Read our latest case study on how TCD Energy helped Willowbrook Hospice recover more than £21,000 on overcharged energy costs. With winter approaching, get your free audit and see how much your organisation could save—contact TCD Energy today at info@tcdenergy.com or 0333 335 5200.
Case Study: Willowbrook Hospice
Services Provided: Recovering Vital Funds Through VAT Correction
Client Overview
Willowbrook Hospice is a renowned charity in Knowsley, Merseyside, providing palliative care and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Established to offer compassionate care, the hospice serves as a vital resource for patients and their families, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life during challenging times. As a registered charity, Willowbrook relies heavily on donations and community support to fund its operations and deliver its essential services.
Challenge
Willowbrook Hospice initially engaged TCD Energy through its complimentary bill validation and account audit service. At the time, the hospice was unaware of any issues regarding its energy billing and suppliers. However, recognising the potential benefits of a professional review, Willowbrook decided to take advantage of TCD Energy’s free service.
After gathering four years of historical billing data from the hospice’s energy suppliers, TCD Energy’s team identified a significant issue:
- Incorrect VAT Charges: As a registered charity, Willowbrook Hospice should have been eligible for a lower VAT rate of 5% on its energy bills. However, it had been incorrectly charged the standard VAT rate of 20% for several years.
Solution
TCD Energy took immediate action to address the anomaly, handling the entire process from start to finish:
- Data Collection and Analysis: The team liaised with Willowbrook’s energy suppliers to obtain and review four years of historical billing data.
- VAT Recovery Application: TCD Energy prepared and submitted all necessary documentation and applications to correct the VAT charges.
- Supplier Negotiations: Through expert negotiation, TCD Energy secured agreement from the suppliers to refund the overpaid VAT.
Notably, TCD Energy does not charge for this service or take any commission or percentage of the reimbursements they secure for their clients. This ensures that the full recovered amount directly benefits the client.
Outcome
TCD Energy successfully recovered £21,704 for Willowbrook Hospice, representing overpaid VAT dating back four years. This unexpected reimbursement provided the hospice with an unexpected boost in funds to reinvest into its mission.
Key Benefits
- Substantial Financial Recovery: The recovered funds represent an unexpected boost to the hospice’s resources, enabling it to further enhance its services.
- Seamless Process: Willowbrook Hospice did not have to manage the complex recovery process—TCD Energy handled all communication, documentation, and negotiations.
- Increased Awareness: The audit highlighted the importance of accurate billing for charities, ensuring Willowbrook can avoid similar errors in the future.
Testimonial
“We had not undertaken any review of billing issues, but TCD Energy’s audit uncovered a significant error that we would only have picked up on reviewing energy contracts. The £21,704 they recovered for us is an incredible contribution to our hospice, helping us continue our mission to provide compassionate care to those who need it most. We’re happy that TCD offered this service for free.”
Conclusion
TCD Energy was delighted to support Willowbrook Hospice by uncovering and recovering significant funds that directly benefit its vital work. This case study illustrates how TCD Energy’s meticulous approach can uncover hidden savings after an in-depth review of energy accounts. By providing this service entirely free of charge and without taking any commission, TCD Energy ensures that the financial benefit remains with its clients. This success story demonstrates TCD Energy’s ability to deliver impactful cost reduction results for third sector organisations.