Background
Living Developments Limited, established in 2001, operates three residential care homes, providing person-centred care for over 100 residents. With a focus on safety, dignity, and comfort, the company upholds strong values of care, responsibility, and integrity. As a 24/7 operation, maintaining a reliable energy supply is critical to supporting residents’ needs, from heating to medical equipment.
Hunter Evans, one of the company’s Director, oversees operations and financial management, ensuring that residents enjoy a safe, happy environment while tackling challenges such as rising costs, workforce shortages, and regulatory changes.
“We work where our residents live,” says Hunter. “It’s our responsibility to create a comfortable and supportive home for them, and energy is a big part of that.”
The Challenge
Energy usage in care homes is constant, driven by the need for heating, lighting, and medical equipment. Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to the cold, meaning heating systems often run for extended periods, especially during winter months when energy demands peak.
“Heating is one of our biggest energy expenses,” Hunter explains. “Elderly residents are prone to getting cold, so we have to turn it on sooner and keep it running longer.”
Lighting is another major contributor to energy consumption, as some residents require overnight care or stay awake during the night. Hunter also noted concerns about energy wastage, including lights being left on unnecessarily and centralised heating systems running when not required.
“We’re constantly evaluating usage to avoid waste, but regulatory requirements and sustainability goals also add another layer of complexity,” he adds.
With the care industry increasingly being asked to demonstrate sustainability practices, Living Developments Limited must ensure that their operations meet both regulatory requirements and their own environmental values. However, energy market volatility, outdated pricing structures like three-rate systems, and difficulty forecasting costs make effective energy management a persistent challenge.
“Energy price rises are a constant concern,” Hunter shares.
The Solution: Partnering with Invew
Living Developments Limited connected with Invew through an existing business relationship, and the partnership has become a cornerstone of their energy management strategy.
“Moh from Invew has been an invaluable partner,” Hunter says. “He keeps me updated with trends and forecasts, helps secure contracts, and steps in when energy providers fall short of expectations.”
Moh’s proactive approach goes beyond securing contracts, providing regular insights into energy trends and offering hands-on support for resolving disputes. Invew’s transparent, no-hidden-charges model further builds trust, ensuring that Living Developments Limited can focus on their core mission: providing exceptional care for their residents.
“It’s rare to find a broker who combines professionalism with such a hands-on approach,” Hunter explains.
Results
Through their partnership with Invew, Living Developments Limited has achieved key outcomes:
Proactive Contract Management: By locking in contracts early, Invew has helped mitigate the impact of rising energy prices.
Enhanced Stability: Securing contracts early and addressing provider disputes ensured a reliable energy supply, critical for the care homes’ 24/7 operations.
Dispute Resolution: Invew resolved issues with energy providers, saving the business time and ensuring uninterrupted service.
“Moh is always available to bat for us when we need it,” Hunter shares. “It’s reassuring to know someone has our back in such a critical area of our operations.”
Looking Ahead
Hunter sees potential for Invew to further support care homes by offering sector-specific insights and learning opportunities.
“As a care home operator, it can feel isolating,” he says. “A bit more learning and insight on trends in the sector from an energy perspective would help us benchmark and ensure we’re doing the right thing.”
Conclusion
Invew’s transparent, proactive service has made them an essential partner for Living Developments Limited. Their expertise helps the care homes focus on what matters most: providing a safe, happy, and sustainable environment for residents.
“If you’re considering working with Invew, I’d say go for it,” Hunter concludes. “Their service is thorough, reliable, and successful in helping our care homes navigate the energy market.”
About Invew
Invew simplifies energy management for businesses, delivering proactive advice and transparent solutions. Learn more: www.invew.com.
About Living Developments Limited
Providing excellence in residential care since 2001, Living Developments Limited operates three homes with a focus on dignity, safety, and person-centred care.
