Energy Strategy, Smarter

SEFE Energy’s tailored approach helps UK manufacturers take control of energy, costs, and carbon

In an era where rising energy costs and decarbonization goals are reshaping every sector, SEFE Energy is helping manufacturers meet the moment — not with a one-size-fits-all solution, but with deep industry knowledge, a flexible product offering, and a firm commitment to energy as a strategic enabler.

As the winner of Most Innovative Energy Management Solution in the Manufacturing Supplier Innovation Awards UK 2025, SEFE Energy’s recognition speaks not just to innovation in technology, but to a service-led model that puts customers’ needs first.

“We’re proud of this award because it reflects our deep focus on manufacturing — a sector we support every day,” said Sam Sherlock, Head of Corporate UK at SEFE Energy. “Our teams work closely with over 1,500 manufacturing businesses across the UK to deliver energy strategies that are tailored, practical, and results-driven.”

Not just a utility — a strategic lever

SEFE Energy’s approach is grounded in the belief that energy is no longer just a commodity — it’s a strategic variable in both operational and environmental performance. Their energy specialists work closely with manufacturing clients to shape bespoke strategies that tackle contract suitability, billing accuracy, tax relief, and carbon performance.

“Our role isn’t just to supply energy — it’s to help businesses unlock its full potential,” Sherlock explains. “That might mean identifying missed opportunities for savings, navigating complex contract structures, or helping businesses meet their Scope 2 reporting obligations.”

Rather than center innovation around a single platform, SEFE Energy focuses on how its teams apply specialist knowledge to real-world problems — from CCL relief to smarter SOQ and ratchet charge avoidance.

Energy solutions beyond supply

Manufacturers working with SEFE Energy benefit from access to decarbonization tools far beyond energy procurement. These include:

• Renewable energy certificates
  
• Carbon offsetting
  
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
  
• Support from in-house trading analysts
  

Through its trading counterpart, SEFE Marketing & Trading (SM&T), the company also provides wholesale market insight to flexible contract customers — helping them better manage risk and pricing without the need for formal trading advisory.

“The market is moving quickly,” said Sherlock. “We want our customers to feel informed and confident, and our reporting tools are a big part of that.”

While weekly energy summaries are publicly available, SEFE customers gain access to more in-depth daily market reports, helping them align energy strategy with operational planning.

Built on real customer feedback

SEFE Energy’s innovation is led by customer insight — not assumptions. The company regularly hosts in-person feedback events and sector-specific roundtables, using the input to shape product development and refine service delivery.

“We’ve found that face-to-face conversations with our manufacturing customers offer a depth of feedback you can’t get from surveys alone,” said Sherlock. “They help us understand what’s keeping them up at night — whether it’s policy uncertainty, supply chain pressure, or emissions targets.”

This open line of communication helps SEFE Energy evolve alongside its clients, ensuring that its energy management strategies remain practical, flexible, and grounded in reality.

Smart data, smarter decisions

SEFE Energy is currently piloting a new energy analytics platform in partnership with EAL/Kwiqly. This platform will allow manufacturers to access interval usage data, flag anomalies, and receive actionable diagnostics — enabling faster, more informed decisions around energy use.

“We’re building tools that give our customers real visibility — so they can move from reactive to proactive energy management,” Sherlock shared. “Our goal is to make this as intuitive and impactful as possible.”

The platform is in advanced stages of testing and expected to roll out soon, supporting SEFE’s broader goal of making data central to every energy strategy.

Evolving for the net-zero future

The UK’s net-zero timeline has placed increasing pressure on manufacturers to decarbonize — and SEFE Energy is helping clients meet this challenge with a growing portfolio of solutions and guidance.

“We know net-zero can be complex, especially for mid-sized businesses,” said Sherlock. “That’s why we’re investing in new services, tools, and partnerships — to help our customers take meaningful steps without overwhelming their operations.”

SEFE’s involvement in the hydrogen market is one example. Drawing on its European footprint, particularly in Germany, the company is exploring ways to bring hydrogen expertise to UK clients as the domestic market matures.

What’s next?

SEFE is currently developing a new NDM cashout and reforecasting tool, which aims to improve cost accuracy for flexible pricing customers by aligning settlement values with actual usage rather than seasonal profiling.

It’s part of the company’s larger mission to offer precision, simplicity, and strategic value in every aspect of energy management.

“Innovation isn’t just about tech — it’s about being the kind of partner that evolves with your customers,” Sherlock concluded.

Learn more: www.sefe-energy.co.uk