"Give it up, mate."

The advice, albeit off-the-record, one market commentator had for non-German firms trying to make money in the German energy markets. But while the tight grip of the incumbent suppliers continues to make it difficult for foreign firms to gain traction, there are opportunities for those suppliers who are prepared to take a creative approach - by targeting smaller customers and offering enhanced services, such as portfolio management training. Our cover story looks at the experience of Dutch