A business energy supplier’s efforts to highlight its concerns over the volatility of non-energy direct costs were boosted after Minister without Portfolio Ken Clarke MP visited the firm to find out more.

The Tory grandee, who was accompanied by Ipswich MP Ben Gummer, was shown around the Haven Power’s headquarters at Ransomes Europark in Ipswich and was interested to hear of the firm’s impressive growth.

Chief executive Peter Bennell and head of supplier management Antony Badger also discussed with him what Haven is trying to achieve in the industry, particularly in terms of non-energy direct costs.

These costs, which include the delivery of electricity to businesses, make up a substantial part of a customer’s bill and Haven wants to see an end to the unpredictable nature of the charges.

Mr Clarke said: “My visit to Haven Power allowed me to hear more about the pressing issues faced by the energy industry and how they affect businesses of all sizes across the country. I was particularly interested to learn about how Haven Power’s power purchasing team trades within a competitive energy market.”

Mr Gummer said he was “very proud” to have the firm in his constituency.

“I have been there since its current office opened and have been excited to see it grow and grow. It is a dynamic and exciting company and I want to do whatever I can to help it succeed,” he said.

Mr Bennell said: “As a supplier that has its customers’ interests at heart, we were pleased that Mr Clarke could spare the time to find out more about our activities. It’s important that suppliers make the Government aware of avoidable burdens on businesses, and we hope to gain more support for our work in this area.”