ENERGY 4.0
ACCORDING TO THE Carbon Trust , a 20 % cut in energy costs represents the same profit savings as a 5 % increase in sales for retailers . Given the numerous challenges facing UK high streets , such as the shift to online shopping , high retail rents and declining consumer spending , retailers that address their energy consumption and seek better deals from energy suppliers have a golden safeguarding opportunity to boost their bottom line .
In doing so , they ’ d be following the lead of the UK ’ s largest privatelyowned clothing retailer , Arcadia . The retail giant , which has in excess of 2,500 UK outlets , has brought its energy procurement in-house over the past few years and , most recently , switched from a fixed to flexible contract for its gas supply .
Energy Digital spoke to Dean Laurent , Arcadia ’ s Purchasing Controller , Sustainable Energy Management , to see how its shifting approach has given the owner of eight fashion brands , including Topshop and Miss Selfridge , greater control and understanding of how its resources are being used .
Laurent , who previously worked for
Debenhams and Selfridges , runs five teams and manages a circa £ 200mn ($ 266mn ) spend . As the person responsible for the operational side of Arcadia ’ s procurement , he has seen his role develop extensively since joining the company and been instrumental in bringing about significant change in the company ’ s approach to both procurement and energy management .
“ When I first started 11 years ago ,
28 June 2018