Today marks National Stress Awareness Day. Today is an opportunity to think about the effects of stress, physically and mentally as well as how we can manage feelings of stress.

Stress impacts us all, whether it’s a change in relationship, pressures we put on ourselves or from others or deadlines for work, it can come from all areas of our lives. Stress can sometimes be useful, motivating us to get things done. However, it can quickly pile up and really impact our mental health, leaving us unable to cope.

It is important to remember that stress can also impact your physical health, raised blood pressure, heart problems, stomach issues and strokes. It is therefore essential that you can identify the signs that you are stressed and learn to manage those feelings.

If you are struggling, speak to a trusted friend or family member, or make an appointment to see your GP. Sometimes just talking can help you see the causes more clearly. It’s also important to make time for yourself to feel less stressed and more relaxed.

It doesn’t have to be anything big, something as simple as reading a book, having a bath, going for a walk or taking a nap. It’s all about slowing down and bringing you back into the moment.

Managing stress is hard and there are some factors that are out of our control. But at these times it is even more important to identify the things that are in our control and that we can change or address.

If you urgently need someone to talk to, you can reach out to any of the numbers below.

Samaritans: 116 123

NHS: 111 Option 2

Mind: 0300 102 1234

CALM: 0800 58 58 58

PAPYRUS: 0800 068 4141 or text 88247 (under 35)

It’s that time of year again…

“It’s really itchy!”
“I can’t go out like this on my birthday!”
“I’m getting rid of it the second we take that photo!”

That’s right, it’s Movember! We are proud to announce that seven of our colleagues have signed up to the Movember challenge of growing a moustache and raising funds for men’s health.

Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

You can show your support here! https://uk.movember.com/team/2478151

And prepare yourselves for the ‘tash reveal at the end of the month…

Happy Halloween from Utility Trade! 🎃🦇

We had a fun morning with some games, spider racing and guess what’s in the box!

Thank you to everyone for being so trusting and agreeing to play along 😄

This year’s theme is “mental health in humanitarian emergencies”, it is all about highlighting the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.

It feels like there is a lot going on in the world right now and you can’t escape it. Whether it’s on the news, the radio, social media, topics of discussion, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of current events. Being continuously exposed to the news can really take a toll on our mental health and leave us feeling emotionally drained, anxious, guilty and scared.

But there are things we can do to protect ourselves and others when it all becomes too much.

– Set boundaries. It’s ok to take a break from the news, it can be beneficial. Turn off notifications on your phone or unfollow any accounts that bring you anxiety.
– Use grounding exercises. Try practicing mindfulness or going for a walk in nature to help bring you back into the present moment.
– Have phone-free times. If you often find yourself doomscrolling, set phone-free times or zones that could help break this habit.
– Focus on what you can control. Small actions matter. Whether it’s signing a petition, volunteering with a local cause or donating items, positive actions can help shift feelings of helplessness into purposefulness.
– Give yourself permission to rest. Rest is essential for wellbeing, taking time to look after yourself is so important. Read a book, take a nap, do yoga, whatever you choose to do, take some time out that allows you to rest and recover.

Never forget there is always someone you can talk to, whether it’s a loved one or through a helpline.

Samaritans – 116 123
MIND 0300 102 1234
CALM 0800 58 58 58

The 16th of September is known as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer or World Ozone Day. The day is about raising awareness of the importance of the ozone layer and the impact it would have on humanity should it diminish. 🌍

The theme this year is “From Science to Global Action”, highlighting the journey from detecting ozone depletion via scientific research, understanding its harmful effects, to taking coordinated global steps like laws, treaties, policy, technology change, all to protect the ozone layer. 🔭

Renewable energy can indirectly help protect and restore the ozone layer by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ozone-depleting substances that stem from burning fossil fuels. As more people utilise things like solar panels and battery storage, we can all play a part in preserving our ozone layer and the environment too. 🌱

☀️Rooftop Solar PV = Turn unused roof space into clean power; slash daytime bills and Scope 2 emissions.

🌿 Ground-mount Solar = Monetise spare land with scalable generation; lock in low-cost energy/ sell back to grid.

🅿️☀️ Solar Carports = Shade vehicles and generate on-site power; a visible sustainability win.

🔋 Battery Storage = Store cheap/solar energy; avoid peak tariffs and boost resilience.

💡 LED Lighting = Instant 50–70% lighting savings with brighter spaces and lower maintenance.

🚗⚡ EV Charger Infrastructure = Enable staff/visitor charging; cut transport emissions and attract talent.

♨️ IRH Infrared Heating = Targeted heat where people are; faster comfort with fewer kWh = lower cost and carbon emissions.

⚡Voltage Optimisation = Trim excess incoming voltage; cut use 5–10% and extend equipment life whilst cutting energy costs and unnecessary carbon emissions.

Are you ready to make a change today? Contact us at 0116 366 7981 or email [email protected] to find out more information.

2025 marks the 30th Year Celebration for Jeans for Genes! 👖

Jeans for Genes is a campaign to raise awareness of the daily challenges faced by those living with genetic conditions and raises money to help fund projects that make a difference to the lives of those affected.

