When signing on the dotted line for your next energy contract it’s important to check what energy brokers are actually asking you to sign.

As a small business ourselves, we know that time is precious and there is always something better to do than read the ‘small print’. If you are thinking of using a broker, especially one that has not come to you via a personal recommendation, make sure you take the time to read the small print very carefully.

Recently, we have been contacted by a number of potential clients who are somewhat dissatisfied with their current broker due to situations similar to the following examples:

• Long-term exclusivity contracts with the current broker, and the grounds for early termination are almost non-existent.
• Clients stop using their current broker but have to keep paying them the amount agreed for the full term of the contract.
• Where the broker is paid via commissions that are added onto the client's energy contract (not always fully declared to the client), these will continue to be paid for the full duration of the contract, whether the broker is providing the previously agreed support services or not.

More often than not, these clients are not on the best available energy contracts as well.

Quite understandably, the potential client doesn’t fancy paying twice for the same service. So they carry on being frustrated by the poor service they are getting, and we go away frustrated by the fact that we can’t help them. Well, for a few years anyway.

Here at FEC Energy, we take pride in the fact that many of our customers come to us because one of our existing clients have told them that we do a good job. In fact, we provide energy advice and contracts for the National Farmers Union (NFU) members - and you can be sure the NFU have checked out our small print.