Author Archives: Joe Dormer
So, you’re looking for a new job? Many people dread the job search and see it as a race to the end where they’ll receive the prize of a job. Of course, that is the ultimate goal, however it shouldn’t be rushed. Your CV is a great place to start in not only making you stand out, but it will give you an insight into what role you’re looking for and for which company.
As you begin writing your perfect CV you need to have a think about what a recruiter is looking for and what will cause them to sort you into the no pile. CVs are a perfect way to display a little bit of your personality, but still remain professional. So you know that cringe email you made when you were 12? Yeah, don’t use that!
DO
WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT
Write a short paragraph at the top of you CV introducing who you are, what you’re looking for and what you can offer. Be short and concise.
INCLUDE WHY YOU WANT TO WORK IN SALES
Ask yourself why you want a career in sales. Maybe you just love talking on the phone or you have a burning desire to become super successful. Whatever it is, make this very clear!
INCULDE KEYWORDS
Your personal statement is the perfect place to flash some keywords that a recruitment manager is looking for. If you’re applying for a job in sales, resilient, target driven, promotional skills and upselling are a must. Look at the description, pick out some key words and make sure to include them in your CV.
EXPLAIN GAPS
If you have had some time off, maybe for educational purposes, family matters or you fancied going travelling, explain this on your CV. By simply leaving a gap, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage of your CV being placed in the no pile and it may raise some eyebrows with recruitment managers. It’s best to straighten it out and avoid confusion.
SHOUT ABOUT YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
People tend to play down their skills and achievements, but there is to time for that with hiring managers. Big yourself up, talk about your proudest achievements and make yourself sound like the big bucks. However, try to remain a little humble to not sound too arrogant.
DON’T
INCLUDE NEGATIVES
If you’ve had a bad experience in the past with a previous job or maybe didn’t enjoy a role that you were in, don’t include this in your CV. Think about your CV as a ‘good vibes’ only place. Include what you have learnt from a previous role and what skills you’ve built on the back of that, don’t vent about what you didn’t like.
WRITE IRRELEVANT INFORMATION
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but a recruiter doesn’t want to hear how you can stuff 20 marshmallows in your mouth or how you can recite the alphabet backwards. Think about each line in your CV as “prime real estate” that should only be used for relevant skills and experience.
LIE
Even if you have very little experience and are trying to expand on this, lies should be avoided at all cost. They’ll come back to bite you in the end, and you don’t want to get entangled in your own lie. If you have little experience working in a sales driven environment, but really want to build a career in sales, think about your current skills and how they are transferrable.
Write a CV that’s going to leave a lasting impression
Your CV needs to be original, specific to you, attention-grabbing and leaves the recruitment manager dying to learn more about you. If you follow our simple dos and don’ts when writing your sales CV, you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression. Struggling to build your CV? Microsoft Word has a great CV assistance tool to get you started or if you’re feeling extra creative, Canva has some great templates to make your CV stand out.
So, you’ve figured out what job is right for you, applied with your shiny new CV and have been successful for an interview. Next up, learning how to make the right first impression. You’ve probably had your fair share of interview advice – dress to impress, go in with a firm handshake and always ask questions at the end. You know the deal. Now, we are going to share what not to do. Presenting…
GEAB’s Top Six Mistakes to Avoid in Your Next Interview
1. Not knowing enough about the company
This is super important if you don’t want to look foolish. One of the key questions you are guaranteed to be asked is what you know about the organisation. If you fail to prepare for this, it will look like you don’t really have an interest in the company.
To research a company:
– Look through the company’s website, for example their about, blog and culture pages
– Scroll through their social media accounts and see what they are getting up to
– Search for them on the news section of Google
Do you want to make yourself stand out? Put some extra effort in and find out some quirkier details about the company. For example, did you know that the name IKEA is actually an acronym. Doing this will grab the interviewer’s attention and make a lasting impression.
2. Showing up late
This is a big no-no. It is never a good idea to show up late for an interview, in fact, it’s one for the worst mistakes you can make. It shows a lack of time management, suggests that you can’t even be bothered to try and just looks like you are not serious about the role. Always, always give yourself enough time just in case you come across some obstacles that may hold you back.
