Testimonials – Education

Testimonials from schools:

“TUMG analysts are experts in their field and they have a clear understanding of the needs of organisations in the education sector.  We started working with TUMG eight years ago and have found their service to be quick, efficient and transparent.

“We take part in bulk electricity tenders alongside other schools.  TUMG then takes our combined requirements to the market and produces a detailed report allowing us to compare the contracts and pricing on the table from various suppliers.  It’s very easy.  All I have to do is supply some utility accounts at the beginning of the process for benchmarking purposes and sign the best contract at the end.  We’ve changed suppliers two or three times over the years to secure the best pricing without any problems at all.  TUMG takes care of all the detail.”

Bob Davies, Business Manager, Glendowie College

“A school business manager’s role is very diverse and you tend to tackle everything.  Over the 11 years that I’ve been in this job, I’ve come to realise that it makes sense to leave utilities contract negotiation to the experts.  TUMG has handled our electricity, gas and waste management contracts for around eight years and all of them have worked out well.

There’s only been one occasion when we’ve experienced some difficulty and it was TUMG’s strong relationship with the supplier involved that led to an easy resolution.  Their analysts are approachable, available and willing to go the extra mile for customers.  I don’t even think about our utilities contracts now, TUMG notify us when they are due for renewal – it’s great to have something taken off my list of priorities.”

Graeme Brown, Business Manager, Pakuranga College

“TUMG provides a number of services to our school.  They have handled our electricity and gas contracts for over eight years – I also worked with them in my previous role, so our relationship goes back around 12 years.  TUMG make sure that we get our utilities at the best possible price without compromising on service or security of supply.  Our operations grant for heat, light and water from the Ministry doesn’t cover the actual cost of these services, so my job is to reduce the gap between the provision made and the supply costs.  TUMG take our supply needs to market and provide me with a report of all the contract offers in a way that allows easy comparison between suppliers.  They cross all the ‘i’s and dot the ‘t’s from a contract point of view.

TUMG also monitor our accounts on a monthly basis to scrutinise the billing and check for compliance with the original contract.  This information is recorded and provides us with an audit trail that we use for forecasting and budgetary purposes.  We rely heavily on TUMG’s knowledge and expertise and benefit from the bulk tender process they manage on our behalf.  With utility prices constantly increasing it’s good to have confidence that we are getting the best possible deal.”

Graeme Bryant, Business Manager, Epsom Girls Grammar School

 “We achieved good savings without any effort on our part.  TUMG analysed our school utility consumption and needs.  They did the research, went to market, got the quotes, collated all the information and presented their recommendation to us.  The end result was that we saved more than $13,000 over a two year contract period.  I am a busy principal – I could do this work but I’m not an expert.  TUMG know how the market works and how to compare the fine detail of the different supplier contracts – that means I can get on with my core business of running the school.”

“I’m a past chairman of the Otago Primary Principals Association (OPPA) so I went on to recommend TUMG’s services to other members and 23 primary schools got on board.  They have all made significant savings as a result.”

Tony Hunter, Principal, Tahuna Normal Intermediate School