Member Article

Newcastle Uni graduate come entrepreneur sees utility startup go national

A Newcastle University backed company created to give the region’s students affordable access to fibre optic broadband and low energy bills has already set its sights on rapid UK expansion, thanks to a highly successful first month in business.

One Utility Bill, based in Gateshead, is helmed by university graduate come entrepreneur, Chris Dawson, and he has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback and interest his new company has received since launching at the turn of the New Year.

With customer targets firmly on track, the company expects to smash its initial six figure first-year turnover target and will invest in new staff nationally to match the demand for its services.

The organisation, which manages and sources the best student deals for utility bills - and works alongside the region’s landlords - has said years of arguments with housemates and unpaid bills drove him and his team to set up the firm.

One Utility Bill now has partnered with some of the UK’s most trusted providers of water, gas and electricity and has secured deals with several of the largest utilities providers in the country.

“After living in student accommodation and rented student houses at university there was always arguments and stress about utility bills,” explained One Utility Bill’s Managing Director, Chris Dawson.

“There’s lots of confusion about where and how to get the best deals, and missed payments are commonplace in student households.

“We wanted to change utilities for students forever, for the better. From the very beginning, our aim was to ensure that students got the best deal, a simple deal and a fair deal. So that’s what we did, and we’re delighted the UK’s students have already found value in the service we provide.

“We decided One Utility Bill would put the student back in the driving seat and in control of their utilities, rather than being bullied by other expensive providers. We promise that students will never have to pay over the odds for energy ever again. We will ensure their energy tariff is always great value.”

Although it’s Headquarters is proudly based on Tyneside - where Chris Dawson graduated with a Town Planning Degree at Newcastle University - the company believes it can be the UK’s number one provider of shared and affordable student utility bills.

One Utility Bill works by giving students one flexible payment for all of their bills, split equally between housemates, when its most convenient for them.

One Utility Bill has pledged to give students unbeatable prices that will include their electricity, gas, water and super quick broadband. The company estimates a student’s usage for the next year, gives them a budget and splits the cost across the whole year, making it even easier for them to manage.

Chris Dawson, added: “When students have organised their houses for the next academic year, we make sure we have everything organised for them from the day they move in until the day they move out.

“We want to give students a service so that can concentrate on learning and getting the most out of their university experience. Students can get a free quote anytime by logging onto our website.”