[00:03] Darren Jamieson: Welcome to the latest episode of the Eng Marketer podcast. I’m joined by my old friend—well, is “old” acceptable?—Sauren Ghosh of Utility Warehouse. I’ve known Sauren for over 10 years now, haven’t we?
[00:17] Sauren Ghosh: Yeah, well over 10 years. I think we first met at a Utility Warehouse training event, probably around 2011 or 2012.
[00:29] Darren Jamieson: That sounds about right. Today, we’re talking about how you help people, why you do what you do, and, more importantly, how it’s relevant during times of uncertainty. First question—why do you do what you do?
[00:41] Sauren Ghosh: Great question. To start with, I didn’t always know I wanted to do this. What I did know was that I didn’t want to be employed anymore. After I was made redundant in 2004, I developed an IT training business. That experience made me realize I loved working for myself. With Utility Warehouse, I get to help people move forward in their lives—whether they’re part of my Utility Warehouse journey or not. If I can add value to someone’s life, that’s a job well done for me.
[01:17] Darren Jamieson: You mentioned being made redundant. When did that happen?
[01:22] Sauren Ghosh: That was in 2004—so I’ve just hit my 20-year anniversary of being self-employed. It’s been a fantastic journey, though it started with challenges. Being made redundant wasn’t pleasant, but it pushed me to start something new. I probably should post something about that milestone on social media, shouldn’t I?
[01:49] Darren Jamieson: Yes, you should. Many people facing redundancy look for another job. What made you decide to start your own business instead?
[02:16] Sauren Ghosh: Initially, I did apply for jobs. But I was lucky to secure a short-term contract in Sheffield, working three days a week. That gave me the financial stability to start my IT training business on the side. My advice for anyone considering self-employment? Don’t cut yourself off from all income streams. Start small, and build from there. Having some income, whether it’s from a part-time job or savings, gives you the breathing room to experiment and grow your business.
[02:51] Darren Jamieson: Was your IT training business related to what you were doing before redundancy?
[03:00] Sauren Ghosh: Yes. I was running IT projects for a charity, which included training as part of the role. When I was made redundant, I leaned into the part of my job I loved—teaching people how to use technology effectively. Back then, this was when Microsoft Office wasn’t a universal skill. We were teaching people how to use a mouse and format text in bold or italics. It’s incredible to think how far we’ve come since those days.
[03:45] Darren Jamieson: What led you to diversify into Utility Warehouse?
[03:51] Sauren Ghosh: I wasn’t actively looking for something new, but I wanted to scale my income without sacrificing my personal time. Utility Warehouse allowed me to develop a secondary income stream while staying part of a positive, supportive community. I loved the idea of helping others while also benefiting myself.
[04:21] Darren Jamieson: What year was this?
[04:24] Sauren Ghosh: It was around 2007. A Utility Warehouse partner saved me money on my bills, and I was impressed by the company’s ethos and values. She mentioned there was a business opportunity, and I attended an open evening. I started very part-time, dedicating just 2-5 hours a week, and I’ve never looked back.
[05:10] Darren Jamieson: Utility Warehouse operates as a multi-level marketing (MLM) company. Did that raise any concerns for you?
[05:20] Sauren Ghosh: At the time, I didn’t know much about MLMs. What reassured me was the backing of Telecom Plus, a major PLC. The company’s structure and ethics fit my values, and the services—energy, broadband, and more—were essential for customers. I saw it as a way to genuinely help people save money, which aligned with my principles.
[06:19] Darren Jamieson: Many MLMs focus on luxury products like beauty or supplements. Utility Warehouse provides necessities. Did that help during challenging times like COVID?
[06:35] Sauren Ghosh: Absolutely. While other MLMs saw declines during COVID, Utility Warehouse thrived because people can’t cut out essentials like electricity or broadband. Our model is recession-proof because we help people save money on the things they already need.
[07:30] Darren Jamieson: What’s the earning potential for someone starting part-time with Utility Warehouse?
[07:45] Sauren Ghosh: When I started, I could only dedicate 2-5 hours a week. Over time, I scaled down my primary work and eventually made Utility Warehouse my full-time business. Residual income is key—it allows you to earn repeatedly for work you’ve done once.
[09:25] Darren Jamieson: You mentioned earlier that Utility Warehouse aligns with your values. What are those values?
[09:40] Sauren Ghosh: My top value is balance. I want to create win-win-win situations for everyone involved—partners, customers, and the company. Personal development is also vital to me, as is having fun and variety in my life. Utility Warehouse ticks all those boxes.
[10:50] Darren Jamieson: Finally, how can people contact you if they want to learn more?
[10:55] Sauren Ghosh: The easiest way is through my website: www.gho.info. You can also find me on LinkedIn or Facebook by searching my name, Sauren Ghosh. If you’d like to chat, feel free to reach out!