Clear Conversations: Ben Gunn

In this month's Clear Conversations, we catch up with our co-founder Ben Gunn about his career to date, a desire to go the extra mile for customers, and an unexpected penchant for bridge facts!

Who are you and what's your role at Clear Utility Solutions?

Hi, my name is Ben Gunn and I'm one of the founders at Clear Utility Solutions. I am responsible for finance and operations.

Tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to CUS?

I've always enjoyed helping people so from starting out in the service industry I quickly moved into sales and account management. While working for an energy supplier I was often picking up the slack for brokers when their customers needed extra help. I wondered how simple it would be if there was an energy expert between the customer and the supplier who could understand things from both ends.

I realised there was a real need for a non-transactional, post-contract support-focused consultancy. That's what led to Clear Utility Solutions. We're a business built on long-term relationships, fair pricing, and genuinely supporting customers beyond just the contract stage.

Looking back over the journey so far, what's something that has surprised or challenged you along the way?

I'm always surprised by how many recommendations we get from our customers. We always do our best but it's great to know just how happy our customers are with the job we do for them.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

It's probably a cliche but I love that I have a different hat on every day - sometimes literally! I don't think I will ever get tired of the challenges that get thrown my way, or choosing what headgear to wear!

What's something people might not expect about you?

I love bridge facts. Did you know that despite being completely vertical, the towers of the Humber Bridge are 36mm further apart at the top than the bottom due to the curvature of the earth, and that it remains the longest single span suspension bridge in the world that can be crossed on foot!

When you're not at work, what keeps you busy?

I enjoy running, rock climbing, potholing and motorcycling!

Finish this sentence: Good service is…

Simply being there when the customer needs you.