within the lettings market by continuing to forge deals with key players and maintain its competitive edge by capitalising on areas neglected by its competitors.

Richard Hogben, Director of Harvey Scott Ltd managing a large portfolio around the north west of England said: "The opportunity to reduce administration by working with Spark Energy means we can invest in the business and in providing first class customer service. Spark has a unique offering which really addresses the needs of letting agents.”

Spark Exhibits at The National Landlord Conference- April 30th 08

Success for Spark at the National Landlord Conference

Spark Energy exhibited at the National Landlords Association Conference at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on 30th April, 2008.

The exhibition was attended by hundreds of Scottish Landlords and Letting Agents and our experienced Business Development Managers' were on hand to demonstrate our services and benefits.

BBC News – Friday 4 April 2008

Growth continues at energy firm 

A Borders energy company has clinched new contracts worth about £5m over the past three months. Spark Energy – based in Selkirk – has increased the size of its customer relations department on the back of the latest deals. The gas and electricity provider specialises in the residential lettings sector.

Company CEO PJ Darling said the firm was “enjoying a lot of success” despite being in existence for just two years.

The Scotsman – Wednesday 2 April 2008

Powering ahead with expansion 

Spark Energy has revealed it completed deals worth an estimated £5 million in the past three months.

The power company, which is based in Selkirk in the Borders, supplies gas and electricity to letting agents. It now has 50 partners, including Harvey Scott Properties and Howards Residential Lettings, which between them manage more than 20,000 properties in Norfolk and the north-west of England. 

PJ Darling, Spark’s chief executive, said: “We’ve had a lot of success for a company that isn’t even two years old. We are increasing revenue by 20 per cent month on month.”

Spark Recruitment- 18/03/08

Current Jobs

Customer Service Representative 

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll perform the vital role of handling contact from our customers over the phone and by email.  Spark Energy aims to deliver the best customer service in the Utilities sector, so great communication skills, a passion for delivering on our promises to customers and a strong sense of ownership of the customers issue from first contact to final resolution are key qualities required for this role.  Experience of working in a customer service role and good problem solving skills will make you stand out from the crowd.  As we are a new company, being up to the challenge of a fast-changing environment where your ideas can make all the difference to a customer are also key requirements. 

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll be responsible for handling day-to-day contact with our working partners. Spark Energy work closely with a host of Letting Agencies across the UK, and take the hassle out of managing utilities for both the Letting Agent and the end customer. Complementing the Customer Service team, the Partner Manager role is primarily about building strong working relationships and ensuring we deliver on our promises. Great communication skills, problem solving abilities and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships are essential skills in this role, as is relishing the challenge of a fast moving environment where change happens often.

Business 7- My working life... 14/03/08

PJ Darling, founder of Spark Energy shares his work schedule

The 'spark' for setting up his own utility company came when PJ Darling was working for a property management company.

He noticed they were having a lot of problems between renters and gas and electricity companies, and decided he could do it better.

"None of the big six utility companies were addressing their specific needs," says Darling.

"Once you've identified the opportunity, then comes the challenge of structuring a company out of the idea and convincing a lot of people that the idea will work."

Now Spark supplies gas and electricity to renters across the UK through lettings and property management firms. With turnover hitting £3million the firm is the seventh largest utility provider in the UK.

Darling recently raised £1.2m in funding, including £500,000 from a London-based investment house. He says he spends half his time in London, but the travel is rewarding.

"The train is truly awesome - four hours of uninterrupted work with wifi access. If I didn't travel regularly to London I'd still take the odd trip there and back on the train just to get that time to focus," he says.

Head office is in Selkirk, which Darling sees as an improvement on having an office in Edinburgh.

Since he took the firm's customer service operation in-house, having previously outsourced it, he expects to grow his workforce to 150. This will make him one of the biggest employers in the Borders.

He says: "We were in Edinburgh but realised the cost of renting larger premises and higher salaries to handle the new customer service team would have a significant impact on the business." "More importantly though, we wanted to ensure we moved somewhere where the potential team are less transient."

Spark Recruitment- 14/03/2008

Latest Spark Jobs 

As Operations Director you will report to the CEO and will be an integral part of the company and its success. You will have end to end responsibility for the customer from inception, as well as all customer focussed facets of the business. This will include the delivery and improvement of all services, and directorship of projects to develop new ones. You will grow the operations teams in line with the growth of the business. This is likely to lead to a board position. 

