Celebrating 20 Years of Inteb

This year (2025), Inteb celebrates its 20^th anniversary in business.

Our Founder, and now Non-Executive Chairman, Colin Jones tells us all about why Inteb was formed and why it has maintained and enhanced its position as the go-to business for all energy and sustainability needs.

How and why did you set up Inteb?

When I left Co-op Insurance (CIS), I set up a small consultancy, Property & Environment Consultancy Services, which eventually became Inteb.

One of our first ever clients back then remains one of our clients today – and it is this personal service and loyalty that still sets Inteb apart, today and moving forward.

We originally named our company Intelligent Energy Bureau to highlight our expertise, but shortened it to Inteb to emphasise that we’re a specialist energy and sustainability consultancy, not just an energy brokerage. The ethos and culture I’ve established within Inteb have always centred on deeply understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. My experience working on the client side at the CIS showed me how often companies fail to prioritise the unique needs of their clients. Bringing that client-focused philosophy to Inteb became a top priority for me.

How has the industry changed in the last 20 years?

Over the years, the client perspective on energy and sustainability has shifted dramatically. When we first started, the focus was largely on compliance – clients felt obligated to act rather than motivated by a genuine commitment to sustainability.

Back then, sustainability wasn’t something businesses really wanted to consider. But that has been the single biggest shift in our industry. If I had to identify a turning point, it would probably be COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.

Before this, our role was mainly to support clients with what they had to do. Since then, however, our work has become more strategic and deliberate. COP26 spotlighted the urgency of net zero and climate change, raising awareness of environmental issues and creating an expectation that companies should take board-level steps to address them.

Now, it’s a given for corporations and even large SMEs. They are compelled by regulations and guided by the expectations of investors and employees alike. Many investors represent trillions in assets and look for a solid ESG strategy, reflecting the demand for responsible practices.

We support our clients in a variety of ways, extending beyond energy and sustainability. Our approach is built on a commitment to exceptional client experience from start to finish. It’s the essence of our culture at Inteb, and it’s something every team member is deeply committed to. 

What has set Inteb apart?

We’re all about giving honest, reliable advice. Trust and value are our top priorities. Now, clients actually come to us or we get referred because of this. For us, it’s about adding real value, not just handing out off the shelf solutions. Every advice or plan we put together is tailored to our client’s unique needs.

We love building long-term partnerships where we can make a real impact. It’s genuinely rewarding to help businesses hit their goals and see them succeed.

How do you view the future for Inteb?

As the market continues to mature, there remain great opportunities for companies like Inteb, and our outlook for the future is bright. Setting aside the politics, Government has to meet the climate challenges, so we are hoping for positive changes, particularly in legislation and sustainability, that may work in our favour.

We were once known as the industry’s ‘best-kept secret,’ but today, with increased competition, our success depends on how effectively we add value and distinguish ourselves.

What has been Inteb’s biggest asset?

From the start, I prioritised both our clients – but also our team, recognising that our people are our most valuable asset. I believed that having the right team was essential and made it our philosophy to put them first. This approach has been fundamental to Inteb’s success.

Why have you decided to largely step away from Inteb?

It feels like the right time to step aside, but this decision has been a long time in the making. Every business requires an exit and succession plan, and I began considering my retirement seriously a couple of years ago.

The industry is thriving, and my passion for the business and sector remains strong. However, I recognised that we needed a fresh perspective to continue advancing. With the talent at Inteb bringing new and innovative ideas, it felt like the perfect moment to empower others to lead.

Importantly, I didn’t want just to sell the company. Preserving our identity and values was crucial to me, as was ensuring the future well-being of all our staff—key aspects of my legacy. After talking with my directors, I determined that a management buy-out would be the best path forward. I had complete confidence in my team, knowing they possessed the right skills, attributes, and vision. When they expressed interest in the buy-out, I was thrilled to see our shared values and aspirations align.

 What does your new role entail?

My new role as non-executive chairman means I will help with strategic decision-making and challenge the board when necessary. I will be supporting Tom Kelly (Managing Director) and the other directors as best I can and I will also still be keeping in close touch with with a handful of long standing clients and partners..

How did CeeJay come about?

Andrew Snowball, our sales and marketing director led the development and implementation of CeeJay, our AI bot which now forms part of our new website.

I have always instilled the principals of ‘traditional values with a modern approach’ and the team felt CeeJay perfectly encapsulated this, providing clients with an interactive and user-friendly experience through the use of AI technology.

My management team decided to name the bot after me to honour my legacy and continue to uphold the values I’ve instilled in the company.

I suppose it was quite flattering in a way and also a little tongue in cheek. It means I’m still around and my influence is still there!