The purpose of the campaign is to:
– Bring together the genetic condition community 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼
– Shine a light on the organisations that work to improve the lives of affected individuals 👩🏻‍⚕️
– Celebrate the achievements of those living with a genetic condition 🏅

We had an office collection to donate to this incredible campaign and are supporting the day by wearing our jeans!

For more information, visit www.jeansforgenes.org

It is estimated that there are currently more than 720,000 suicides per year worldwide, and we know that every individual suicide affects many more people. ‘Changing the narrative’ is the theme for this WSPD, and it aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour.

The Samaritans surveyed people with lived experience of suicide, and the majority told them that their suicidal thoughts have been interrupted. Small interruptions and actions could help someone who is suicidal, you don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life.

These conversations are so important. If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care.

You never know what someone is going through, it costs nothing to be kind.

Samaritans: 116 123
NHS: 111 Option 2
Mind: 0300 102 1234
CALM: 0800 58 58 58
PAPYRUS: 0800 068 4141 or text 88247 (under 35)

We are proud to be taking part in National Food Bank Day today.

Taking place every year on the first Friday of September, today is for raising awareness of hunger and encouraging people across the UK to donate food, time, or resources to their local food bank. Food banks play a vital role in supporting families and individuals in times of need and they require support now more than ever as people continue to struggle through the cost-of-living crisis.

Circumstances can change at any time, illness, job loss, an unexpected bill. Food banks are there to support people through difficult times. No one should go to bed hungry.

Thank you to all our colleagues who contributed.

As World Water Week has now come to an end, let’s wrap this up by busting some Business Water Myths 👊🏻💧

❌ Myth: Switching water supplier will disrupt my service.
✅ Truth: Your water is supplied the same way; you just get a new bill.

❌ Myth: There’s no point switching – all suppliers charge the same.
✅ Truth: Suppliers set different retail margins, so costs vary.

❌ Myth: Savings are tiny.
✅ Truth: We’ve helped businesses save £100s/year – even for smaller sites.

Message us your bill and we’ll see if you can join our list of happy customers!

📩 [email protected]

💡 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Water Bill

Did you know…
🚰 Your water supplier may be charging based on estimated wastewater, not actual use
🚰 You could be paying a higher retail margin than competitors in the same area
🚰 Switching supplier doesn’t change your water source or quality – only your bill
🚰 Many businesses are overpaying by 5–15% every year without realising
🚰 It costs nothing to check if you’re being overcharged

This World Water Week, we’re offering a free, no-obligation bill check for all our customers.
Send us your latest water bill and we’ll see if you can join the businesses already saving thousands each year.

Our research shows that some sectors are naturally more water-intensive – and that means bigger bills (and bigger opportunities for savings):

Rank | Industry | Typical Annual Water Spend*
🥇 1 Hospitality & Leisure £12,000+
🥈 2 Manufacturing £10,500+
🥉 3 Agriculture & Horticulture £9,800+
4 Healthcare £8,700+
5 Education £7,200+
*Based on average consumption and market rates — actual costs vary by size and location.

💡 If your business falls into one of these categories, there’s a strong chance we can reduce your water costs — without changing your water source or quality.

📩 Send us your latest bill and we’ll run a free, no-obligation check to see how much you could save.

Happy World Water Week! 💧

Many UK businesses are paying more than they should for water – and don’t even know it! How much do you really know about business water?

Let’s set the record straight:

Business water rates can be fixed for several years like electricity and gas – ❌ Water prices are reviewed annually (usually April) and can’t be “locked in” like energy, but we can still secure better retail margins.

Switching supplier means you’ll get water from a different source – ❌ Your water source stays the same; only billing and customer service changes.

Every UK business pays the same for water, regardless of who they’re with – ❌ Retailers set different margins, meaning two businesses in the same area can pay very different rates.

If you want to know instantly whether you’re paying too much, send your latest bill to [email protected] – we can check in minutes.

#WorldWaterWeek

Heatwave incoming!! 🥵

As the weather is heating up again, we thought we’d remind everyone of our energy saving tips for the summer and ways to keep your homes cooler! 😎

During the summer months, we tend to spend less time indoors and are therefore less reliant on household appliances which helps to reduce your energy costs, but there is more you can do to keep your usage low. 🌡

Keep your windows closed during the day 🏡
We know, our first impulse when it gets too hot is to open a window. However, opening your window allows more warm air to enter your home. Keep your windows closed during the day when temperatures are high, with blinds and curtains also closed to block direct sunlight. Open them at night when temperatures drop to allow cool air to circulate your home. Remember, fans only circulate the air in your home, so letting in less warm air means you won’t need to use them as much.

Don’t leave appliances on standby 🔌
Other than just wasting energy, appliances emit heat when they are not completely switched off. Turning them off or unplugging them can help to keep your home cool during warmer periods.

Dry your clothes outdoors 👕
Washing machines and tumble dryers generate a lot of heat, so cut back on this by only doing full loads and try using a lower temperature on your machine. Using a clothes horse or hanging your washing out on the line is a great alternative to using a dryer.

