THE new boss of an energy consultancy says he can’t wait to follow in the footsteps of a North-East entrepreneur.

Brendan Flattery will take over as chief executive of Utilitywise in October.

Mr Flattery, who is joining the North Tyneside company from Newcastle-headquartered software operator Sage Group, will replace Utilitywise’s founder, Geoff Thompson.

Mr Thompson is moving to an executive chairman role in plans designed to strengthen customer relationships and augment the business’ UK and European growth.

Looking ahead to his tenure, Mr Flattery told The Northern Echo he was delighted to have been chosen as the man to lead future plans at Utilitywise, which helps firms manage power and water bills.

He said: “I’m really excited; I’ve had a great time at Sage but to have the opportunity to lead a growing business in the North-East is a fantastic opportunity.

“To follow in the footsteps of a great entrepreneur in Geoff Thompson is a fantastic privilege.

“Utilitywise is a fine example of the Northern Powerhouse.”

Mr Flattery, who led a 7,000-strong team across 11 countries as Sage’s European president, said his first weeks at Utilitywise will be spent meeting staff, customers and partners to get a feel for the company’s culture.

He also said he was excited at overseeing the continued roll-out of technology, such as smart meters, which help clients monitor bills more closely.

He added: “The fundamentals of developing and growing a business is something I have done all my career.

“I’ll be looking at how we can make sure we win customers and provide the best experience for them.”

Mr Flattery, who also previously held senior positions at Yates Group and Intercare, was unveiled as Utilitywise’s new boss just hours after the business revealed its latest financial performance.

According to its results, officials expect revenues to touch at least £82m for the year to July 31, compared to £69.1m in 2015.

They added its enterprise division, which brings together smaller organisations and energy suppliers, was intrinsic to the success, with customer numbers growing 21 per cent in the year to 30,552.

Mr Thompson, who set up Utilitywise in 2006, added: “Brendan has been the outstanding candidate from the outset and I’m delighted we have secured someone of his calibre to guide us through our next phase of development.”