As Demand Forecast Manager you will utilise all relevant data in predicting Spark’s supply commitments and your calculations will be the driver for the business’ energy purchase strategy. In this economically pivotal role you must have a keen understanding of the effects of weather, customer demographics and the factors affecting their energy usage. 

As Settlements Manager you will play a significant role in establishing and growing the business. Reporting to the Financial Controller you will provide one of the key lines of communication between Spark Energy and its energy trading partners. With a fastidious attention to detail, you will have administrative oversight of Spark’s trading function. 

To apply or for more information, please contact Cripps Sears on 0207 440 8999 or london@crippssears.com quoting the reference gs1.  

Estate Agency News- Jan/ Feb 08

Spark Energy supplies lettings market 

Spark Energy have secured partnerships with 40 property management companies in a deal that is estimated to be worth £1.75 million. The combined portfolio of all companies involved is thought to be 8,000 properties including Pattinson Rentals (Newcastle) in Courtney Green (Horsham) and Lynda Paine Lettings (Brighton). Spark Energy is the UK’s newest energy company providing gas and electricity to the residential lettings market. This news follows completion last month of the company’s latest funding round with a £500,000 investment led by a London-based investment house. Following deregulation Spark Energy is one of the only companies to have broken through the significant barriers to entry, securing its position as the UK’s eighth largest utility. PJ Darling, Spark Energy’s CEO, said ‘This is great news and confirms the need and demand for our service. As an independent energy company, we have complete control over pricing, partner support and customer service delivery. The “Big 6” are not interested in the residential lettings market and we are here to provide the support this sector needs.’ The administration of utilities is a painful process for letting agents. From billing during void periods, tracking down existing suppliers to managing tenants moving in and out. Spark Energy looks after the administration surrounding the change of supply and change of tenant process and covers the cost of energy during short void periods between tenancies. Commission is paid for every property switched to Spark Energy and the tenant benefits from a price guarantee and renewable energy targets. 

Andrew Hartley, head of Pattinson Rentals, said ‘By appointing Spark Energy as preferred supplier to our full management properties, we can concentrate on what we do best - delivering great service to tenants and landlords.’

The Negotiator- Volume 23 Issue 2- Jan/Feb

New Energy provider targets lettings agents

Bright Spark Offers Deal In Rentals Market 

A new energy provider, Spark, has come into the market, supplying gas and electricity to the residential lettings market.

It has so far secured deals worth nearly £2 million, signing up more than 40 property agencies managing over 8000 properties between them.

Those so far signed up include Pattinson Rentals in Newcastle, Courtney Green in Horsham, Sussex, and Linda Paine Lettings in Brighton.

The agents earn commission when they introduce tenants to Spark, who in return get guaranteed lower energy bills when they switch.

Located on the Scottish borders, Spark has won a recent £500,000 backing from a London investment house and is looking to expand.

Following deregulation, Spark Energy is one of the only companies to have broken through the significant barriers to entry, securing a position as the UK’s eighth largest utility – or, as chief executive PJ Darling, picture, put I, the UK’s smallest utility, as there are only eight.

Darling said: “As an independent energy company, we have complete control over pricing, partner support and customer service delivery. Our competitors are not interested in the residential lettings market. We spotted this opportunity and are here to provide the support this sector needs.

“The administration of utilities is a painful process for letting agents, from billing during void periods, to tracking down existing suppliers and managing tenants moving in and out.

UK Landlord- editorial- Jan/Feb 2008

Utilities Service Aimed at Landlords

Spark Energy, a company providing gas and electricity to the residential lettings market, is proving adept at taking the hassle out of switching utilities over from one tenant to another, having signed deals with letting agents worth over £ 1.75 million in November
last year.

Spark aims to take all the hassle away by looking after the administration surrounding the change of supply and change of tenant
process and covering the cost of energy during short void periods between tenancies.

The deals struck by Spark Energy, which is now the eighth largest utility in the UK, covered 8,000 properties in Brighton, Horsham and
Newcastle and the energy provider is keen to continue expanding its coverage nationwide.

Spark is expanding its place in the energy market by exploring niche markets ignored by the ‘Big 6’ suppliers, including supplying
residential tenants, property companies and private landlords.

