The Cloud parts to bring clarity on the CRC (2nd June 2010)

Another cloud a few days before had finally started to clear, the cloud hanging over the controversial mandatory legislation, the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC)...

From Newsletter Stories

Plain sailing? (6th April 2010)

Encore International explain how to risk manage energy price in the current economic conditions...

From Newsletter Stories

Are you getting in a Fix with your energy contracts? (1st April 2010)

After months of high price uncertainty, the recent fall in energy prices has proved to be too much for some consumers prompting a flurry of activity as they desperately try to cling on to some good news; after all who wouldn’t want to take a price reduction to the board?

From News

Buy energy market advice online - for less than the price of a round of drinks! (27th February 2010)

Independent energy reports covering most of Europe which costs less than a round of drinks to buy, and under 9 minutes to arrive on your desktop...

From Newsletter Stories

Travel at speed without the risk (2nd February 2010)

Speed and Risk is not a cocktail made in heaven; but when it comes to the CRC, which has been gathering pace for some time, managing the speed and risk of this fast moving legislation are being combined to great effect using Encore’s Rapid CRC service...

From Newsletter Stories

Buy energy market advice online - for less than the price of a round of drinks! (1st February 2010)

Because of expensive subscriptions, over 80% of business energy consumers rely on free, sometimes biased market information as the basis for decisions which can run into £ millions?

From Energy Procurement

Online information for energy buyers without costly subscriptions (1st February 2010)

Quality independent energy news, data, reports, charts and graphs can be downloaded in moments by energy professionals without the need for expensive subscriptions.

From Energy Procurement

Having trouble setting your risk strategy? (22nd December 2009)

Creating an energy risk management strategy and purchasing process that works in a volatile market is not as complex as you might think. The problem most companies struggle with is how to deal with conflicting objectives within their organisation...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Early Action can help delay harm! (21st December 2009)

At the time of writing, the world’s leaders are taking to their seats at a conference widely billed as the most important in modern history. Here they will discuss and negotiate an issue which will potentially impact every individual on this planet

From Energy Procurement

  Goodbye to the Noughties (21st December 2009)

As 2009 gets consigned to history, I reflect back on a decade which has been absolutely amazing from an energy perspective; a rollercoaster ride of new developments, inconceivable volatility, amazing innovations, shocking revelations but perhaps most notably a failure of many to master the energy market challenge

From Energy management

It’s all about the cost stupid! (9th November 2009)

When sales slow, organisations turn to bottom line cost reductions to increase their chance of hitting the profit target shareholders expect. Dynamic risk management makes sure that their position is measured every day, prices are controlled and opportunity maintained...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Are you getting in a Fix with your energy contracts? (1st October 2009)

After months of high price uncertainty, the recent fall in energy prices has proved to be too much for some consumers prompting a flurry of activity. But there is another way to gain a similar effect without losing the sort of opportunity that has enabled Encore clients to buy their entire electricity requirement for 2009 at just £18MWh and gas at just 6p/therm...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

It's all about the cost stupid! (1st October 2009)

When sales slow, organisations turn to bottom line cost reductions to increase their chance of hitting the profit target shareholders expect. For a select few this can be achieved without the need to resize their workf

From Energy Procurement

  ENCORE 'ONE TO ONE’ BREAK OUT SESSIONS (1st September 2009)

If you are a visitor to The Energy Event you will have a unique opportunity to develop your knowledge through a series of ‘one to one’ sessions provided by Encore International,

From Energy management

‘ONE TO ONE’ BREAK OUT SESSIONS FROM ENCORE (7th August 2009)

Visitors to The Energy Event will have a unique opportunity to develop their knowledge through a series of ‘one to one’ sessions provided by Encore International, the UK’s leading energy price risk management specialists.

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) - Take Action (28th July 2009)

Encore suggests that we need to stop following the large proportion of the market and start taking action with regards to the Carbon Reduction Commitment...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

ONE-2-ONE CRC ADVICE FROM ENCORE (21st July 2009)

Encore International Ltd, leading Energy Risk Management organisation, has created a new part of its business which will focus solely on the Carbon Reduction Commitment.

