Heatsource Direct

Our Business

We provide a free consultation service to help companies identify how they can reduce their energy consumption, carbon footprint and in turn their energy bills. From this survey, we produce an energy saving report – detailing our recommendations and the savings that can be made. We support our customers in the planning, commissioning and installation of the products – some of which can be installed at no initial cost on our Shared Savings Scheme. 

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

We are based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. We provide our services to customers across the UK so being so close to the M1 and M62 is ideal. We are also seeing lots of companies are moving their offices and warehouses up North so there are lots of opportunities for us to work with customers who are looking at the best ways to make their new properties energy efficient.

How did you come up with the idea?

We began our business installing infrared heating systems for our customers but saw that there was a gap in the market for a range of energy saving measures. We have now diversified our product range – we now install voltage optimisation, power factor correction, destratification, LED lighting and solar panels. 

What stage was your business at when you applied for the start-up loan?

We had been operating for 18 months when we looked into the Start Up Loan. 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 energy saving equipment. We began offering our customers the products on the Shared Savings Scheme – where they can have the equipment installed free of charge. The savings that are made are split between ourselves and the customer so that they can benefit from the financial savings and the reduction in their carbon output without outlaying for the equipment.

How have you used it to grow your business?

The Start Up Loan has meant that we were able to invest in more energy saving equipment, ensuring that we were able to offer the Shared Savings Scheme to more of our customers. With the income generated each month, we are able to purchase more equipment, and this can again be offered to customers.

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 experience in the industry so the expert advice he offered us (not just with the loan application) has been excellent. Phil and the rest of the team at Airedale Enterprise Services were always on hand to answer any questions we had about the application and are still providing us with support now that we have secured the Start Up Loan.

Biggest Achievement so far?

We were recently approached by one of the largest energy consultant firms in the UK to be their recognised installer and are now partnered with them. This opens a whole new market for us and will allow us to continue our growth.

What’s next for your business?

To build upon our current marketing strategy and hopefully employ an expert to manage this.

Founder(s) name: Tom Thurling & Chris Thurling

Loan funds received: £20,000 – £25,000

Based in: Bradford, West Yorkshire

Website: www.heatsourcedirect.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/heatsourcedirectlimited

Twitter: @Heatsource_1