Clear Conversations: Chris Draper

In the latest Clear Conversations, we speak with co-founder Chris Draper about his journey in the energy industry, identifying the gap for a more supportive and relationship-led approach, and why good service means being there for customers long after the contract is signed.

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

I'm the COO at Clear Utility Solutions. My role is all about building partnerships, developing new relationships to drive the business forward, and making sure we retain our customers by delivering real value and ongoing support.

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

I spent 15 years working at a major challenger energy supplier, where I saw first-hand how the industry operates. When dealing with energy consultants, it became clear there was a gap in the market: you either had large corporate machines with call centres, or smaller, less experienced outfits.

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?

One of the biggest challenges has been learning to be comfortable with making mistakes. Early on, you want everything to be perfect, but I've learned that mistakes are actually essential for growth. They've helped me develop as a leader and build a stronger business.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love developing my team and seeing them flourish. That's a huge part of what drives me.

I also really enjoy helping businesses navigate the complexities of energy procurement. Whether that's fixing issues from previous bad advice or working directly with suppliers on behalf of customers, solving those problems and adding real value is what it's all about.

What's something people might not expect about you?

People might not realise how important culture is to me. Creating a family-feel environment isn't just a "nice to have", it's central to how we operate. I truly believe that a great internal culture leads directly to better outcomes for our customers.

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

Football is a big part of my life, especially watching my son play for his local team. He's on a great run at the moment with four goals and four assists in his last four games, so I'm enjoying every minute of that.

I also enjoy switching off with a good Netflix documentary.

Finish this sentence: Good service is…

Good service is being more than just a provider, it's about becoming an extension of your customer's business - offering ongoing support, fair pricing, and being there when it really matters.