Gemserv originated in the pioneering world of UK energy market liberalisation. Robust new governance frameworks and operating procedures, underpinned by effective working arrangements between multiple competing parties, were required. It was, and continues to be, a complex environment of constant and rapid change and evolution.
Experience shows that effective governance frameworks combine high-level direction with consensus building among participants - a combination that changes continuously as the market evolves and improves. Through many years' involvement in the complex mix of regulation, multi-party agreements and market-level processes in the UK's energy markets, Gemserv has acquired a deep understanding of the requirements of effective market frameworks and today we:
- Advise on governance frameworks for regulated markets in the UK and overseas, and
- Design, implement, manage and support market-wide processes, working practices and standards.
Companies operating in a wide range of industries often have to work together, even when they are also competitors. It may be that all can gain from the development of industry-wide standards or from co-ordinated relationships with the industry regulators; it may be that the regulators and consumer organisations have called for improvements in industries or public services. Market participants must then develop industry-wide agreements, systems and business processes. Consensus on all these counts is crucial to healthy marketplaces.
Failure to act can result in specific regulatory direction, or even legislation, that can produce sub-optimal results for both suppliers and customers. Good governance nurtures best practice; best practice optimises market opportunities. Being able to exploit market opportunities efficiently means that customers and suppliers benefit.
Gemserv is the leading specialist consultancy helping market participants and regulators make competitive markets work more effectively for the benefit of all. We deliver practical expertise in the development and management of efficient, effective industry-wide governance that all parties can own.
An excellent example is the electricity industry's Master Registration Agreement (MRA), a key structural component of the regulated competitive electricity industry that defines the rules, processes, working practices and data transfer requirements governing the interoperability of the market participants. Gemserv's responsibilities as managing agent for the MRA involve a comprehensive set of business services underpinned by industry-wide dissemination of information, management of industry consultations and driving issue resolution involving the full spectrum of interested parties - market participants, regulators, trade associations and consumer groups.
Gemserv's mission is to limit the weight of formal regulation and administration, freeing organisations to deliver excellent service, control industry costs and grow their businesses.
