Independent energy consultancy Utility Trade has embarked on a new three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with De Montfort University (DMU) to develop an AI-driven system that will streamline internal processes and significantly enhance forecasting and pricing accuracy.
KTPs are a national programme designed to help businesses innovate by linking them with academic expertise to drive improvements in productivity, performance and long-term growth.
Backed by Innovate UK, the £270,000 partnership is funded 67 percent by the innovation agency, with the remainder invested by Utility Trade. The collaboration brings together specialists from DMU’s Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture and the Faculty of Business and Law, embedding advanced knowledge in data analytics, software development and cybersecurity directly into the consultancy’s operations.
Founded in 2010 and based in Market Harborough, Utility Trade is an award-winning consultancy supporting businesses across the UK to manage energy costs and efficiency. Through this KTP, the company aims to deliver faster client response times, improved reporting and billing, and more accurate forecasting to help organisations secure competitive energy contracts while supporting sustainable business growth.
The academic team will be led by Dr Francisco Aparicio Navarro, Associate Professor of Cyber Security at DMU. An expert in computer networks, cybersecurity and AI-driven automation, Dr Navarro brings more than a decade of experience and a strong track record in secure software design and applied AI.
Francisco said: “We’re delighted to partner with Utility Trade on this KTP, which focuses on driving business optimisation and growth through an AI-powered system grounded in software development best practice. Embedding security from the outset will be essential, and we hope this collaboration will leave a lasting capability within Utility Trade to continue innovating in bespoke system development.”
He will be joined by Dr Abiodun Egbetokun and Dr Eric D Ofosu-Hene, whose combined expertise in AI, data analytics and business process innovation will ensure the solution aligns with Utility Trade’s long-term strategic priorities and delivers measurable improvements in efficiency, decision-making and business performance.
Two postgraduate KTP Associates, a Data Modeller and a Software Developer, will also be recruited to support project delivery.
Georgie Gardiner, Sales and Marketing Director at Utility Trade, said:
“We were at a critical point of our growth and development plan when we engaged with DMU for advice. With the invaluable support of Knowledge Exchange Officer, Darsheet Chauhan and everyone from the DMU involved in the application, we were delighted to be awarded funding through KTP.”
“The funding will enable us to fill skill gaps in our company, which would not have been possible before. We are currently recruiting for two KTP associates, and we look forward to working with them to see our vision become a reality. It has been a pleasure working with so many dedicated experts on our project.”
Darsheet Chauhan, Knowledge Exchange Officer at De Montfort University, said:
“I am really excited to be working on this dual associate KTP project with Utility Trade. By combining DMU’s expertise in software development and data management, the KTP will streamline Utility Trade’s operations, automate processes, and embed data-driven strategies that help clients secure the best utility contracts based on real demand. This project offers phenomenal growth potential for Utility Trade, supporting its journey to become a sector leader, boosting local business and job opportunities, and advancing UK businesses’ sustainability goals.”
Posted on Monday 5 January 2026