A fast-growing utility broker is celebrating two major deals as it strengthens its foothold in the Tees region.
Middlesbrough-based Splash Utilities has signed an agreement with Cornerstone Business Solutions, hiring the Stockton firm to look after all of its IT solutions.
And Splash has also signed a 24-month deal with Middlesbrough FC’s Business Club, in partnership with Eleven Sports Media, committing to two seasons of involvement with the corporate side of the club.
Cornerstone, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by announcing an expansion to Leeds, will offer complete IT service desk support as Splash continues its recruitment drive.
“Cornerstone have a great reputation and we want to be seen as working with reputable businesses in the Tees region,” said Splash managing director Tony Anderson.
“We see ourselves as a Tees Valley business. This is our hub and where our foothold is, and although our product is national, we want to make an impact in the Tees Valley, not just from an economic point of view, but to partner with good solid businesses.
“So we’re delighted to be getting expert advice and to be working with a credible brand, and we see it as very much a long-term arrangement.”
Although originally a Leeds fan, Tony is an adopted Teessider, having been here for 20 years since moving to the area.
“I know what the club means to the people of the area,” he added. “So we want to do our bit for the local football club, which is a huge source of local pride, to local people and our employees.
“We’ve signed a two-year deal with Middlesbrough FC’s Business Club, which will see us being active in the local business community in attending events while supporting the football club at the same time.
“There’ll be an element of sponsorship, including advertising around the ground on matchdays, and we’ll be attending business networking events.
“But, again, it’s about partnering with a credible brand in the region.”
Splash was formed in 2017 after Tony and his team spotted an opportunity in the sector following the deregulation of the water industry.
The business moved into the 8,000 sq ft vacant premises in Royal Middlehaven House on Gosford Street in Middlesbrough.
Since then more than 50 staff have already been recruited, with another 50-plus roles yet to be filled – including team managers, business lead generators and energy consultants.
“We’re always recruiting and that’s ongoing,” added Tony.
“We attended a major Jobs Fair at Middlesbrough Town Hall in June as part of our recruitment drive, and we’re working to recruit staff at all levels over the next few months.
“We already have a marketing and PR team in place which is constantly active and driving our key messages across social media and keeping our new website up-to-date.
“In September we’ll have been here 12 months, so we’re already approaching our first birthday here on Teesside. It has flown by and we’re maturing all the time as a business.”
Splash has already established key relationships with suppliers including Scottish Power, Npower and Total Gas and Power.
And after a number of contract wins, Splash is already providing three utilities to businesses – not just gas and electricity, but water as well.
“It’s a multi-utility offering with improved discounts across the board,” added Tony.
“We offer businesses not just the chance to get better pricing but better services and an opportunity to access cutting-edge technology, including cloud monitoring of energy usage.
“The deregulation has motivated suppliers to look at reducing pricing and improving customer services, so ultimately that can only be a good thing for customers.”