Empowering the education sector through

collaborative energy management

Who are West Mercia Energy?

Specialising solely in managing energy contracts for the public sector, WME is jointly owned by four local authorities: Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire councils, respectively. WME are committed to supporting public sector customers to achieve their specific net zero ambitions and work collectively to achieve the Government’s net zero pledge.

Overview

Before partnering with WME, Weydon Multi Academy Trust faced several operational hurdles that distracted from their core mission of education. The Trust was previously engaged with a commercial energy broker whose primary focus was profit rather than a collaborative, sector-specific partnership.

This commercial approach often felt misaligned with the Trust’s goals. Furthermore, energy accounts across the various schools within the Trust were fragmented, leading to administrative complexity and a lack of unified oversight. These challenges necessitated a move toward a provider that offered transparency, sector expertise, and a values-based approach to energy management.

Our Work

The transition to WME’s services in 2023 provided Weydon Multi Academy Trust with a robust, fully managed energy solution. By focusing on relationship-driven service and technological accessibility, WME ensured the Trust’s energy management was both simple and effective.

  • Fully managed energy procurement
  • Dedicated customer portal access
  • Seamless school onboarding and transitions
  • Prompt query and billing management

The path to partnership

In 2023, Weydon Multi Academy Trust undertook a rigorous tendering process to find a long-term energy partner.

This included a thorough review of the Department for Education's (DfE) approved energy frameworks and private sector broker options. Following this evaluation, WME emerged as the preferred partner for two primary reasons: their comprehensive, fully managed service and their advanced myWME portal functionality, which provided a level of data accessibility that other providers could not match at the time.

Most importantly, the WME team demonstrated a relationship-focused, "people-first" energy management style that mirrored the Trust’s own internal values, ensuring a cultural fit that went beyond simple procurement.

Enhanced budgeting and operational efficiency

Since joining WME, the Trust has experienced a significant improvement in its financial and administrative workflows. One of the most impactful changes has been the clarity and frequency of communication regarding pricing and commercial updates. This transparency has been instrumental in the Trust’s budgeting process, allowing for accurate financial forecasting and more informed decision-making.

The operational burden on school staff has also been significantly reduced. For new schools joining the Trust since 2023, WME has managed the transition into the WMAT contract seamlessly, removing the stress of integrating new meters and accounts. Billing has remained consistent and accurate; when queries do arise, they are dealt with promptly by the WME team, ensuring that any potential issues are resolved before they can impact the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Beyond energy - a partnership for social value

The collaboration between WMAT and WME extends beyond the meter and into the classroom. WME’s commitment to social value was tangibly demonstrated when one of the Trust’s Special schools received a grant from WME’s social value fund.

This funding was used to purchase bright, colour-coded, easy-to-use recycling bins. This initiative has encouraged everyone within the school to recycle more effectively, creating a positive environmental change that continues to grow. By supporting these types of local initiatives, WME has proven to be more than just a supplier, but a partner invested in the well-being and future of the students and communities WMAT serves.