Smarter Energy
Smarter Energy
From Commodity Provider to Strategic Partner
The UK’s energy transition is entering a pivotal phase, and the companies shaping it are redefining how they operate.
In this five-part series, we explore the strategies that will define the next chapter: from platform-based models to advanced data capabilities, sector-focused solutions, realistic geographic strategies, and partnerships that cut time-to-market.
Written by David Watson and Hannah Sword, the series equips senior leaders in B2B energy with a clear, practical view of where the industry is heading - and how to position their organisations to lead it.
The future belongs to those who can offer flexible platforms, tailored services, and a more consultative approach.
David Watson
Principal
Transitioning Products to Platforms
From Power Providers to Technology Partners
Energy suppliers are evolving beyond commodity trading into technology-enabled service models. We look at how the most forward-thinking are positioning themselves for sustainable growth and deeper customer relationships.
We explore:
- How suppliers are creating scalable, flexible technology platforms
- The role of local energy assets in driving new business models
- Why data-enabled services are reshaping supplier - customer relationships
- Innovations that remove traditional cost barriers for customers
- What the future “strategic partner” role really looks like
The days of betting on regulatory certainty are over. Success demands resilience.
David Watson
Principal
Geographic & Political Realism
Britain’s Energy Transition: Strong foundations, shaky confidence
Britain’s energy transition stands on strong technical foundations but faces political uncertainty. We examine how leaders can stay ahead in a market shaped as much by policy as by technology.
We explore:
- The UK’s position compared with other global energy markets
- How political shifts influence investment decisions
- Technologies and models that perform across policy cycles
- Lessons from regions with stronger policy clarity
- Why subsidy-free solutions are becoming the priority
In the energy transition, a company’s needs are shaped more by how it operates than by how much energy it uses.
Hannah Sword
Director
Smarter Segmentation
Why Sector, Not Size, Defines the Energy Transition
Old segmentation models are breaking down. We show why a company’s operational profile is now more important than its size in shaping its energy needs.
We explore:
- Why traditional “large vs small” segmentation is no longer enough
- Sector-specific drivers in the energy transition
- Emerging opportunities for SMEs in clean energy adoption
- How regional differences influence adoption speed
- Approaches to creating flexible platforms that span sectors
Early movers are already building the network effects that will be hard to catch up to later.
David Watson
Principal
Data-Led Delivery
Why the Data Scientist is the New Energy Leader
Data is fast becoming the most powerful lever in the energy sector. We look at how advanced analytics, platform thinking, and trust-based governance are reshaping the market.
We explore:
- How data is transforming supplier-customer interactions
- The network effects that drive competitive advantage
- Practical barriers to effective data use in energy
- How to build trust around commercial and customer data
- The long-term business models emerging from data leadership
Partnership is not only a strategic preference but a competitive necessity.
Hannah Sword
Director
Strategic Partnerships as Accelerators
Cutting Time-to-Market with the Right Partnerships
The pace of the energy transition demands collaboration. We explore the partnership models enabling speed, scale, and customer impact.
We explore:
- Why partnerships outperform in-house development for speed and scale
- The different partnership structures shaping the market
- Key success factors for long-term collaboration
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- How partnerships evolve as trust and performance grow
B2B Energy Transition
Meet the Team
Ian Barker
Managing Partner
Ian shapes the BFY vision and inspires our team to bring it to life, while remaining central to complex client engagements in Strategy, Commercial, and Operations.
Hannah Sword
Director
Hannah leads client engagements, striving to ensure clients gain significant value and benefits and from the work we deliver.
Mark Hewett
Director
Mark leads transformational change for UK energy and utility companies. His mission is to accelerate their journey to Net Zero, delivering on the promise of the energy transition and creating value for their customers, shareholders, and society across the energy value chain.
Chris Thoms
Client Director
Chris partners with clients to operationalise their business strategy into a coherent and optimised change portfolio, by leveraging best practice P3MO approaches and frameworks.
David Watson
Principal
As Principal at BFY, David leads client engagements on energy strategy, policy and commercial excellence, helping them to navigate a complex policy and regulatory landscape, capitalise on emerging opportunities in the energy transition and optimise their operating models for long-term success.
Matt Turner-Tait
Senior Manager
Matt lead clients through key strategic projects exploring growth opportunities, business models, competitive advantage, and mergers & acquisitions.
Smarter Energy
Helping suppliers become strategic energy partners
Many suppliers remain focused on traditional, commodity-based competition. We help organisations evolve from that model into trusted energy partners.
Here’s what we focus on:
- Value-driven solutions - Strategic consulting, market insights, and transformation roadmaps
- Smarter delivery - Digital and AI platforms for energy management and customer engagement
- Partnership-led growth - Tailored propositions and go-to-market strategies that open up new collaboration opportunities
- Diverse offerings - Helping you shift from single-product models to integrated platforms
- Leadership and culture - Tools and support for culture change and agile ways of working
Our aim is to help you build a business that thrives no matter how the market shifts, with stronger customer relationships, more stable revenue streams, and the agility to capture new opportunities.
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