2nd September 2024 - Utility Warehouse (UW) has been crowned ‘Business of the Year’ at the Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards for its commitment to the local economy and community through its Selkirk customer service hub.

The awards, run by the Scottish Borders Chambers of Commerce, recognise the best of business in the Scottish Borders region. UW won the prestigious Business of the Year award (for more than 51 employees) and was also given a special mention in the Developing Young Workforce Champion category.

Since opening in June 2003, the Selkirk hub, which employs 70 people and specialises in supporting more than 40,000 prepayment energy customers, has forged strong links across the region. This includes partnering with Borders College to develop a six-week employability programme where 12 local students gained valuable first-hand experience of working in a customer contact centre. UW will be offering the next course in a few weeks time to support more young people in the local area.

UW has further supported the region by donating £18,000 to charities Stable Life, Borders Childrens Charity, Lavender Touch and Border Carers Centre. The Selkirk team has also raised £1,800 for Comic Relief and Children In Need.

UW chose Selkirk for its hub as many people in the community already have a high level of customer service experience in the energy industry and UW wants to help keep jobs in the area.

Rob Harris, Chief Operating Officer at Utility Warehouse, said: “Our Selkirk team do an amazing job - not only in working tirelessly to support our prepayment customers - but also by playing their part in the local community. Over the last year they have helped raise hundreds of pounds for charity and shined a light on UW as an employer of choice - offering great career opportunities for many local people. This award win is testament to our determination to make a positive impact in the Scottish Borders community.”