Building a Smarter Long Term Energy Strategy for Woodmansterne

Building a Future Ready Energy Strategy

The Challenge

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As Woodmansterne Publications expanded its operations into a new production and distribution hub at Magna Park, Milton Keynes, the business had an opportunity to rethink its long-term energy strategy.

The new facility provided the space and infrastructure needed to support future growth, but it also presented an opportunity to improve energy resilience, reduce operating costs and make greater use of onsite generation technologies.

Like many manufacturers, Woodmansterne recognised that navigating an increasingly volatile energy market required specialist expertise. With procurement decisions becoming more complex and sustainability objectives continuing to evolve, the business wanted an experienced partner that could provide strategic guidance tailored to its long-term ambitions.

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Our Approach

Rather than recommending a standard solution, Advantage Utilities took the time to understand how Woodmansterne operates, where the business is heading and the role energy would play in supporting its future plans.

Working closely with the team, we developed an energy strategy aligned with the company's operational objectives, considering not only immediate procurement requirements but also future resilience and carbon reduction opportunities.

This included:

• Assessing the site's energy requirements and future capacity.
• Designing a scalable onsite solution capable of growing alongside the business.
• Advising on procurement strategies based on market conditions and Woodmansterne's commercial objectives.
• Supporting the business in understanding and reducing its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
• Providing ongoing market intelligence and dedicated account management to help inform procurement decisions over time.

By combining procurement expertise with strategic energy planning, Woodmansterne gained a long-term partner rather than simply a contract provider.

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A Partnership Built on Trust

Energy procurement is only one part of effective utility management.

For Woodmansterne, having access to trusted advice and specialist market knowledge allows internal teams to remain focused on running the business, while relying on experienced consultants to guide procurement and energy strategy.

Adam Osborne, Development Director at Woodmansterne Publications, explains:

"We're very much focused on our business. I'm not an expert in the world of energy, so it's very important that we engage with people who are experts in that area and hand it over to Advantage Utilities to find the solution for us."

The relationship is built on a detailed understanding of Woodmansterne's business, ensuring recommendations are aligned with its operational priorities rather than short-term market movements.

"Having a partner which understands our business, knows where we're going, what our objectives are and what direction we want to take over the next five, ten or fifteen years means the advice we're getting from Advantage is the right advice for our business."

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The Outcome

Today, Advantage Utilities continues to support Woodmansterne with a strategic approach to energy management that extends beyond procurement alone.

Through ongoing consultancy, market analysis and tailored advice, the business benefits from:

• A long-term energy strategy aligned with future growth.
• Procurement decisions informed by specialist market insight.
• A scalable approach to onsite generation investment.
• Continued support in managing and reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
• Dedicated account management and trusted strategic guidance.

By taking a holistic approach to utility management, Woodmansterne has been able to make informed energy decisions with confidence, supported by a consultancy that understands both the business and the wider energy market.

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Client Perspective

"Having reliable guidance on energy matters and the energy market is paramount. If we didn't have somebody we trusted, we'd be at the mercy of the market. We wouldn't be in such a strong position as we are now."

Adam Osborne
Development Director
Woodmansterne Publications