Try to avoid using your oven 👨🏻‍🍳
Some ovens can take a long time to get to temperature and to cool down, meaning extra heat in your kitchen for a long period. If you are able, try to do more of your cooking with a microwave or air fryer to keep your kitchen cooler. Or if you have one, use your barbecue!

But most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself!

🌊 Drink lots of water
☀ Stay out of the sun between 11am – 3pm if possible
🐕‍🦺 If you have pets, only walk them early morning or late evening
💊 Some medications can be impacted negatively by hot weather, make sure to store them in a cool, dry space to ensure they will work correctly when you need them

Thank you to our directors for a great summer party last week, we’re all rested, recovered and ready to smash the rest of the year! 🤩

Summer Party photos pending 🎳⛳

We are closing at 12pm on Friday 25^th July to take our colleagues out for our annual summer party! Everyone has worked so hard this year and we’re looking forward to celebrating with our team 🥳

Please email [email protected] for any urgent queries and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Otherwise, we’ll be open from 9am as usual on Monday 28^th 👩🏻‍💻

Have you heard the old folklore about St Swithin’s Day? The story goes; whatever the weather is like on the day, it will continue for the next 40 days and 40 nights. Of course, there is no evidence to support the claim but it still remains cemented in local lore. ☔⛅

Something else we hear often is that solar panels only work if the sun is shining. This has been debunked time and time again but people still believe it to be true! It’s true that direct sunlight is best for solar energy, but even on cloudy days, solar panels still generate clean and efficient electricity. Visible light, UV light and infrared light still get through. 🌞

Let’s break down a few more common myths about Solar.

🏠 “I don’t have the space on my roof for it” Roof-mounted solar isn’t your only option, there is also ground-mounted which is perfect for any underused land space. Solar car canopies are ideal for EV charging, providing electric, shade and shelter for your car.

💰 “Solar is too expensive” Solar is not as expensive as it once was, and there are many different options available for businesses and individuals. Local grants, finance arrangements, and when you’re generating your own electricity you could save up to 50% on your energy bills, helping you to cut costs long term.

💡”Solar technology is constantly improving, we’re best to wait” Are you still making calls on your Nokia phone waiting for them to finally stop bringing out new iPhones? A well maintained Solar system can last over 25 years, if you select the right system from tier 1 manufacturers, they’re built to last for decades.

Hopefully, this post has helped shed some (sun)light on reasons why it would be beneficial to begin your solar journey. From design to install to maintenance, we are here every step of the way. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼

To get in touch with one of our team members today, call 0116 366 7981 or email [email protected] for more information. 📞

Let’s hope for sunshine today so we get 40 glorious days, ready to power up all those solar panels. 😉

This year the focus is on ending plastic pollution. For decades, plastic pollution has become more and more harmful to our world. It’s in the water we drink, the food we eat, and our bodies. Whilst a major concern, it is also one of the most fixable problems, compared to other environmental challenges. 🌳

Refuse
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
Rethink.

The choices we make can shape industries, shift markets and define our collective future. Change happens through all of us and together, we can deliver an end to plastic pollution that protects the planet and everyone in it. ♻️

The theme for this year is “Tea and Fair Trade”, to highlight the importance of where tea is grown and promoting fair trade practices that benefit the producers, helping to combat poverty. Grown in over 60 countries, there are more than 13 million people employed in the global tea industry, many of these are small scale farmers. 👨🏻‍🌾

Did you know that tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world after water? Discovered over 5,000 years ago in China, tea provides refreshment and relaxation, giving you a moment of calm and relief from stress and tension. Tea also holds various health benefits, there is a tea for everything! 🫖

💤 Help with sleep – Chamomile
😮‍💨 Relaxation & stress – Lavender
💪🏻 Boosting Immunity – Elderberry
🍵 Digestion – Peppermint
🤧 Allergy relief – Nettle
🫚 Anti-inflammatory – Ginger
👩🏻‍💻 Mental focus – Matcha green

We’ve started off the morning with a selection of tea and biscuits for the team to help them get going! 🍪

(And we’re not even going to open it up to discussion, it’s water before milk.)

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and this years theme is ‘Community’. 🫂

Relationships and social communication are vital for your mental health and wellbeing. Having a community around you provides you with emotional support, companionship and reduces isolation. Whether your community is your close friends and family, or a local network, these people help you to build resilience and find purpose through shared experiences and offering support. 🫶🏻

It is estimated that around 1 in 4 people in England will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life. This week is vital to shine a spotlight on mental health, encouraging people to open conversations, banishing the stigma around the topic and promoting wellbeing. 💚

It can be difficult for some people to discuss their mental health for various reasons, but it can make a real difference to have these important conversations. You are not alone. We’ve attached a conversation guide to this post with some pointers of how to start these vital discussions. 🗣️

To bring awareness to the week, our very own Erikka has made some amazing cupcakes for everyone to enjoy. A cuppa and a cake is a great way to get conversation flowing. 🍰