Frederick Cooper

Energy Procurement Success for West Midlands Manufacturer Frederick Cooper

We caught up with Jon Stone, Managing Director at Frederick Cooper, to chat about their experience working with our team at Greenfields and the benefits of a strategic approach to energy management.

Frederick Cooper is a long-established Birmingham manufacturer, founded in 1879 and based in Bordesley Green. With 150 skilled employees, they specialise in high-quality paint spraying and powder coating for the automotive industry, producing visually critical components for prestigious brands including Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and JLR.

As a people-led business built on craftsmanship and quality, their operational stability is everything.

The Problem

High Energy Usage

As a coatings manufacturer operating gas ovens, paint booths and continuous production lines, Frederick Cooper is a high-energy user.

Like many West Midlands manufacturers, they faced:

• Significant gas consumption for industrial ovens

• High electricity demand across tracks, booths and finishing operations

• Exposure to volatile wholesale energy markets

• The complexity of choosing between fixed and flexible energy contracts

In a sector where margins are carefully managed and production schedules are tight, energy procurement cannot be left to chance.

They needed more than a transactional broker. They needed a trusted energy partner.

The Risk

Fix at the Wrong Time and Pay for Years

Energy markets move quickly. Fix too early, and you lock in inflated prices. Wait too long, and you risk exposure during spikes.

For a manufacturing business spending heavily on energy, poor timing can mean:

• Long-term overpayment on contracts

• Cashflow pressure

• Reduced competitiveness

• Difficulty pricing work

Frederick Cooper required:

• Proactive energy procurement strategy

• Clear advice on fixed vs flexible contracts

• Forward purchasing visibility

• Invoice validation and supplier accountability

• A partner who would actively monitor the market

They found that in Greenfields Energy.

The Commercial Impact of Energy Procurement

The Right Contracts at the Right Time

Working closely with Liam and the team, Frederick Cooper implemented a proactive energy procurement strategy tailored to market conditions.

Strategic Contract Management

Rather than fixing at peak prices, they:

• Avoided locking into high market rates

• Moved back to fixed contracts once stability returned

• Secured contracts nearly two years ahead for certainty

This structured approach to energy risk management has delivered:

• Cost stability

• Budget forecasting confidence

• Reduced exposure to market volatility

• Greater control over long-term planning

Ongoing Invoice Validation & Supplier Management

Greenfields also:

• Reviews and checks energy invoices

• Identifies supplier errors

• Resolves issues directly

• Provides clear communication and fast response

In Jon’s words, it feels like:

“It’s almost like we don’t have to do anything.”

This is exactly where Greenfields differentiates itself as an expert, service-focused energy consultant.

Our Long-Term Partnership

A Manufacturing-Focused Network

Energy certainty has given Frederick Cooper confidence heading into the coming years:

• Stable pricing for forward planning

• Confidence to scale operations

• Reduced financial uncertainty

But our partnership extends beyond contracts.

Greenfields specialises in supporting various sectors, including manufacturing in the West Midlands and beyond, and regularly brings together industry leaders through curated events and roundtables.

Frederick Cooper has attended several of these sessions and has benefitted from connecting with peers facing similar operational challenges, sharing insight and building relationships.

In manufacturing, collaboration matters, and having an energy partner who understands the sector makes a real difference.

The Result

Frederick Cooper is busy and growing.

With energy contracts secured and market risk professionally managed, they are positioned to build confidently for the future.

Strategic energy procurement shouldn’t be viewed as a cost exercise, but a commercial advantage.

Looking for a proactive energy partner?

If you are a manufacturer in the West Midlands or beyond, spending £100k+ annually on energy and want certainty, accountability and senior-led advice, speak to our team.

We specialise in supporting businesses with tailored, strategic energy procurement and risk management solutions that are built for the long term, not just the next contract.