3. Dressing inappropriately
This all depends on the company you have an interview for, but most organisations will have a particular dress code to follow. We all know that tracksuits are comfortable, and slippers keep your feet warm, but they are not suitable for a job interview. If in doubt, play it safe and go for smart or at the very least, smart casual.
4. Negative body language
We all know interviews can be nerve racking and hiring managers are aware of that. However, they are still looking for someone who can present themselves well, especially your body language. Strong eye contact is often the top thing interviewers look out for. It shows confidence, that you are engaged and helps build a social connection.
The same goes for your body posture. The way we present ourselves says a lot about our thoughts and feelings, and the interviewer will pick up on this almost immediately. Fidgeting in your seat and looking away may show that you are lacking confidence, whereas reclining in your seat will show that you are bored or even don’t have much respect for the interviewer or company.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
– Keep a straight posture as soon as you enter the interview room
– Smile genuinely
– Maintain eye contact
– Don’t go overboard with hand gestures
– Nod to show that you are actively listening
5. Your phone rings
So, it might not be entirely your fault if your phone rings but, forgetting to turn it off or even putting it on silent is your fault. If your phone rings during an interview not only can it be embarrassing, but it also shows that you are not taking the process seriously if your phone notifications are more important than a potential job. Of course, we are aware that your phone may need to be left on in case of an emergency, if that is so, please let the interviewer know beforehand.
6. Bad-mouthing your previous employer
More than likely, your interviewer will ask why you are leaving your current role (if you are already employed) however, this is not the opportunity to start bad-mouthing your boss and the company. No matter how true it all is, slamming your employer will ring alarm bells in your interviewer’s mind that you may be difficult to work with or can’t be trusted. Cut out the personal remarks and be wary that every single comment you make will be noted.
Instead, emphasise that you are looking for a new challenge and the chance to develop on your skills further. Just remember, always remain positive about the job and the company.
At GEAB, we believe in rewarding all the hard work our staff puts in every single day. We have a tailor-made benefits package to provide our employees with a great work-life balance, look after their health and to make sure they succeed in their career
Check out our employee benefits below.
Time to relax, enjoy and recharge
Holiday
We provide 23 days’ holiday for every employee from the day they join us. In addition to the bank holidays, we grant every employee an additional 3 days’ holiday between the Christmas and New Year bank holidays to ensure that our team has a good break at the end of each year.
Non-Absence Day Off Bonus
Where an employee doesn’t take any sick leave during the year (minimum of 10 months of the year worked), they will receive 1 day of annual leave to use the following year. Alternatively, this can be substituted for the financial equivalent of 2 days’ pay.
Extra Time in December Off
Targets will be set to have even more time off as paid leave in December. This is relevant to the core sales departments, and other roles will be reviewed.
Pay and perks
Home broadband On Us
We contribute up to £40 per month (paid quarterly) towards the employee’s home broadband cost. This is paid back via the expenses process, so long as the bill is for your home address.
Free On-Site Parking
Our offices in Sunderland and Newcastle are easily accessible, conveniently located, and each provides free car parking on-site to all staff!
Recommend a Friend Bonus
Where an existing employee refers a friend to work for GEAB, the referrer will receive a cash bonus once the person referred passes probation.
Employee Assistance Programme
This is a specialist external service provided by Health Assured, which is available for all employees to call on if they need help with a wide range of matters. The service is available via a confidential freephone number or an app.
Fantastic Performance Incentives
These can include cash prizes, high-value electrical items, and even more time off.
Free Fruit, Tea/Coffee & Energy Drinks
To keep you going during your busy day, we provide free fruit and caffeinated drinks, which are fully stocked every morning.
Access to Break-Out Area Games
For when you need to recharge during your break, we have dedicated an area of our office for relaxing – which even includes a pool table!
After you pass your probation
In addition to all the above, you will also receive:
Better You Self Development Fund
GEAB will contribute up to £1,000 for any employee to undertake a training or development course which will improve their skills to benefit both themselves and GEAB.
Winter Health Check on Your Car
To launch in October ’22, GEAB will arrange for a local garage to carry out a winter health check on the employee’s car during work hours.
Community Day
Employees can take 1 day per calendar year to work with a charity of their choice to contribute to their community.
Pension & Financial Group Advice
GEAB will arrange for an independent financial adviser to come into our offices every six months to offer free, no-obligation independent advice to help you make good use of your money.
