Rewriting the Rules: How PE Transformed the SME Supply Market

In 2016, the energy and utility supply landscape was noisy, fragmented, and stuck in the past. With 146 licensed suppliers in the UK, many operating with outdated systems and poor broker relationships, the sector was crying out for change.

That’s when three industry professionals — Steve Daniels, Vipin Pathania, and Neeraj Bhatia — made a bold move. With years of experience behind them and a shared passion for improving the sector, they launched PE with a clear mission: to bring brokers to the forefront, serve the often-overlooked SME market, and build a business model that delivers real value.

“The suppliers were using archaic systems,” says Daniels. “It was taking too long to generate quotes, and customer experience wasn’t a priority.”

From the start, PE was different. The leadership team brought together two core advantages:

• A technology-first approach to streamline quotes, improve service, and automate outdated processes.
• A lean operational model based in India, which allowed them to keep acquisition and service costs low without compromising on quality.

But what really set PE apart was their deep understanding of the SME segment. Many of these businesses sit in the “middle market” — not big enough to be considered enterprise accounts, but too complex for traditional small-business solutions. This group had long been neglected by major suppliers.

“We’ve all worked in SMEs,” says Bhatia. “We’ve seen the pressures first-hand. And we knew we could do better.”

Since launching, PE has grown steadily, today holding roughly a third of market share in its sector.

The secret? Staying focused on long-term partnerships, continuous tech innovation, and putting customers and brokers first.

As PE looks ahead to 2025, the vision is clear: expand its footprint, continue investing in digital infrastructure, and keep driving value for every client, new and old.

Part one of our founders series.