Retail

Online Retailers

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). Market Sizing The renewable energy technology market in the UK and Ireland is expected to dramatically increase in the next few years. The reasons for this are as follows: 1.Energy prices are rising at a dramatic rate, encouraging the deployment of renewables to reduce future energy bills. 2.Central Government has to meet EU and Kyoto binding targets to substantially reduce carbon emissions across the country. To achieve this they will need to legislate to force individuals, organisations, and companies to deploy renewable energy technologies to help meet targets. 3.By 2016 all new homes built in the UK will need to be “zero carbon” - this is huge incentive for builders to start deploying renewables in new homes. 4.In April 2008, The Government removed planning permission requirements when fitting solar for most homes. 5.In May 2008, The Government introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes which require all new builds to have renewable energy systems built-in during construction. 6.Recent issues with flooding have focused thinking on how to reduce future flooding risks. Rainwater Harvesting systems are now being proposed as a way of reducing flood risk. Some local authorities are making it compulsory to install rainwater harvesting with every new home being built. 7.Increasingly individuals and organisations are recognising that they need to “go green" and wish to deploy green technology as to be seen to be making steps towards reducing carbon emissions. 8.Demand is growing from businesses and homeowners to look at ways of reducing energy bills, as the price of gas, oil etc continues to rise at a fast pace. 9.Government grants and other incentives (such as reduced council tax) will encourage the deployment of renewable energy technologies. 10.Renewable energy technology has so far been deployed in only a small fraction of homes and businesses in the UK. In Germany, nearly 30% of homeowners have deployed solar. Therefore, the UK has got a tot of catching up to do. 11.The sales "tipping point" for technologies such as solar thermal panels is getting closer. Company Assets • The business logo- is a registered trade mark • One of the first companies to sell eco products on the internet • Well known with editors of national newspapers • Fully managed, secure websites • Opt-in email mailing list in excess of 4000 • Customer database of 20,000 customers + • Stock worth £35,000 (housed at an outsourced warehouse and fulfilment company) • IT equipment for a 7 person office • Easy in Easy out Serviced offices • Strategic partnerships with suppliers, installers and manufacturers Customers The Company are proud to work with a wide range of well known customers across many industries. In each case, the Company seeks to build a long-term relationship based on trust, reliability, and support in order to maximise any added value. Routes to Market The products and services can be split into 2 major offerings: Eco Home and Garden Product Sales and Renewable Energy Technology Sales and implementations. There are now 5 websites to support these offerings: 1.The flagship e-commerce website that sells renewable technology online 2.The second is a comprehensive resource for homeowners and businesses considering implementing renewable energy systems. Generates paid for survey requests which provide sales opportunities. 3.The third website sells a comprehensive range of solar products 4.The fourth sells low cost eco and green home and garden products online The business has contacts with retail concessions in four garden centres (including Wyevale), a well know garden nursery and a builders merchants and provides demonstration renewable energy equipment with point of sale, in these shops in return for sales and leads. The shops and merchants have effectively become a showroom for their systems.