Once You Have Been with GEAB for 1 Year
In addition to all the above, you will also receive:
Your GEAB’ Birthday’ gift
Anniversaries should be celebrated. We ensure that all employees receive a nice gift on each of their work anniversaries, by way of a little ‘thank you’ for their work over the year.
Britain has witnessed the biggest energy crisis in the supply sector for the last 20 years due to a surge in wholesale gas and energy prices.
While domestic customers are protected to some extent by the energy price cap, business owners are encouraged to explore the market and switch to a better deal across their energy spend.
In the latest quarterly survey, The Federation of Small Businesses found almost 45% of almost 1,300 businesses taking part reported increased costs over the last three months due to a rise in utility costs.
To add to the crisis, over the last year, 29 energy companies have left the market or been put in special administration due to soaring global gas prices, affecting around 4.3 million domestic customers.
The 2021 energy crisis
Business energy differs from domestic, with fixed-price contracts commonly in place for one, two, or three years, but due to energy suppliers going bust, many were moved to an alternative energy supplier appointed by Ofgem to take on former customers, which saw energy costs reach up to four times as high for some businesses.
Business which moved to another energy firm were part of the Supplier of Last Resort process which is organised by the regulator, Ofgem. The new supplier did not have to honour previous rates, but offered customers a new contract based on current market rates.
Energy prices increased by approximately 25% during 2021, and that figure was estimated before severe inflation occurred in October. This meant any new energy contract was higher than previously paid.
The impact of rising energy prices on SMEs
There are over 5-million SMEs in the UK, with rising concerns that many may be forced to give up their business, with particularly pressure among the smallest businesses, which employ between 1-to-10 staff. These micro businesses, of which there are 1.2m in the UK, employ around 4.2m people, and are put under additional strain without the protection of an energy price cap.
Introduced by Ofgem in 2019, the energy price cap is adjusted twice a year, in April and October. An announcement made in February 2022, saw the energy price cap increase from 1 April for approximately 22 million customers. Those on default tariffs paying by direct debit will see an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 per year (difference due to rounding). Prepayment customers will see an increase of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017. It will affect default tariff customers who haven’t switched to a fixed deal and those who remain with their new supplier after their previous supplier exited the market.
How SMEs can survive energy cost increases
SMEs are recommended to compare prices from a range of energy suppliers and lock in a fixed-price contract for protection from future price changes. While prices for new energy contracts will be higher than previous rates, small businesses should not roll onto default rates, as there’s no price cap. Switching is still likely to be better value for business energy customers.
Ofgem are set to announce further measures to protect the energy market from future volatility so risks are not inappropriately passed on to consumers, and enabling Ofgem to update the price cap more frequently than once every 6 months during these exceptional circumstances.
If you are an SME business owner, GEAB are on-hand to offer expert advice and support to secure the best available contract(s) and offer effective cost-cutting measures for your business.
Our Energy Experts are ready to take your call 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday on 0191 303 7750.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that while we have a viable pathway towards Net Zero emissions by 2050, this will require unprecedented levels of transformation in the production and transportation of energy, as well as in its global use.
The world’s first comprehensive energy roadmap shows government actions to rapidly support clean energy supplies and reduce fossil fuel, which will create millions of jobs, support economic growth and keep Net Zero targets within reach.
The report is the first comprehensive study of how to achieve a Net Zero energy system by 2050, while ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies, universal access, and enabling economic growth. It sets out cost-effective and economically productive approaches towards a clean, resilient energy market dominated by renewables like solar and wind instead of fossil fuels.
Government climate pledges to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 °C could fall short of what’s necessary to bring energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to Net Zero by 2050, even if current targets are achieved.
‘Our roadmap shows the priority actions that are needed today to ensure the opportunity of Net Zero emissions by 2050 – narrow but still achievable – is not lost. The scale and speed of the efforts demanded by this critical and formidable goal – our best chance of tackling climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5 °C – make this perhaps the greatest challenge humankind has ever faced,’ said Fatih Birol, the IEA Executive Director.
‘The IEA’s pathway to this brighter future brings a historic surge in clean energy investment that creates millions of new jobs and lifts global economic growth. Moving the world onto that pathway requires strong and credible policy actions from governments, underpinned by much greater international cooperation.’
