NOW CLOSED Interested in seeing how an energy company works? Are you in/around Bolton or Nottingham? MNers needed to attend a day event

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

As you may have seen from the survey we did recently, we're working with one of the big 6 energy companies to find out what Mumsnetters think about lots of things to do with energy - the cost of gas/electricity, how easy/difficult it is to understand the various tariffs, how well customer service issues are handled etc as well as what you think about the energy companies themselves.

As part of this work, the energy company we're working with would like to invite Mumsnetters to come to their offices to find out more about how they work. We can't tell you which company it is at this stage as that's hush hush for now, but all will become clear to those who are selected!

There are three days we're looking to recruit Mumsnetters to attend (see dates and times below). The sessions will involve experiencing first hand what it's like in a call centre, hearing what people are calling about and then discussing the issues that customers face with the energy company customer service staff. It's your chance to tell them how you'd like the 'perfect' energy company to be!

We are looking for 3 or 4 Mumsnetters to attend each day.

Here are the dates and locations:

Tuesday 17th January in Nottingham, 10am-2.30pm - north of Notthingham (near junction 26 of the M1)
Wednesday 18th January in Bolton, 10am-2pm - near junction 6 of the M61
Thursday 19th January in Nottingham, 10am-2pm - central Nottingham

Please note that the day in the north of Nottingham (Tue 17th) includes a session in the middle where you will go out 'in the field' with an energy company employee to see what their job is like on a day-to-day basis. Transport for this will be provided and you'll be taken back to the office where you started the day afterwards. The other two days are based in the office without the session 'in the field'.

At the beginning and end of the day you'll be asked to give your views and reflections on what you've learned on camera. The energy company may also film some of the day. Please note all footage will only be used for internal purposes, will not be broadcast and will be used to help shape the scope of this project. We'll be able to give you more information if you are selected to attend. You'll also need to give your feedback to Mumsnet via email after the event. Everyone who attends will receive a £30 Bonusbond voucher (which can be redeemed at 25,000 stores) as a thank you for your time.

Each Mumsnetter that attends will receive a £30 contribution to travel and/or childcare expenses. There is visitor parking at the first two locations and multi-storey parking (NCP) at the last one. Lunch will be provided. With regret it's no babies or children allowed but hopefully the times mean you'll be able to do any school drop offs/pick ups.

Attendance is by invitation only - if you'd like to attend please sign up here and we'll be in touch with full details if you're selected.

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

[inmysparetime]

I'm going thanks MN.
It'll be weird meeting MN folk in RL.

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

The MNers who've been selected to attend should have got an email from me this morning - please check your inboxes everyone!

[inmysparetime]

When do we find out if we're going? I need to plan meals/buy train tickets around it (I really know how to live)

[inmysparetime]

My energy company actually pays me, as My energy generation is worth more than my grid use. I would ask them why they can't work out direct debits properly though. I (and several people I know) have a massive balance in my energy "account" even at this time of the year, but they are unwilling to reduce my DIrect Debit amount.

[fothergill]

'how you'd like the 'perfect' energy company to be'? Passing on falling wholesale prices seems...fair. Not making a massive profit out of peoples basic needs or something like that would be nice.

[OneLieIn]

What's great about this is that you get to tell them everything you want, they might do some of it, but either way, they charge you for it. The customer pays for everything in an energy company. Don't be fooled!

[PippiLongBottom]

Ahahaha feck THAT!! I worked in an outbound call centre for seven years. I have no wish to step through the gates of hell ever again, thank you very much.

[CurrySpice]

Will they be showing us their licence to print money

[AnnMumsnet]

We've had folks applying for all days, rollo - do fill in the form if you'd like to go and we will let those selected know asap

[ROLO123]

Is the Bolton day still available

[inmysparetime]

That should be fine then, I don't drive, but tram/train should be direct enough, and DD has an after school activity that day so I only need to be back for 430

[daniellewilson1987]

i live a 5 minute bus ride from central notts and i loooove giving my opinions lol

[Jux]

I'd love to but am too far away.

[MsCorleone]

inmysparetime the Bolton one is about 5 minutes walk if that from the train station at Middlebrook...if it's the one i'm thinking of it is

[PeaceofCakeAndGoodWineToAllMN]

It does actually sound a bit boring now I've had time to think about it.

[colditz]

This sounds about as interesting as watching a dog lick his balls.

Why on Earth do they think we are going to be fooled by a hastily smartened up bunch of call centre staff? We all know that call centre staff vary massively, and that someone who helps you one day can be horribly unhelpful the next, and do they really think that we will believe that this is just a normal day in the call centre? When I know for a fact that they will lay 30% of extra staff on, and threaten to sack anyone who isn't being bright and cheerful?

[Ministrone]

Sounds really dull to me.

[AnnMumsnet]

inmysparetime - doesn't like it's near the main station - could you get a cab? Or once we've selected folks we can see about transport arrangements.

[TuttoRhino]

Hmm interesting. I know about the background why said company is doing this. Wonder if they've asked other forums to send members along to similar events.

[MsCorleone]

Very interesting! I live about 10 minutes from the Bolton one so know which company

I'll check my diary but pretty sure i'm busy at work that day

[lottiegb]

Sounds like that will be the company I sent a second letter of complaint to today. Their 'customer service' is shocking to non-existant. I am in Nottingham, will give it some thought tomorrow!

[inmysparetime]

I've signed up, but would like to know if the Bolton one is within walking distance of the train station. I mean a mile or so (unless anyone is going from round my way or past the station)

[AnnMumsnet]

herbietea - Helen has PM-ed you with the info

[HarrietJones]

Was tempted by a trip to Bolton£30 would cover my petrol but I work on Wednesdays and I've loads booked in that day :(