May Staff Spotlight – Alan Roxburgh

This month, we shine the spotlight on Alan Roxburgh, our dedicated Account Manager! With over two years in the energy industry, Alan has demonstrated a strong analytical approach and a passion for understanding the complexities of power generation and wholesale energy markets. In this spotlight, he shares valuable advice for those new to the sector and reveals unexpected challenges. Let’s dive into Alan’s story!

➢ How long have you been in the energy industry and what’s one piece of advice you would give to someone new to our industry?

I’ve been working in the industry now for over two years. My advice to anyone starting out in the industry would be to focus on building a strong understanding of how the sector works—particularly power generation and wholesale energy markets. Stay informed on market developments, policy changes, and the technologies driving the energy transition. Analytical skills are important in my role, so get comfortable with Excel. Be curious, ask questions, and engage with colleagues across different functions to broaden your knowledge. The industry is fast-moving and data-driven, so a strong eagerness to learn is required.

➢ Do/did you have a mentor, if so tell us about them.

I’m a big football fan, I don’t support Man United but I always admired Alex Ferguson. I think he’s a great role model because of his strong leadership, discipline, and ability to inspire others. He set high standards, developed talent, and adapted over time to stay successful. He was renowned for his resilience making his approach to leadership and personal growth very valuable in general life, not just football.

➢ What’s one activity you complete on behalf of clients that would surprise people of its difficulty?

One activity I complete on behalf of clients, that often surprises people outside the industry, in terms of its complexity is the quote tendering process.

Initially, it might seem like a simple price comparison, but in reality, it’s a detailed and technical process. It involves gathering accurate MPANs, confirming meter types, gathering at least 12 months of consumption data—often in a specific format—and understanding contract nuances like pass-through charges, green energy requirements, and capacity levels. Add to that the need to manage multiple sites, billing preferences, and contract timings to avoid penalties or rollovers, and it quickly becomes clear that a small oversight can have significant financial consequences. Getting it right requires strong attention to detail, industry knowledge, and a detailed understanding of wholesale energy markets.