Building on the IEA’s energy modelling tools, the roadmap sets out milestones in the global journey to Net Zero by 2050. These include no further investment in new fossil fuel supply projects and no further investment decisions for new unabated coal plants. By 2035, there will be no sales of new internal combustion engine passenger cars, and by 2040, the global electricity sector will have already reached net-zero emissions.
In the short term, the report describes a Net Zero journey requiring the immediate deployment of all available clean and efficient energy technology, combined with a major global push towards accelerated innovation.
The pathway calls for annual additions of solar PV to reach 630 gigawatts by 2030, and those of wind power to reach 390 gigawatts. Together, this is four times the record level set in 2020. For solar PV, it is the equivalent to installing the world’s current largest solar park roughly every day.
A major worldwide push to increase energy efficiency is also an essential part of these efforts, resulting in the global rate of energy efficiency improvements averaging 4% a year through 2030 – three times the average over the last two decades.
A transition of such scale and speed cannot be achieved without sustained support and participation from communities, whose lives will be affected in multiple ways.
‘The clean energy transition is for and about people,’ said Dr Birol. ‘Our roadmap shows that the enormous challenge of rapidly transitioning to a Net Zero energy system is also a huge opportunity for our economies. The transition must be fair and inclusive, leaving nobody behind. We have to ensure that developing economies receive the financing and technological know-how they need to build out their energy systems to meet the needs of their expanding populations and economies in a sustainable way.’
By 2050, the energy world looks to operate completely differently. Global energy demand is estimated to be around 8% less than today, but it serves an economy more than twice as big, and a population of a further 2 billion people.
Almost 90% of electricity generation will be generated by renewable sources, with a combination of wind and solar PV together accounting for almost 70% of this figure. The remainder comes from nuclear power.
Solar is set to become the world’s single largest source of total energy supply. Fossil fuels fall from almost four-fifths of total energy supply to slightly over one-fifth. Fossil fuels that remain are used in goods where carbon is embodied in the product such as plastics, in facilities fitted with carbon capture, and in sectors where low-emissions technology options are scarce.
‘The pathway laid out in our roadmap is global in scope, but each country will need to design its own strategy, taking into account its own specific circumstances,’ said Dr Birol. ‘Plans need to reflect countries’ differing stages of economic development: in our pathway, advanced economies reach net zero before developing economies. The IEA stands ready to support governments in preparing their own national and regional roadmaps, to provide guidance and assistance in implementing them, and to promote international cooperation on accelerating the energy transition worldwide.’
The full report is available for free on the IEA website, along with an online interactive form which highlights some of the key milestones in the pathway that must be achieved over the next 30 years in order to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050.
GEAB are dedicated to supporting your journey towards Net Zero, with tailored solutions to your exact business requirements. Call our experts today from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on 0191 303 7750.
Read our top 10 FAQs to discover why smart meter installation makes sense for your business.
How can I upgrade my business energy meter to a smart meter?
Contact the energy experts at GEAB regarding upgrading to a smart meter, and we will organise installation at a convenient date for your business.
Why can’t I get a business smart meter?
Some businesses may not be eligible for a smart meter straight away, due to basic meter installation requirements:
- If you have a weak network signal at your premise, the SMETS2 smart meter will not be able to send readings to Data and Communications Company (DCC). DCC manage the communications infrastructure which connects smart meters to energy suppliers and network operators. Your engineer can talk you through options.
- Also, some existing meter installations don’t provide enough space for a smart meter and communications hub to be installed. If you’ve applied for a business smart meter, but can’t currently proceed for these reasons, GEAB can advise on next steps.
What type of smart meter can large businesses have installed?
If you use more than 100,000 kWh electricity, or more than 293,000 kWh gas a year and you’re a non-micro business, you can choose between an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) smart meter and a SMETS2 smart meter. Both offer similar benefits, depending on your needs.
How long does it take to install a smart business meter?
Smart meter installation should take approximately one hour. Your electricity supply will need to be turned off for about 40 minutes. Your engineer will do their best to minimise any disruption to your business.
Where will my smart meter be fitted?
In most cases, your new smart meter(s) will be installed in the same place as your old meter(s).
What will I need to do before installation?
Before installation, you need to follow the following steps:
- An appointed person will need to meet the engineer onsite to direct them to the existing meter.
- Ensure you know the location of the meter to be exchanged and clear any obstructions to enable enough space for smart meter installation.
