1. Explain your business in thirty seconds or less
It’s all about helping companies reduce their energy consumption. We give our customers a free consultation, which we use to produce an energy report detailing our recommendations and the savings that can be made. Then we help our customers in the planning, commissioning and installation of the energy-saving products – some of which can be installed at no initial cost on our Shared Savings Scheme. The end result is reduced energy consumption, lower energy bills, and a smaller carbon footprint,
2. Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?
We’re based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. We have customers all over the UK, so being so close to the M1 and M62 is ideal. It seems like more and more companies are moving their offices and warehouses up north, which means there are lots of opportunities for us to help make their new properties energy efficient.
3. How did you come up with the idea?
Well, we started out installing infrared heating systems, but realised pretty quickly that there was a gap in the market for all kinds of other energy-saving measures. These days, our product range is really diverse – we can do anything from voltage optimization and power factor correction, to destratification, LED lighting and solar panels.
4. What stage was your business at when you applied for the Start Up Loan?
We’d been operating for 18 months, and it was becoming clear that, despite wanting to make improvements in energy efficiency, some companies felt they were not in a strong enough financial position to spend money on the equipment. Our solution was the Shared Savings Scheme. It allows companies to have energy-saving equipment installed for no upfront cost – they just share the savings with us later on.
5. How have you used it to grow your business?
The Start Up Loan allowed us to invest in more energy saving equipment and offer the Shared Savings Scheme to more of our customers. With the income generated each month, we are able to purchase more equipment and grow the business further.
6. Who is your regional delivery partner and how did they help you get a Virgin StartUp loan?
Our mentor is Phil Harrison at Airedale Enterprise Services. Phil has tons of experience in the industry and his expert advice has been excellent. He and the rest of the team at Airedale Enterprise Services were always on hand to answer any questions we had about the Start Up Loan application, and are still providing us with support now that we have secured the funding.
7. Biggest achievement so far?
We were recently approached by one of the largest energy consultant firms in the UK, and now we’re their recognized installer. The partnership opens a whole new market for us and will allow us to continue our growth.
8. What’s next for your business?
We’re looking to build on our current marketing strategy, and hopefully employ an expert in that area.
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