Commission is paid to landlords and letting agents for every property switched to Spark Energy and the tenant benefits from a price guarantee, renewable energy targets and commitment to excellent customer service.

“This is great news and confirms the need and demand for our service” commented PJ Darling, Spark Energy’s CEO. “As an independent energy company, we have complete control over pricing, partner support
and customer service delivery. The ‘Big 6’ are not interested in the residential lettings market and we are here to provide the support
this sector needs.”

Spark is offering smart-meters to replace estimated bills and SMS customer alerts whenever an online energy bill is ready.

Event Information- Tues 5th Feb 2008

Spark Energy exhibits at The ARLA Conference 2008

Spark Energy is exhibiting at the forthcoming Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) Conference taking place at the Novotel London West Hotel, Hammersmith, London on Tues 5th February 2008.

Visit stand 37 to learn more about who we are, and what we do. Our experienced Business Development Managers' will be on hand to demonstrate our services and benefits.

For all marketing enquiries, please contact Jen Howie, Marketing Manager on 0845 869 4002 (option 5)

BBC News, Tues 11th Dec 07

Energy Firm clinches £1.75m deals

A Borders-based energy company has secured a string of new contracts worth an estimated £1.75m. Spark Energy recently relocated to Selkirk where it hopes to create up to 150 jobs in the future. The gas and electricity provider specialises in the residential letting sector and the latest deals give it an extra 8,000 properties across the UK. A spokesman for the firm said the new contracts were "great news" for the company's growth plans.

The Scotsman, Tues 11th Dec 07

Spark Energy wins work worth £1.75m 

SPARK Energy, the Borders-based gas and electricity supplier, secured deals last month worth about £1.75 million. The firm, which specialises in servicing the residential letting market, has signed partnerships with 40 property management companies managing a combined portfolio of 8,000 properties. They include Newcastle's Pattinson Rentals, Courtney Green of Horsham and Lynda Paine Lettings of Brighton. The Selkirk-based company is recruiting new staff in customer service, financial and management. Last month, it completed its latest funding round with a £500,000 investment led by a London-based investment house. Spark Energy claims to be one of the few companies to have broken the barriers to energy-market entry, securing a position as the UK's eighth-largest utility. Spark specialises in managing frequently changing users, including billing during void periods and managing tenants moving in and out. Commission is paid for every property switched to Spark Energy and the tenant receives a price guarantee and a commitment to increase the use of renewable sources. PJ Darling, Spark's chief executive, said: "As an independent energy company, we have complete control over pricing, partner support and customer service delivery. The 'big six' energy providers are less focused on the residential lettings market and we are here to support this sector." Launched in January 2007, Spark has 16 employees. Darling, its co-founder, previously co-founded Blueback, a London-based minicab service for which he jointly raised £5m in equity financing from angel investors in North America and the UK.

Spark News - This is Letting Nov 07

Meter Readings Set to be a Thing of the Past

Spark Energy, the specialist gas and electricity supplier to the lettings industry, is preparing to take part in a nationwide trial of state-of-the-art smart meters, as part of an initiative to encourage greater energy efficiency.

The new metering technology is widely expected to be the 'next big thing' in the energy industry. Smart Meters communicate directly between the supplier and the consumer, allowing consumers to see how much energy they are using and how much it costs when individual appliances are turned on.

Spark Energy, who currently provide a unique, tailored solution to the industry wide problem of managing tenant utilities, see smart metering as a vital step in the bid to reduce administration on behalf of their letting agent clients.

Sales Director Chris Gauld commented "Smart Meters are the next generation of electricity and gas meters which will bring about the end of estimated bills and the need for meter readings. Assuming the localized trial goes well, we will look to offer these to our letting agent partners. We see it as a perfect fit with the Spark ethos and complements the partner managers, free energy during voids and agent commissions, which our partners already benefit from. We always aim to be at the forefront of anything which allows letting agents to concentrate on what they do best."

The government has proposed that the smart metering technology will be provided with any new meters fitted from 2008 and to all households that request them between 2008-2010. A reduction in admin, an end to meter readings and an opportunity to improve the appeal of rental properties is being welcomed by the letting community.

Spark News - Lettings Gazette September 07

Utilities solution grows to meet high demand

Spark Energy, the specialist supplier of utilities to the lettings industry announced further expansion fuelled by continued high demand from lettings agents and their commitment to 1st class customer service.

