Lee Maher, manager of Menai Heating
An Anglesey company has successfully carved a niche for itself as a leading expert in a cutting-edge renewable heating system following advice and support from Business Wales.
Menai Heating has transformed itself into a leading installer of biomass heating systems, which provide heat and energy by burning renewable fuels like wood chips, pellets and logs.
Originally founded in 2001, Menai Heating has grown rapidly since focussing on the eco-friendly energy systems, and has followed a business development plan drawn up with support from Business Wales’ team of advisors.
Since getting in touch with the Welsh Government’s free business support service, the business has significantly increased its turnover, doubled its workforce and expanded into a new warehouse on the Gaerwen Industrial Estate.
Lee Maher, manager of Menai Heating, said it was Business Wales’ guidance that helped transform his business into an authoritative voice on green energy.
Lee said: “I’ve been working in renewable energy for six or seven years now, but it’s since we got in touch with Business Wales that we’ve really grown rapidly.
“From the outset we set out objectives of where I wanted the business to go, and just 18 months down the line I’m just one new employee away from fulfilling that original plan.
“We used to offer a range of heating systems, but we’ve really grown after focussing on the biomass boilers, which have grown in popularity thanks to government subsidies that are available.
“Initially, it was just myself and two installers, but we now have a seven-strong team, including a sales representative that we’ve just hired. We’ve also outgrown my garage, which is where we started from, and moved to a proper unit on the Gaerwen Industrial estate.”
“Business Wales have helped with several aspects of the business, from assistance in moving to our new premises to contract support and ways of mapping our growth.
“I can’t fault the support I’ve received – it’s been more valuable to us than any grant or subsidy that’s available. I’ll definitely stay in touch to see how we can develop further in the future.”
Business Wales offers free support and guidance to small to medium enterprises from across the country on a range of business matters, from applying for grant assistance to helping companies understand and fulfil their environmental responsibilities.
Business Wales advisor Richard Fraser-Williams, who has been working with Menai Heating to realise its expansion plans, said: “There are a lot of businesses in the area that are ready to look at expanding, and we want to help them take their products and services forward.
“Lee has done a great job, taking on board the various pieces of advice and information we’ve provided, and I’d say that Menai Heating are similar to a lot of Anglesey businesses that have great potential for growth.
“In a short space of time he’s gone from working out of an office in his garage to being a leader in his field, and we want to help other businesses achieve similar success.”
All Business Wales services are free and delivered bilingually form offices in Bangor, St Asaph, Holywell and Wrexham. Business Wales is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
For more information on how Business Wales can help your business grow, call 03000 6 03000, follow Business Wales on Twitter @_businesswales, or visit www.business.wales.gov.uk for further information.