- Turn off any electrical items, such as computers, so they are not affected when the electricity supply is briefly turned off.
What happens after installation?
Your electricity supply will be switched back on, and your engineer will take a reading from your new smart meter.
When will I receive my first bill?
The date you receive your bill depends on which point in the month you have your smart meter installed.
What happens to my smart meter if I change supplier?
Your business smart meter does not affect your ability to switch energy supplier.
Why is my new business smart meter set to zero?
All new meters start from zero. Your engineer will note the final reading from your old meter. These details will be logged and for your records.
GEAB provide smart meter installation, along with expert advice and support on metering across your business and/or multisite premises. Call GEAB today to discuss your smart meter requirements, from 9am to 5pm, on 0191 303 7750.
Did you know energy costs differ depending on where you live? Most energy plans have different rates for different parts of the country, and while you can’t avoid the postcode lottery, read on to find out how you can avoid overcharges.
Which UK areas have the highest energy charges?
The North of Wales and the South West of England have some of the highest energy prices on average.
Which areas in the UK have the lowest energy charges?
On average, the North of Scotland and East Midlands pay the lowest prices.
Why do some regions pay more for energy?
Each energy supplier offers their own prices for gas and electricity, despite securing supplies from the same local distribution network. By comparing the market and refusing to stay loyal to inflated prices, customers create a more competitive energy market by switching to the best energy deal.
Ofgem is not responsible for regulating energy prices, only the energy market, to encourage suppliers to compete to offer customers the best possible service, along with a wide selection of options to meet demand.
Why are energy prices different in parts of the UK?
There are three main reasons why energy prices fluctuate across the country, varying from region to region, and these are:
1. How much energy suppliers are able to sell to customers in that region
2. How much energy suppliers buy from the national grid in that region
3. How much the local energy distributors for the region charge suppliers for that energy
How is electricity supplied in the UK?
Electricity is supplied to households through Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and energy suppliers. There are 14 licensed geographically defined regions of the UK with DNOs serving each one. Energy suppliers use these distribution networks to provide customers with electricity.
Each network sets prices for each region. There are regulations in place by Ofgem to prevent DNOs abusing monopoly power and charging suppliers too much, which would in turn force consumers to pay more for their energy. However, the charges for energy suppliers to use these regional networks still impacts your utility bills.
How is gas supplied in the UK?
Gas is supplied by energy companies via a local distribution network. There are eight Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) operating over separate regions across the UK, and like electricity DNOs, GDNs are regulated by Ofgem. Since GDNs are a natural monopoly, there are some regulations in place to ensure suppliers are not overcharged.
Local distribution networks within the eight regions have different charges for suppliers, meaning customers with the same energy deal could get different prices, depending on their postcode.
How does energy supply and demand affect prices in my area?
Some regions use more gas and electricity compared to others, but that doesn’t guarantee their supply will be the cheapest. Generally speaking, products are cheaper when bought in bulk, and the same goes for energy. Suppliers spend more in the wholesale market if they have the customer base.
Why is there cheaper energy supply in different regions?
In some parts of the country, generating electricity is cheaper. For example, in Scotland where there is a large supply of oil, energy tends to cost less. Producing renewable energy is also becoming cheaper, so regions heavily investing in wind farms and solar are likely have a cheaper supply via local distribution networks.
Distribution network charges differ by region
Each regional distributor will have their own charges set for suppliers. Gas and electricity suppliers pass these additional costs onto customers through their energy bills. Each region is different, and that’s in part down to the amount of energy they are able to generate and the price of generating that energy.
Some regions get a cheaper energy supply because they have a more abundant supply of fossil fuels or renewable energy. Other regions might have a large customer base, but not enough low-cost energy generating solutions, so the supply is more expensive.
What can I do about energy prices in my region?
While the cost of energy is determined by your post code, but you can take control to ensure your business secures the best deal available with support from the energy experts at GEAB.
Changing your energy plan provides greater control over the rates you pay per kWh for your energy. However, the local distribution networks which operate regional gas and electricity supplies in your region are essentially monopolies, with costs built into your overall plan in the form of standing charges. So, while you can’t control regional energy prices, you can ensure you secure the best rates available in your area when you switch.
GEAB work with thousands of businesses, supporting their switch to a better energy deal, with a new contract tailored to their exact business requirements. Call our Energy Experts today from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on 0191 303 7750.