As an OFGEM licensed supplier of gas and electricity Spark Energy offer a tailored solution to the lettings market reducing tenant utilities admin and providing an additional income stream for agents. In response to the continued demand from letting and estate agents in the UK Spark have recently announced a doubling of their regional business development team as well as the relocation of their head office.

Director of Sales Chris Gauld commented "The market is crying out for a tailored solution to tenant utilities management. As an independent energy company we have complete control over pricing, commissions and customer service delivery. It's an area that is largely ignored by the big 6 and the existing resellers and brokers have little control over ongoing service delivery.

"We allow our clients to concentrate valuable resources on core business as well as creating an additional income stream. It's a win-win and the reaction in the industry has been overwhelmingly positive."

"As a result we are investing further in local business development managers to further enhance our agents experience and support network as well as relocating our head office to aid the growth of our dedicated customer service teams."

Although licensed to supply energy to anyone wishing to switch provider it's the opportunity for property management agents to aggregate the energy for entire property portfolios which is really catching the imagination. In return Spark Energy provide dedicated Partner Managers, employees based in the UK whose name, mobile number and email address are supplied to the agents, relieving the frustration caused by large call centres. Spark look after the administration surrounding the change of supply and change of tenant process and even cover the cost of energy during short void periods between tenancies.

This may sound like a good deal in itself but it gets even better, agents also benefit from a fee for every property switched to Spark Energy so for a typical property management company with 300 properties income amounts to around £13,500 over 3 years - and Spark do all the work.

The tenant will also benefits from a price guarantee, renewable energy targets and commitment to excellent customer service.

If you would like to know more then please telephone Spark Energy on 0845 869 4002 or visit www.sparkenergy.co.uk

Spark News - October 2007

Spark's to fly after £500,000 funding

NICHE energy supply company Spark has secured six-figure funding to support its growth plans. The firm, which recently relocated from Edinburgh to Selkirk, said it had attracted a £500,000 cash injection from a London-based investment house. Spark is expanding its presence by tapping into niche markets ignored by major suppliers, including supplying residential tenants, property companies and private landlords. Chief executive PJ Darling said: "This new investment signals a period of significant and rapid growth."

Spark News - Letting News July 07

New Utilities Company Set to Revolutionise the UK Property Letting Industry

Nearly all letting agents will recognise the problems inherent in administering utilities for rental property - from sorting out void periods, tracking down existing suppliers and managing move in and move out administration. As an OFGEM licensed supplier of gas and electricity Spark Energy offer a tailored solution to a market they know well.

Director of Sales Chris Gauld commented: "The market is crying out for a tailored solution to tenant utilities management. As an independent energy company we have complete control over pricing, commissions and customer service delivery. It's an area that is largely ignored by the big 6 and the existing resellers and brokers have little control over ongoing service delivery.

"We allow our clients to concentrate valuable resources on core business as well as creating an additional income stream. It's a win-win and the reaction in the industry has been overwhelmingly positive."

Although licensed to supply energy to anyone wishing to switch provider it's the opportunity for property management agents to aggregate the energy for entire property portfolios which is really catching the imagination. In return Spark Energy provide dedicated Partner Managers, employees based in the UK whose name, mobile number and email address are supplied to the agents, relieving the frustration caused by large call centres. Spark look after the administration surrounding the change of supply and change of tenant process and even cover the cost of energy during short void periods between tenancies.

This may sound like a good deal in itself but it gets even better: agents also benefit from a fee for every property switched to Spark Energy so for a typical property management company with 300 properties income amounts to around £13,500 over 3 years - and Spark do all the work.

The tenant also benefits from a price guarantee, renewable energy targets and commitment to excellent customer service

If you would like to know more then please telephone Spark Energy on 0845 869 4002 or visit www.sparkenergy.co.uk

Spark News - Work at Spark Energy

Work at Spark Energy

Our continued growth and success has created some exciting vacancies in our team. We are always looking for good people to help us provide the best service in the industry but have one specific role to fill now;

Financial Controller - Selkirk

Your role will be to help build our financial management team and systems as well as to take over some of the responsibilities of our Finance Director to whom you'll be reporting.

We're always looking for people that are natural problem-solvers and keen to join an early-stage company where everyone takes the great days with the not-so-great in equal measure.

