Plans to reform the energy market to help UK businesses change their energy supplier more easily have been welcomed by the head of an expanding consultancy that helps firms manage and monitor energy prices and consumption.

Gareth Henderson, managing director of Orchard Energy, which started in Bradford, hoped this week’s announcement by energy regulator Ofgem would tackle miss-selling through a new code of practice.

One of Ofgem’s concerns is that some firms are being automatically rolled over into new contracts, which can last up to three years, often without their knowledge.

It will also target suppliers that prevent firms from switching supplier as part of its general overhaul of the energy market. Ofgem said it wanted businesses to get a clear warning when their contracts are due to end and what they can then do to find a new energy supply deal.

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