Page last updated on 12th October 2026
Paul Watts, owner of The Bookshop on the Heath in Blackheath
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, Paul Watts talks about his experience running The Bookshop on the Heath, a second-hand and rare bookshop in Blackheath, south east London.
Paul shares his story
There has been a bookshop at 74 Tranquil Vale since 1949, but the building itself goes back to 1880. Before the books moved in, it was a toy emporium, a second-hand furniture shop, a lingerie shop, an arts and crafts showroom, a wireless engineer’s workshop and an antique shop.
Paul bought the business in December 2024 to make sure it stayed a bookshop for the local community. It sits on the corner of Tranquil Vale and Royal Parade overlooking the Heath, with shelves full of second-hand books and rare editions. Paul runs it with a team of four, some of whom have worked there for many years. The shop has a smart meter for its electricity.
How do you manage your energy costs?
I keep a close eye on the smart meter, so I know what we’re using and when. It’s made me much more conscious of our energy use, and I’ve tried to pass that on to the team.
We’ve talked through what needs switching off when we close up at the end of the day, so everyone knows the routine, whoever’s locking up. With a few of us working here, it only takes one lamp or computer left on overnight to make a difference, so it helps that we’re all on the same page.
How does your smart meter help your business?
It’s given me a much better understanding of where our energy is being used. Over the summer I could see our use go up when we had fans running through the heatwaves, and I’m expecting another rise as the weather turns colder.
Being able to see that means I can plan for it and make changes where we can, rather than getting a surprise when the bill comes in. For a small shop, the worst thing that can happen is outgoings being higher than expected.
What are your best energy-saving tips?
Do a walk around the premises before you leave and switch off anything that doesn’t need to be on. In an old building like ours, there are plenty of corners where a lamp or a plug can hide. And don’t leave equipment on standby or running overnight. Those invisible drains soon add up.
What is the best/hardest part of being a small business owner?
The best part is keeping a bookshop at the heart of Blackheath. When the shop came up for sale, I didn’t want to see it become something else. There’s room for all sorts of businesses on the high street, but once a bookshop like this goes, it rarely comes back. Books run in the family, as my mum was a librarian, so it felt like a natural fit.
I love seeing our regulars come in, as well as people discovering the shop for the first time. Some of our team have been here for years, and they know the stock and our customers inside out.
The hardest part is all the back-office work: accounts, HR and payroll, fire safety and insurance, all while looking after the shop itself. Nobody takes on a bookshop because they love doing payroll, but it all has to get done.
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.
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.