AN energy consultancy says it remains committed to creating further jobs despite staff turnover checking its progress.

Utilitywise has vowed to bolster its ranks after greater demand delivered stronger financial results.

The company, based in North Tyneside, helps firms manage power and water bills, and expects revenues to touch at least £82m for the year to July 31, compared to £69.1m in 2015.

The business said it has particularly benefited from demand in its enterprise division, which brings together smaller organisations and energy suppliers.

According to its latest trading update, the operation saw customer numbers grow 21 per cent in the year to 30,552, with 75 per cent of revenues derived from new clients.

Future revenue stood at £25.6m.

However, bosses said the division, which lifted worker numbers from 610 to 625, has been affected by what they call staff attrition, adding the turnover has had an impact on performance.

But Geoff Thompson, chief executive, who is due to become executive chairman in plans designed to augment the company’s UK and European growth, said changes were being implemented to alleviate further issues.

He said: “While we have seen significant revenue growth and increased customer numbers, it has been a challenging year with staff attrition in the enterprise division resulting in a weaker overall performance than we would have liked.

“Although actions to address the attrition are well underway, it has had an impact.

“However, we are already seeing the benefits of these actions and expect consultant headcount to increase.”

He revealed its European enterprise business will achieve its break-even target, adding customer numbers have increased as expected, with plans in place to increase revenues sourced by workers.

Mr Thompson also said Utilitywise has been proactive by launching software, such as a monitor to gauge energy use remotely, and expects to benefit from a deal with Dell to help people control bills.

Earlier this year, Utilitywise revealed Mr Thompson, who founded the firm in 2006, was changing roles to lead campaigns on customer relationships.

Officials said a “high calibre” replacement has been identified to take over but today (Monday, August 8) declined to tell The Northern Echo who that figure is or when the change will be made.

Mr Thompson added: “The new team will soon be complete and we look to the future with great confidence.

“We are one of the largest companies of our type in the UK; there are others, but they haven’t got the range and products we have.”