We first met Lucy Jenkins, Co-CEO at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, at a Do Business Networking event in 2024. During our initial conversation, Lucy shared concerns about their rising utility bills, which had significantly increased in recent years. Understandably, there was growing anxiety about how these costs could impact the organisation going forward.
After conducting a thorough review, we discovered we could secure a much better deal from the renewal date of their energy contract. By searching the market, we successfully negotiated a new rate — almost halving their annual energy bill. Even better, the energy we sourced is 100% renewable, aligning perfectly with Ushaw’s long-term ambition to become a net zero organisation.
Lucy said:
“Working with 121 Business Links has helped Ushaw Historic House to make big savings on our energy costs. This means we can put those savings into caring for our historic buildings and delivering our programme of creative and wellbeing activities for our local communities and across County Durham. Green energy also helps us meet our environmental ambitions as we work towards being a net zero organisation.”
Chris Bonas, Director at 121 Business Links, added:
“It is such an honour to support Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens with our cost saving services. We are thrilled that we have played a small part to help them substantially reduce their energy costs so that they can reinvest more money into their buildings and community programmes. We look forward to working in partnership with Ushaw going forward, and highly recommend a visit to anyone who hasn’t been!”