For futher information, please contact Chris Trigg at chris.trigg@sparkenergy.co.uk

Spark Energy in the News - 14.09.2007

Spark of excitement as energy firm to bring jobs to Borders

The Southern Reporter

by Mark Entwistle

ONE of the UK's newest energy company, Spark, is set to create up to 150 jobs in the Borders thanks to an inward investment programme over the next four years.The company is to establish its headquarters at Ettrick Riverside in Selkirk and plans to recruit locally for its customer service, financial and management staff.

And the company, which was set up in Edinburgh earlier this year, has confirmed all the jobs will be based in Selkirk, much to the delight of town leaders.

"This is absolutely wonderful news for Selkirk and will give the town and the local economy a real boost," commented Mrs Edith Scott, chairperson of Selkirk Chamber of Trade.

Spark's decision to relocate from Edinburgh to Selkirk comes at an exciting time for the company in its 'David versus Goliath' assault on the energy market.

Announcing the news, the company said it was also another vote of confidence in the Borders as the region continues to grow and diversify its economy.

With supplier licences and an established customer base already in place, Spark plans to expand its role in the energy market by exploring niche opportunities ignored by the 'Big Six' suppliers. These include residential tenants, property companies and private landlords.

Spark is also claiming to be nimbler and more customer-responsive than its bigger competitors, offering convenient solutions to old problems, including smart meters that mean an end to estimated bills and SMS customer alerts whenever an online energy bill is ready.

The company has thousands of customers and claims it is currently signing up thousands more every week.

PJ Darling, the chief executive of Spark, says the decision to relocate to Selkirk ahead of a period of rapid growth was based on two key factors: "The quality of the workforce in the Borders and the fact that people living here tend to want to stay put and, for that reason, can offer companies loyalty.

"The support Spark got from Scottish Enterprise Borders (SE Borders) was also another important decider. They came to us offering time and a comprehensive support package, and it really felt that we were working with people at SE Borders who 'got it' and understood what it is we want to do.

"Spark has lots of ambitions, including to put something back into the Borders community by becoming one of the top 10 companies in the area."

Mr Darling said that Spark was prepared to pay above the regional salary average for the right staff, who should be self-starters and problem-solvers.

He said he was also looking at forging business links with the work already being done in the Borders to explore the potential of renewable energy.

David Gass, SE Borders senior director of operations, said: "We are delighted Spark has chosen to invest in the Borders.

"They are bringing jobs to the region and plan to create fairly significant numbers of quality new jobs in the future, all of which is great news for the Borders.“Scottish Enterprise Borders is committed to diversifying and growing the local economy, and first-class business facilities such as Ettrick Riverside and our range of support services enable us to attract and work with companies such as Spark to generate new investment and employment opportunities for the region.”

And Mrs Scott hopes councillors will now look to tackle the housing shortage in the Selkirk area. “There is not a lot of housing available in the town,” she said.

“Not all of these jobs will be filled by local people from Selkirk, so more houses will be needed.

“But it’s great news and will breathe some new life into the area.”

Spark Energy in the News - 12.09.2007

A NEW consumer energy company has announced a move to the Scottish Borders as it unveiled plans to expand its workforce.

Spark, which was set up in Edinburgh this year, is to create up to 150 jobs in the next four years after it moves to new headquarters in Selkirk. With supplier licences and an established customer base already in place, Spark plans to target residential tenants, property companies and private landlords in a bid to cash in on niche markets not covered by larger firms. The firm said it wanted to link with work already being done in the Borders to explore the potential of renewable energy.

Spark Energy in the News - 10.09.2007

Power firm pledges 150 new jobs

Energy company Spark has announced plans to create up to 150 jobs in the Borders in the next four years.

The firm said it planned to relocate its Edinburgh headquarters to Ettrick Riverside in Selkirk. Bosses said the move was a "vote of confidence" in the Borders and that the quality of the workforce and its loyalty played a part in the decision. The company, which supplies domestic and commercial users, will recruit customer service and management staff. PJ Darling, the chief executive of Spark, said the decision to relocate to Selkirk was based on two key factors that propelled the Borders above other regions of the UK. 'Quality jobs' He said: "The quality of the workforce in the Borders and the fact that people living here tend to want to stay put and, for that reason, can offer companies loyalty, was a major attraction. "The support Spark got from Scottish Enterprise Borders (SE Borders) was also another important decider." Mr Darling said that Spark was prepared to pay above the regional salary average for the right staff. He added that the company was also keen to forge links with those involved in renewable energy projects in the region. David Gass, SE Borders senior director of operations, welcomed the jobs boost. He said: "They are bringing jobs to the region and plan to create fairly significant numbers of quality new jobs in the future, all of which is great news for the Borders."

