To whom it may concern
We were contacted in 2008 by Utility Watch UK who were actively helping the National Probation Service to tender for their telecommunications.
A representative of Utility Watch UK visited our area and explained to us what was available on the market, complete with a history of how the industry has changed and why our existing provider may not be the most cost effective. They also explained their role as independent brokers and specialists in this area.
We allowed Utility Watch access to our current billing information for analysis and they then placed our telecoms out for tender. Within a week we received a report from the supplier which Utility Watch were recommending we went as being the most cost effective. The report showed significant savings; in particular in line rental charges but also for call charges. In total savings of approximately 9% per annum were identified.
The report also provided a lot of detail around lines and calls being made which was of great interest to us and which enabled us to cancel some of the agreements we shouldn't have been paying for.
Queries arising from the report were put to Utility Watch and were answered quickly and simply.
A report was put before the board detailing savings we could achieve by moving suppliers and it was agreed that we would transfer over. The transfer over to the new supplier was seamless with no interruption to our service at all. We were kept informed at all times of progress and were aware in advance of the date of transfer. We have been a customer for four months now with our chosen supplier and the savings are already evident.
Our tendering process was made much easier using Utility Watch UK and the time saved has been of great benefit to us, combined with their transparency of service. Utility Watch remained professional at all times.
As with all new prospective service providers we were very wary of Utility Watch UK and their ability to deliver, however, after using their service it is clear that there was no cause for concern.
We would be happy to recommend Utility Watch to other areas of the National Probation Service who may be in the same position we were in when we first reviewed our telecoms. We can vouch that the service from Utility Watch was free, independent, and easy and most importantly is saving us money.
Sarah Porcus
East Sussex National Probation Service