Serving the Teesside Business Community | 39
“We wanted to take all the good
things we’d seen, leave the
sloppiness behind and add in
some good ideas of our own”
– Utility Alliance chief executive officer Darren Sutherland
Chief executive officer Darren Sutherland worked
as a civilian on major defence logistics projects in
locations including Afghanistan.
“This business is growing
rapidly and doing very
well, but if you stand still
you go backwards”
– Utility Alliance chief operating
officer Phill Moore
Chief operating officer Phill Moore
says Utility Alliance is already
looking at developments in the
electric car industry.
“This business is growing rapidly and
doing very well, but if you stand still you go
backwards,” adds Phill. “That’s why we’re
also looking at how we can be involved in
developments in the electric car industry
so we can hit the ground running when the
changes come.”
They opened a new office in Sheffield this
summer and there are long-term plans to
access energy markets in the United States
and further afield. But one thing the three
directors don’t intend to do is relinquish day-
to-day control of the business.
“Because we own the company we can
react more quickly, instead of having 20
people sitting round a boardroom in two
weeks’ time making decisions about things
they don’t really understand,” says Darren.
“When you become a plc you can also lose
that personal touch. We not only understand
our clients, but we also understand the
people who work for us too.
“One of the keys to our success is that
we began by creating an excellent business
plan. If I had to give anyone starting up some
advice, it’s to have a good plan and stick with
it. It’s a bit like a satnav. Some things may
change, but if you get the basic direction
right, it will eventually lead you to your
destination.”
On call – Utility Alliance now employs 200 people on Teesside
and has announced plans for further expansion in Sheffield.