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) (8th July 2009)

The Environment Agency is in the process of writing to all half hourly consumers of electricity, and if your organization receives one of these letters you will need to take action under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Adapt or Die (1st June 2009)

Charles Darwin said "Survival is ultimately dependent on the ability to change and evolve". So given we do this naturally why don't we do this with respect to energy procurement? It is incredible that even after having the

From Energy Procurement

There is a hole in my basket! (1st April 2009)

So, if you have been told by your energy broker that you are a 'SMALL' consumer (they might say you are small if you consume less than 50GWh of electricity) and the best way to manage your spend was in a basket, you ar

From Energy Procurement

Risk Managing carbon exposure – don’t let your opportunity go up in smoke (30th March 2009)

If you are operating in the UK energy markets and your organisation consumes more that 6,000 MWh per annum, even if you don’t have a carbon exposure now through the EU-ETS carbon trading scheme you will have in 2010 under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC)...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines (13th February 2009)

Just about the only thing that’s going ‘Up, Tiddly, Up, Up’ and ‘Down, Tiddly, Down, Down’ these days is the oil price, flying upside down has largely been banned in my learned experience and of course the industry has safety as its number one priority...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Using energy procurement to manage financial crisis (1st February 2009)

In time of economic hardship, it is important that everyone takes every opportunity to deliver value to their household and their organisations says Mark Dickinson,MD, Encore International

From Energy Procurement

It's time to change the paradigm of energy in your company (29th January 2009)

Energy prices are something that affect us all; record household gas and electricity bills and soaring forecourt fuel prices have a major impact on our personal lives...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Ooops we did it again? (1st December 2008)

At the beginning of January 2007, Encore announced that customers that had been risk managing their energy procurement since 2004 would pay just 7 pence per therm for gas that month. More importantly these consumers had

From Energy Procurement

What's beneath the surface of a total utility solution (1st December 2008)

It's nearly one year since Encore launched its 24 hour operations service which has had a major impact on energy procurement and risk management seeing consumers of energy through one of the most volatile periods witnessed

From Energy Procurement

Encore Risk Management in Motion (21st October 2008)

Encore MD Mark Dickinson discusses the fundamentals of energy risk management and the implications for businesses in a special video broadcast...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Crisis – what crisis? (1st October 2008)

Financial instability has forced commodity prices down both through lessened demand and an absence of speculators.Why are energy prices still so high. Mark Dickinson,MD, Encore International explains

From Energy Procurement

One to one break out sessions (29th August 2008)

If you are a visitor to The Energy Event you will have a unique opportunity to develop your knowledge through a series of ‘one to one’ sessions provided by Encore International, the UK’s leading energy price risk management specialists...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Doing the Time Warp Again! (22nd August 2008)

"It's astounding, time is fleeting? Madness takes its toll? But listen closely, not for very much longer? I've got to..."

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

You're a disgrace! (1st August 2008)

No not you; the energy consumer, or you the energy supplier but perhaps your energy advisor is! Mark Dickinson examines what you require from your advisors

From Energy Procurement

RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY: Business Analyst BASED at our OPERATIONAL HQ in BUDAPEST (25th July 2008)

You are currently working in the energy sector and have 2 to 4 years experience in an analytical or operational role.

From News

RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY: Sales Manager Required (25th July 2008)

Due to unprecedented growth Encore International requires 5 new Sales Professionals to further develop our UK Business.

From News

Are you paying too much for energy? (24th July 2008)

Another 20% has been added to Industrial and Commercial consumer prices in both gas and electricity. The forward curve for energy is now higher than the record highs witnessed in the summer of 2006...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Energy procurement and risk management: three questions (1st June 2008)

THREE questions you should be asking your energy advisor:

From Energy Procurement

Record prices show no signs of stopping (19th May 2008)

WARNING: It is essential that anyone considering implementing any of the principles contained herein has first implemented an approved risk management policy and a robust risk measurement and control process...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

DN Interruptible Reform for the UK Gas Market (18th April 2008)

If you have a Daily Nominated (DN) Interruptible gas supply contract you must decide what you would like to do about this issue before 1st June 2008 says Encore...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

A nightmare on your street (1st April 2008)

The illegitimate son of 100 maniacs! That really is no way to think about your electricity or gas supplier, but you might be forgiven given the current market prices writes Mark Dickinson,MD, Encore International

