One of the UK’s leading companies operating in the fire protection sector specializing in Fire Safety Training, Inspections, Investigations and Risk Assessments
Established in 1994, this business is arguably one of the leading companies in the fire protection industry, specializing in virtually all aspects of fire safety. Set up by an ex-fire officer of the Fire Brigade and a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers, this company has an in-depth knowledge of fire precautions, and boasts a highly qualified team including several highly skilled and experienced professional ex-Fire Brigade Officers.
Operating throughout the UK , Northern Ireland & Worldwide , this business is a virtual one stop shop – providing a wide range of services associated with fire safety including Risk Assessments, Fire Inspections – a large proportion of its work is undertaken at the detailed planning stage of the construction of buildings, Fire Investigation Reports and Fire Safety Training. Such is the status of the business it is also frequently called upon for Expert Witness assignments.
This business can boast an enviable Client list throughout both the public and private sectors. It also works with some of the UK’s leading universities and has a longstanding agreement with a major Local Education Authority dealing with all of the schools within the county. Some of its training courses and Inspections have taken place worldwide
Within the construction sector this business works very closely with architects and developers on new build and refurbishment projects to provide innovative solutions, increasing building flexibility, reducing build cost and providing potentially increased working space that may result in increased revenue.
This is a very well established business which has performed consistently well throughout its many years of operation, benefiting from high levels of awareness within the industry and an extensive, loyal, repeat trading base that includes some of the most prestigious Clients in the country. With turnover for the year ending November 2006 of approximately £164,400 generating gross profits of almost £93,500 and profits available to the Owner of the business of £70,000 this represents a significant acquisition opportunity for any training organization looking to establish themselves in the fire safety sector or another organization already involved in fire safety, to extend their operations still further.
Property
LocationThe business operates from a home office environment. As such the business can be easily relocated.
Expansion potentialOperating in a highly technical field this is a highly specialist business. As a result competition is limited.
This highly respected organization maintains a high profile within its industry and has built up excellent business relationships with its clients many of which are long standing and generate significant repeat business, either under contract or passed through to this business operating in the capacity of preferred supplier.
This business has at its disposal a highly skilled and experienced team of trained ex-Fire Brigade Officers and Fire Safety Officers. By employing these on a freelance basis, the overheads of the business are maintained at the lowest level possible, consequently generating high margins whilst still providing a very flexible and high level of service. With such a complement of staff available, this is a very easy to manage business. Operating to the lifestyle requirements of the current Owner, this business attracts as much business as it ‘needs’ with the Owner often working just three days in a week.
This business has built up an immense volume of proprietary information held in training presentation and seminar format. Easily updatable to take into account any amendments to legislation as they happen, the business is easily transferable – and could easily work independently of the current Owner.
Key opportunities:
This business is operating within a highly complex and fast changing legislative framework. Legislation in the area of fire safety will continue to tighten ensuring a constant stream of work for this business. With a very strong, loyal customer base and an excellent team, this business is ideally placed to take full advantage of legislative developments as they occur.
With an enviable reputation and renowned for always meeting if not exceeding Client expectations there is an outstanding opportunity to build on the existing services and customer base of this company. With the business operated to meet the lifestyle requirements of the owner, and with high levels of repeat business, there has been little need for ‘business development’ in recent times. With strong demand, combined with a capacity to increase turnover, a new owner contributing fresh ideas, particularly in the areas of sales and marketing, motivation, enthusiasm but perhaps most importantly additional time commitment, will have every advantage of building on an excellent platform.
Competition / MarketWith a secure and loyal customer base and working to the notional capacity of the Owner, this business operates on a modest marketing budget. Frequently appearing upon the Fire safety lecture circuit, the Owner of this business is in the almost unique position of being paid to market his own business, with many delegates going on to use its professional services. There is no doubt that a modest increase in investment in advertising – the development of a website, for example would significantly increase the turnover and the profitability of this business.
Perhaps its most cost effective form of marketing however is the strong word of mouth recommendation the business enjoys, testimony to the excellent reputation the business has for its knowledge, technical abilities and high levels of customer service.
Support & trainingThe current Owner will provide full business familiarisation, training and handover to ensure a smooth transfer of the business to new Owners, even to the extent of staying with the business for a period of up to two years, subject to negotiation.
Reasons for sellingThis is a genuine retirement sale.