Supplier of Eco Products and Renewable Energy Solutions For Sale

Business description

The company supplies and installs a unique range of energy saving systems for businesses and consumers, from rainwater harvesting kits to heat pumps, solar hot water systems to wind turbines. The business provides a single place to buy renewables and other related eco products through trade, retail, the internet, and garden centres.

Already well known throughout Europe with customers across the nation, this puts the company in an enviable position to build on the demand generated by government, organizations, and individuals to dramatically reduce energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

Established in 2002 (incorporated in 2006) and situated in Berkshire, the business has become synonymous with eco value, independent advice, innovation, and customer service. The business is seen as the first port of call when consumers and the media want to see the very latest green and eco products from around the world. Recent articles on the products have appeared in The Guardian, London Evening Standard, The Metro, The Big Issue, The Daily Mail, The Sunday Times, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph, to name a few of the regular editorial opportunities that the company receives each month. Media representatives are able to secure regular free editorials and a recent article in the Daily Mail generated over 1000 orders in six days.

The business is a "one-stop-shop" for all eco needs. It has won over 20,000 customers since 2002 (5000 in 2007) and has an opt-in email newsletter list of over 4,000 individuals. 70 people have signed-up to the unique Eco Agents scheme and 15 agents actively sell renewable solar energy products around the country. The company now has 5 websites addressing the needs of individuals, businesses, and organisations.

This is an innovative company with many partners, sales agents, and sub-contactors (including specialist renewable technology engineers who provide installation services across the UK and Ireland). This has created a unique community of individuals and organisations with whom the company constantly interact, allowing the company to provide an increasing portfolio of services and expertise. A distribution channel was recently established to serve Ireland. Warehousing and the fulfilment of product orders are currently outsourced and this organisation also provides on demand services such as call centre services and order management.

At a time when climate change is high on the news agenda, more and more homeowners are becoming aware of the impact that their way of life has on the environment. With the increased publicity that surrounded the government's Home Information Packs and an increasing awareness of environmental issues the public has begun to embrace renewable energy, looking to limit their emissions and also in the long term to save on ever increasing utility bills. In recent months this has led to a marked increase in the demand for renewable energy products.

From wind turbines to solar thermal heating systems, homeowners are exploring the potential of renewable energy in the home looking to these technologies to save money, reduce their environmental impact and even add value to their property. Businesses are also looking realize savings, as well as meet government requirements to reduce energy consumption.

A new emerging emphasis for the business is the desire to not only supply renewables to the domestic retail market but to businesses, charities, public sector organisations and the building trade market. Early indications are very positive as to the impact the business could have on these markets, especially as the brand name is already well established and organisations begin to work towards meeting government carbon reduction targets.

The business already supplies a number of organisations such as the Portsmouth Naval Historic Docks, the National Trust, and Builders Merchants, the Royal Palaces, and many schools, and local authorities, garden centres, Government Ministers, Embassy, City Councils, The City of London Corporation, and the Royal Household.

In April 2008 five gardens centres around the South East began displaying the company’s renewable energy products and rainwater harvesting systems in their stores providing a new channel for sales and leads. This effectively gives the business a showroom presence and demonstration facilities to point prospects to. These garden centres are also effectively marketing the systems in the local area.

A major area of growth in 2007/8 has been the introduction of rainwater harvesting systems. This product line is showing strong signs of growth in the UK, especially as Government is showing great concern over the use of water in the UK. Many Local Authorities are insisting that rainwater systems be a requirement for planning permission when new houses or extensions are built.

The business website was established in 2002 and incorporated June 2006 and is responsible for retail and trade sales, employing five staff (not including directors).

Property information

Location:

The business is fully re-locatable. All website software back-end administration is browser based (centrally hosted by a hosting company) making it easy to access from anywhere in the world.

Other information

Competition / Market:

The business attends shows around the country (including Grand Designs Live, Home Building Show etc') and conducts talks and seminars to the general public, which attract sales interest. The business has also established a network of over 80 agents around the UK and Ireland. 70 agents are available to distribute catalogues and 10 agents work as renewable technology sales agents on a self employed commission only basis. The company intends to increase the recruitment of agents in 2008 as a way of increasing market coverage without incurring additional overhead. Franchising is seen as a new income stream in future.

Support & training:

The owners offer full training and support and are prepared to be involved with the company moving forward should the new owners wish.

Reasons for selling:

The owners feel that market interest in eco opportunities make now a good time to realise their investment. This opportunity is a genuine going concern with incredible growth prospects.

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