Page last updated on 12th November 2024
Hannah Egerton, founder of Edgie Eats in Bristol, shares her advice...
Founded in April 2022 by Hannah Egerton, Edgie Eats is an independent supplier of baked goods and tasty treats based in Bristol. Having started her business by baking in her parents’ garage, the wholesale part of Hannah’s business now supplies over 16 outlets in Bath and Bristol (4 universities and 12 cafes). Additionally, the Edgie Eats Cakeshop and Café, opened in Bristol in March 2024.
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[Nisha Katona and Hannah Egerton are sitting together interview style]
Nisha Katona: I'm Nisha Katona, founder of Mowgli Stree Food restaurants and I'm with Hannah, who runs her own business, Edgie Eats, a bakery offering sweet treats in the heart of Bristol. We're here to talk about how important it is as a small business owner to be accurate with your finances.
Hannah: Managing those outgoings. It is a big, big obstacle to running a small business. So like energy, staff, and ingredient costs which are forever rising. But I try and look at the figures each month. My smart meter helps because it gives me the data there and then.
Nisha: What made you want to get a smart meter?
Hannah: I moved into the property just over a year ago, and I pretty much got my smart meter one of the first weeks that I moved in, it was a no-brainer to get one really, because it helps so much with time management, budget management, financial management.
Nisha: So how do you think having the smart meter has helped you control your finances?
Hannah: So it's saved me from going out doing those meter readings. You know, it's the last thing you want to do at the end of the day. So saving time is one of the big pluses. It also helps me track month-by-month. So it gives me a more accurate sort of flow of all my costings.
Nisha: It's that bill shock that can be one of the most damaging things in a business, so being able to plan ahead and monitor the cadence of how you've been spending really helps for future proofing your business.
Nisha: So Hannah, what tips would you give to other small businesses in managing their costs and their energy costs?
Hannah: I think a big part is training your team correctly, because it's not just me anymore, amazingly my team has grown. There's now ten of us, so teaching them the importance of saving energy, the importance of saving on ingredients and switching the lights off, or making sure the ovens are turned off every night, making sure everything is switched off. You know just little bits each day, does really add up and helps the business save money overall.
Nisha: Hannah, what's the bill that worries you the most at the end of the month?
Hannah: One of the biggest ones is definitely energy, you know, going into winter. But smart meters are really good because they can help you track ahead and budget for those winter months coming. I would recommend a smart meter to any business.
How do you manage your energy costs?
I moved into my current premises just over a year ago, which I commercially rent. One of the first things I did was to get a smart meter installed, as I knew I didn’t have the time to keep doing manual meter readings.
How does your smart meter help your business?
The fact that the smart meter sends readings automatically to my supplier saves me so much time. At the end of the day, when you’ve done all your baking, staff rotas and advanced prep, the last thing you want to do is go to the meter, find the numbers, do a manual reading and have to send it in. Having a smart meter means I have more time to spend on my business, for example, focusing on baking and customer service.
The smart meter has also helped me keep track of my energy costs. It gives me data there and then, so I can see how the business’s energy use fluctuates and take a closer look at why it’s been so high at certain times of day.
What have been your biggest business challenges and how have you overcome them?
For me, scaling up the business was a big challenge. I started in my parents’ garage, then moved to a rented kitchen and now having my own premises, which has been a big journey over the past couple of years.
Managing outgoings, especially as we’ve been growing, hasn’t been easy. Being quite a new business, I’m still learning as I go along. There is so much to keep track of, that it can be quite overwhelming. But I do keep track month-my-month, especially when it comes to energy, staff and supplier costs.
Energy is one of the bills I worry about the most, especially going into winter, which is always a scary time for a small business owner. The smart meter is good as it helps me review what I used previously, and then budget for those months ahead. Knowing what happened last year means it’s possible to put the money aside and I have a bit of a cushion, which is good for peace of mind.
What is your best energy saving tip?
Involve your team. My business isn’t just me anymore. Whilst I know how much it costs to keep the business running, it’s important the team is aware too, especially when it comes to running costs and waste.
I share smart meter data with my team, as it helps me to explain what things are costing, and we then identify between us where we might be able to change the way we operate to reduce our running costs. Habits, like switching lights and ovens off when not in use, can add up. A smart meter shows how small actions can make a big difference.
I’d definitely recommend getting a smart meter to other small business owners.
WWhat is the best part of being a small business owner?
Being your own boss is great and seeing the business grow has been amazing. Having my own café is brilliant, as I now get to meet customers and get direct feedback. Being able to share my ambitions and success with my team is also important to me. They’re the building blocks of the business. I couldn’t do it without them.
How can you request a smart meter for your small business?
Simply enter your energy supplier in the box below and we’ll connect you. If your business works with a Third Party Intermediary (TPI) or broker, please contact them directly to request your smart meter.
Want to find out more?
- Request a smart meter - find everything you need to know about how to request a smart meter for your small business with our step-by-step guide.
- FAQs about smart meters and small businesses - find the answers to all of your frequently asked questions about smart meters in small businesses.
- Money saving tips for small businesses - our top tips to help your small business cut costs.
FAQs
How long does installation take?
Installations normally take about two hours and are arranged in advance so that you can make any necessary arrangements beforehand to ensure minimal disruption to your normal business operations.
Can I get a smart meter if my small business is in a rented premises?
Yes. If you pay the energy bills you can make the decision about whether to get a smart meter. If your landlord pays your energy bills, speak with them about getting a smart meter for your building.
You may need to check with your landlord that any changes to your meter are allowed within your rental contract.