Brandauer

A Growing Business Facing Rising Energy Pressures

According to Rowan Crozier, Chief Executive and co-owner of Brandauer, energy historically played only a minor role in the company’s overall operating costs.

That changed dramatically during and after the COVID period.

As the business nearly doubled in size, energy costs became significantly more important to both operational planning and long-term profitability. Like many UK manufacturers, Brandauer found itself operating in an increasingly unpredictable market where energy pricing volatility could have a direct impact on commercial performance.

"If you're going to be successful in an ever-uncertain market, particularly around energy, you need to partner with somebody who's hands-on, knowledgeable, and can help you make the right decisions," Rowan explains.

Recognising the need for greater visibility and control, Brandauer began working with Greenfields to develop a more proactive energy strategy.

Building an Energy Strategy Around Stability and Visibility

For Brandauer, securing the lowest possible energy price was only part of the equation.

The bigger priority was achieving continuity, continuity of supply, continuity of pricing, and the ability to forecast costs with confidence over the long term.

Greenfields worked closely with Brandauer to support both electricity and gas procurement while providing ongoing market guidance and strategic advice.

A key focus of the partnership has been helping the business create budget certainty.

By understanding Brandauer’s operational requirements and growth ambitions, Greenfields was able to tailor an energy strategy designed specifically around the manufacturer’s needs.

This approach has become increasingly valuable as changes in the UK energy market continue to affect industrial users.

Navigating Industry Changes Proactively

One example highlighted during the partnership was the upcoming change to TNUoS charges, transmission network costs applied to electricity usage.

Greenfields supported Brandauer in reviewing its available supply capacity to ensure the business was positioned within the correct charging band. This proactive work helped Brandauer avoid unnecessary premium costs while maintaining the capacity needed to support ongoing operations and growth.

Rather than reacting after costs increased, Brandauer was able to make informed decisions early.

For Rowan, this proactive communication has been one of the most valuable aspects of the relationship.

"The proactivity that Greenfields bring allows us to make decisions in a timely fashion to ensure we get the best prices, but also ensure we get continuity in those prices as well," he says.

Supporting Manufacturing Resilience

In today’s manufacturing environment, energy strategy is no longer simply a procurement exercise. It has become a critical component of operational resilience and long-term planning.

For Brandauer, working with a knowledgeable and engaged energy partner has helped provide greater confidence in an increasingly uncertain market.

By combining market insight, proactive communication, and tailored strategic support, the partnership with Greenfields has enabled the business to focus on what it does best, delivering high-quality precision components to industries around the world.

As manufacturers continue to navigate rising costs and evolving market conditions, Brandauer’s experience highlights the importance of taking a forward-looking approach to energy management.

About Brandauer

Founded more than 160 years ago, Brandauer is a UK precision stamping specialist with expertise across multiple sectors. Originally known for manufacturing fountain pen nibs, the company has continually diversified since the 1950s and now supplies precision components used in products ranging from domestic appliances to automotive and energy applications.