Spark Energy Head Office Moving

23 August 2007

We are moving! 

Spark Energy is moving it's head office to Selkirk in the Scottish Borders as of 1 October.

The move ties into our strategy to bring all of our customer service team in-house. The Borders offers significant cost reductions compared with a large metropolitan city. More importantly, the population is generally less transient which, combined with great salary and benefit packages, should translate into better staff retention. Combined with fantastic support from Scottish Enterprise Borders the decision to move became an easy one.

Spark will continue to have sales offices in Edinburgh and London.

Work at Spark Energy!

Work at Spark 

Our continued growth and success has created some exciting vacancies in our team. We are always looking for good people to help us provide the best service in the industry but have two specific roles to fill:

Customer Service Manager - Selkirk

Have you got a passion for providing great customer service, would you like to work for a company who truely value their customers and strive to tailor their services and processes around the needs of their partners and customers, not their shareholders?

If you have experience of working in customer services with in the utilities industry we would like to hear from you. Our exiting role involves managing customer experience, leading a team and working with the directors to develop the best customer experience in the market.

>> Contact PJ Darling for more details.

Partner Manager - Selkirk

Our letting agent partners deserve great service, efficient account management and knowledgeable, friendly support. We value our relationship with them massively.

Join our partner manager team and you will be tasked with delivering the above. The good news is that they are a great bunch and if you like making people happy and improving their business you will fit in well. Customer service / key account management experience as well as knowledge of the letting industry are valuable in this role.

>> Contact Chris Gauld to apply for this postion.

Spark Energy enters London- 18th June 07

Spark Energy enters London

Having worked hard at proving our model in Scotland and the North East we're now starting a new aggressive push into the London market.

Along with some great Partners we've taken on board our first London based Business Development Manager and we are currently recruiting a second dedicated London manager.

If you're interested in learning more about our London team or if you have an interest in our Business Development roles around the country, please contact Chris Gauld on 0845 869 4002 x.3 or contact Chris Gauld via email.

New Head of Partner Management- 18th June 07

New appointment

We're delighted to welcome on board our new Head of Partner Management. Tim has proven himself to be a great communicator and has great sympathy for the problems caused by the management of tenant utilities. Added to that he's just a nice guy.

If you'd like to learn more about our Partner Management program or simply congratulate Tim, he can be reached on 0845 869 4002 x.2.

Spark signs up 100th Partner- 18th June 07

100th Partner sign up

Spark are delighted to announce that we have signed up our 100th Partner.

As part of our focus on niche markets, we have been working with lettings agents around the UK to assume the hassle associated with tenant utilities, to provide those letting agents with a revenue stream and to deliver their tenants the best standard rates in the UK.

Given the response to our offering it would seem we're doing a good job thank to our dedicated Partner Management Team.

For more information about our Partner Program, feel free to contact Chris Gauld on 0845 869 4002 x.3

New Financial Director- 22nd Jan 07

New appointment

It’s not often you get excited about a new hire in Finance but Chris Trigg is something else. With his depth of experience at leading consultancies such as KPMG and BDO Stoy Hayward plus invaluable experience at successsful early-stage companies he is a very welcome addition to our senior management team.

At Spark, Chris will be responsible for building our Finance Team, financial strategy and basically making sure more money is coming in than is leaving.

Spark Energy Fund Raising Complete-15th Jan 07

Spark Fund Raising

As we are a new company there’s always a need for investment to get the business going. We are delighted to announce that we have completed our initial round of financing with the help of a group of very supportive investors. The six figure sum was raised in quick-time and will bring us right through to the early stages of the business.

Spark Energy in the News-15th Dec 06

In the news...

Marcus Heap, Director of Sales, England was recently featured in the Sunday Times Business section talking about how effective remote working is in gaining the right staff and keeping them happy. The article including a photo of the much slimmed Marcus will be available here soon.