What a broker actually does
A broker holds live pricing across multiple suppliers, understands each one's appetite for your sector and credit profile, and handles objections, meter data and billing queries. For a business with one meter and time to spare, that value is modest. For a multi-site operator, it is substantial.
Commission and transparency
Most brokers are paid an uplift embedded in the unit rate. That is legitimate — but you should be told the amount in pence per kWh, in writing, before you sign. Under Ofgem's rules brokers must be transparent about how they are paid, and any refusal to disclose is a reason to walk away.
When to go direct
Going direct can work if you have a single small meter, a strong credit profile and the time to call several suppliers on the same morning. It rarely works well for half-hourly sites, complex portfolios, or businesses with a payment history to explain.
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