From Energy Procurement

Stuck in the traps for this October round? (13th March 2008)

With the Cheltenham festival now underway, Encore International Managing Director Mark Dickinson takes a look at the October round and how it is affecting you...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

There’s a little bit of rogue in you all (12th February 2008)

Mark Dickinson,MD, Encore International looks at the banking scandal at Societie General and uncovers a number of alarming parallels that should make everyone who deals with energy procurement stop and question the current situation

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Some Do's and Don'ts for the upcoming period (1st February 2008)

While energy risks and prices fell marginally in Q1, prices and volatility are surging across the curve, Encore offers some tips for the upcoming period.

From Energy Procurement

There's a little bit of rogue in you all! (1st February 2008)

Mark Dickinson,MD, Encore International looks at the banking scandal at Societie General and uncovers a number of alarming parallels that should make everyone who deals with energy procurement stop and question the current situation

From Energy Procurement

Feeling a little exposed? (14th January 2008)

The New Year is on us and the prophesised fall in prices has not materialised. Some energy consumers have been caught with their proverbial pants around their ankles says Mark Dickinson of Encore...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Is the Party Over? (10th January 2008)

By the time you read this article the dust should have settled from your Christmas party and with the New Year ahead are perhaps eflecting on the last few years of energy prices and deciding on which course to steer this year

From Energy Procurement

It ain't half hot mum (10th January 2008)

Its often been said that life in the board rooms of British Industry are a Jungle, so it was surprising that during July the British temperature soared to match. It was about this time that I was flicking through the TV chann

From Energy Procurement

Europe,Energy and Emissions (10th January 2008)

In this article we consider how changes in the European energy and environmental markets are likely to affect your organisation in the short to medium term. We will briefly examine what these mean for you, before focusing on

From Energy Procurement

Risk returns to record levels as your energy costs increase 25% for the next three years (8th November 2007)

Since the last e-news many of you have seen your energy expenditure increase 25% for the next three years, that’s a loss of profit to your organisation equal to nearly 75% of your energy cost, says Encore...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Stuck in the middle with you! (1st October 2007)

After a period of relative stability, the energy markets have gone crazy again and while it's not quite a bloodbath, there sure are a lot of gangsters in sharp suits about; leaving many of you asking what on earth is going on?

From Energy Procurement

What would 10p a therm gas mean to your business? (7th September 2007)

If you’re an intensive energy user in UK manufacturing then this could mean the difference between surviving and thriving, you could win more business, increase production and compete on a global scale, says Encore...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

  Expanding horizons (1st August 2007)

Once you start to risk manage your energy market exposure, it suddenly becomes apparent how many other things in your supply chain are linked to energy costs in one way or another. In this article we shall consider the opport

From Energy management

Europe,Energy and Emissions (1st August 2007)

In this article we consider how changes in the European energy and environmental markets are likely to affect your organisation in the short to medium term. We will briefly examine what these mean for you, before focusing on

From Energy Procurement

Driving carbon reduction (3rd July 2007)

Energy procurement and price risk management specialist, Encore International is offering all delegates attending The Energy Event the chance to win a brand new Toyota Prius T3...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Deal or no deal? (1st June 2007)

The trials and tribulations of the UK energy market are not ver.More and more people are turning to risk management as a way of controlling energy market volatility. Perhaps it is now time to turn your attention to the Eur

From Energy Procurement

Prices fall as risk increases (16th May 2007)

Risk comes from uncertainty. Uncertainty can be measured through volatility, therefore in order to take effective risk management decisions you first of all need to understand where the risk is in the energy forward curve, explains Encore...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

One foot in the Grave! (1st April 2007)

I don't belieeeeeeve It"was the cry from the panel of energy experts at the Major Energy Users Council (MEUC) when we revealed at the start of this year that some customers would be paying less than 7p a therm for gas in Janu

From Energy Procurement

Left high and dry? (1st February 2007)

For those that don't sail, sailing boats work by optimising the movement of wind and water speed; if there is no difference in movement, such as on a calm day, there is no energy to be extracted and the sailboat will not be a

From Energy Procurement

The Magic ‘April’ Roundabout (17th January 2007)

The annual electricity contracting round can be considered somewhat of a roundabout, says Encore, and with preparations for the April round already upon us, the parallels don’t end there...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

January Gas 7p/Therm (9th January 2007)

The last time a large energy consumer paid 7p/therm for January gas was back in 1995 and whilst the 60% fall in energy prices in the last year is significant, the 90% fall enjoyed by Encore customers that use a "Risk Management Approach" to energy procurement is spectacular.

