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Page last updated icon Page last updated on 8th September 2025
18.7.2024 JONBERG SEW&SEW 34Sew & Sew Jonberg Banner

Marcelle Humphreys, owner of Sew & Sew in South Wales

Our Small Business Focus feature puts the spotlight on local business owners who talk about how they use their smart meters, how they manage their energy costs and other helpful tips. In this edition, Marcelle Humphreys talks about her experience running the South Wales-based sewing and alterations shop Sew & Sew.

Marcelle shares her story

Marcelle Humphreys is the owner of a sewing repairs and alterations business, Sew & Sew, based in Maesteg, Wales. Marcelle has run the business for 18 years and, prior to this, ran pubs in South Wales.

Marcelle Humphreys Sew And Sew Jonberg

How do you manage your energy costs?

I check my smart meter at the end of each day to see how much energy has been used. It’s important that I make sure my energy use, and my costs, are kept under control.

I have had my smart meter for about 2 years. The electricity had to go off for a couple of hours, but it wasn’t disruptive at all, as I was able to arrange the installation in the afternoon, when I am not so busy.

How does your smart meter help your business?

Being able to check my energy use on my smart meter means I can put the right amount money aside as I go along, and I’ve a good idea of what my bill is going to be - so I don’t get any surprises when my bill comes in.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Affect Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Yu Energy are responsible for Ampower UK customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

BES Utilities rebranded to Ruby Energy in August 2024. The rebrand was announced in July 2024.

We believe that Yu Energy PLC is now responsible for Bristol Energy Business customers. Therefore we will connect you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Bulb Business customers. Therefore we will connect you with Octopus who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Pozitive Energy is now responsible for Contract Natural Gas customers. Therefore we will connect you with Pozitive Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

Eon have informed us that Eon Next are responsible for smart meter installations, so you'll be redirected there.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that Shell Energy are responsible for Hudson customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Shell Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Smartest Energy is responsible for MA Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Smartest Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is responsible for PFP Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but you can still visit their website and contact them directly. They will take your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We believe that Yu Energy is now responsible for Xcel Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Yu Energy is now responsible for Whoop Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We are redirecting you.

Would you recommend getting a smart meter to other small business owners?

I’d definitely recommend getting a smart meter to other small business owners, as it will help them keep track of the energy they are using, which is essential in this day and age.

What are your best energy saving tips?

Turn machinery off when it’s not in use! I don’t leave things on like I used to before I got a smart meter, because I am aware now that everything uses electricity all the time. We turn the machines off if we’re not using them.

Although they are not noisy, they are still using electricity, for example, they may have lights on them.

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What is the best/hardest part of being a small business owner?

The best part is being your own boss and doing something you enjoy. You can do the things you want to do and the way you want to do it, as you have freedom when it comes to making decisions.

The administrative side has been ok for me because I have worked in businesses where I’ve had to do the books, so it was just carrying on as I’d always done in previous jobs. When I started up my own business, I did get an accountant. I just send off my accounts and don’t have to worry. 

The hardest part of being in business for yourself is if you get fewer customers through the door because of the cost of living, as there are still bills to pay.

Watch: Marcelle Humphreys, owner of Sew & Sew, talks about managing energy as a business owner

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.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Affect Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Yu Energy are responsible for Ampower UK customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

BES Utilities rebranded to Ruby Energy in August 2024. The rebrand was announced in July 2024.

We believe that Yu Energy PLC is now responsible for Bristol Energy Business customers. Therefore we will connect you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Bulb Business customers. Therefore we will connect you with Octopus who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Pozitive Energy is now responsible for Contract Natural Gas customers. Therefore we will connect you with Pozitive Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

Eon have informed us that Eon Next are responsible for smart meter installations, so you'll be redirected there.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that Shell Energy are responsible for Hudson customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Shell Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Smartest Energy is responsible for MA Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Smartest Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is responsible for PFP Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but you can still visit their website and contact them directly. They will take your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We believe that Yu Energy is now responsible for Xcel Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Yu Energy is now responsible for Whoop Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We are redirecting you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

More FAQs for small businesses

Photography for this case study was provided by Jon Berg.