Asking price: £125,000

Sales revenue: £220,000

Net profit: Undisclosed

Fixtures value: Undisclosed

Stock value: Undisclosed

Business description
Now in its third year of trading, this business is rapidly establishing a reputation as a leading supplier of home office furniture in the UK. Importing directly from the Far East and supplying only to thee trade, this business offers a limited but very carefully chosen range of contemporary furniture for the home office environment. Turnover splits almost equally between customers with e-commerce sites and others with a physical High Street retail presence. Desks, chairs and shelving units – mainly slim-lined furniture which offers a minimalist approach, manufactured using the latest technologies and innovative materials, this business offers very modern designs that are functional, ergonomic and very much quality oriented.

This business was set up to bring to customers modern furniture and design ideas that can rarely be found elsewhere – backed up with excellent customer service and on-time delivery – a compelling mix for any retail customer. Judging by the fact that this business has significantly increased its turnover during every year of its operation, this business is succeeding!

The cornerstone to the success of this business is its carefully hand-selected ranges based on quality, durability and design orientation. With the incidence of home working growing and schoolchildren requiring the use of a home computer for even the most straightforward of homework – and not everyone with the space for a home office or a study, there is increasing demand for office furniture that can be positioned in the lounge or kitchen and integrates with that of the rest of the home. With its ranges aimed at more general use, this business has this area of the market well and truly covered.

The vast majority of the items this business sells are manufactured in the Far East – this business has excellent supplier contacts in China and Taiwan - all made from the finest quality materials and craftsmanship. Not surprisingly this business has built up an excellent customer base – including 35 – 40 physical retailers spread mainly throughout the Midlands and the South East.

Operating from home office premises and a centrally located outsourced warehouse facility in the Midlands – the Owner very rarely actually sees the merchandise being supplied - this is a low overhead, dynamic business primed for significant growth. With turnover for the current financial year projected to reach £220,000 generating net profits for the Owner of the business in the region of £60,000 per annum, this represents an excellent opportunity for a new entrant to the furniture market secure a foothold in the sector or for an existing operator in the general furniture sector for example to acquire a specialist in the office furniture trade.



Key strengths:
With a proven track record in manufacturing, wholesale and retail – and having been involved in the furniture sector for a number of years, the Owner of this business really does know the market and knows the merchandise required to satisfy market demand. This business has developed excellent relationships with a number of top quality suppliers and manufacturers, especially in China and Taiwan which can supply excellent pieces at very competitive prices. As a result, this business enjoys margins higher than the average within this marketplace, negating the requirement to negotiate too hard and at the same time securing full supplier support and co-operation.
Operating in a fast growing niche this business attracts Clients seeking quality in materials and workmanship, pieces they would be hard pressed to find elsewhere – some are exclusive to this business, but perhaps more importantly that fit in with the ambiance of the rest of the home. Dynamic, the business is quick to move with the market ensuring it always has a range that reflects current consumer tastes and the latest fashion trends. For all its retail customers this business offers a high level of customer service and the ability to deliver quickly and efficiently to individual retail customers and often their end users anywhere in the UK.
With very skilful use of Internet marketing, this is rapidly becoming a well-known business within the trade and has a loyal customer base across the South and Midlands. Carefully controlled, the business operates on low overheads and has excellent back office and on line administrative systems in place.

Employees: The current Owner and founder of the business is responsible for all aspects of its day-to-day operation with all other key functions outsourced.

Relocatable: This business can be relocated.

Property: Freehold

Location
In the UK, the business operates from two locations – a home office environment in Sussex and an outsourced warehouse facility ideally located in the Midlands to service all parts of the UK.
The warehouse operates on an agreed ‘ratecard’ basis with all costs of decanting containers, storage, pick, pack etc and billed to the customer accordingly. The business utilises national carriers for the delivery of product utilising to the full the shipping management software available through these resources.

Competition / Market
This business has invested heavily to establish its presence amongst the retail trade – mainly via direct marketing although it has also exhibited quite prominently at The Furniture Show at the NEC in Birmingham in the past. The business has a fairly basic website at present and there can be no doubt that investment in this area would have a significant impact on turnover and profitability. The business benefits most however, from the most effective and low cost marketing of all, strong word of mouth recommendation - testimony to the high quality and competitive pricing of its merchandise coupled with the high levels of customer service this business offers.

Support & training
The current Owner will provide full support, handover and training to ensure a smooth transfer of the business to new Owners.

Reasons for selling
The current Owner wishes to pursue other business interests.