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Don't let history repeat itself (1st December 2006)

Isn't it amazing how short the memories of some large energy consumers are?

From Energy Procurement

Bin the basket and forget the fund (13th November 2006)

Encore International's Dan Moat has seen some serious shenaniganary over the years but deal structures that have been 'explained' to him recently take the biscuit. Here he outlines some key imperfections recently raised by business energy consumers...

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

It's time to 'Bin your Basket Deal' and 'Forget about your Fund' (1st October 2006)

I've seen some shocking things in the energy markets over the years but some of the deal structures that have been explained to me recently have caused my levels of frustration to reach critical limits. Here are some key impe

From Energy Procurement

The Sarbanes Oxley Open (5th September 2006)

Golf is a noble game of precision, timing, skill and patience. It is capable of generating extreme elation and incredible frustration for those who play it and in differing ways those who are the partners of those who play it.

From Energy Procurement

It ain't half hot mum (1st August 2006)

Its often been said that life in the board rooms of British Industry are a Jungle, so it was surprising that during July the British temperature soared to match. It was about this time that I was flicking through the TV chann

From Energy Procurement

Conservative? Not as much as you think you are! (24th July 2006)

Encore International's Mark Dickinson is fed up with hearing so-called conservative companies say they 'can't do' risk management. Here he outlines how to take a conservative approach and outperform the majority of the marketplace.

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Lazy summer days (1st June 2006)

In honour of the summer, and warm lazy days I have decided that I shall be mostly writing this column while drinking a large gin and tonic and reflecting that two things should have happened since we last spoke. Firstly you s

From Energy Procurement

Have I got news for you? (25th May 2006)

What a couple of months it has been. Carbon prices have been up, they’ve been down, gas storage injection for June has been on and it’s been off. An alleged design fault on all north sea gas fields has been discussed to death, the offices of some o

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

Dogs, tails and wagging! (10th April 2006)

Since last writing I have been reflecting on some of the challenges facing large consumers of energy and more importantly what can be done to solve it.My moment of clarity finally came when I spent some time with my peers in the market place a few we

From Energy Procurement

No risk management? (1st April 2006)

It is a myth perpetuated by ignorance that risk management is for those who are prepared to take risks. It is in fact quite the opposite, by understanding your exposure to the market you are in a position to protect yourself from its vagaries. Tim Mc

From Energy Procurement

Dogs, tails and wagging! (1st April 2006)

Since last writing I have been reflecting on some of the challenges facing large consumers of energy and more importantly what can be done to solve it.My moment of clarity finally came when I spent some time with my peers in the market place a few we

From Energy Procurement

The 'Benny Hill' Effect (14th March 2006)

Encore International's Mark Dickinson MD provides an interesting - if unorthodox - illustration of the need to manage energy costs.

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

When traders become meteorologists (2nd February 2006)

Encore International MD, Mark Dickinson, says energy price swings in mid January were down to traders speculating on the weather in Russia hitting South East Europe, then blasting Italy and UK rather than any extraordinary events.

From Pre 2010 Newsletter Items

When suppliers or advisors go bad (1st February 2006)

In my last column we looked at why energy prices rose so sharply throughout November and December. However, just as I thought the pantomime season was coming to an end I was amazed and incredibly disappointed by the behaviour of some suppliers and en

From Energy Procurement

Energy prices at risk (1st December 2005)

"The energy market is xxxxxx, surely?" - A major energy consumer commented to me over lunch the other day, and whilst we may all play around with the expletives I suspect most of us would agree

From Energy Procurement

UK Companies save millions on energy cost (1st December 2005)

What's really hurting British manufacturing? - Sky high energy prices of course. So what's the answer? Energy risk management experts Encore International reveal the five top tips to saving serious money on energy spends.

From Energy Procurement