Merchant buying group Unimer has launched a franchise operation for members to capitalise on the growing market for energy-saving products and renewable energy technology.
The Green Energy Centre (GEC) concept was the brainchild of its managing director Lorcan Anglin of Paget’s Building Supplies, which has already trialled it in its branches. The aim now, it was announced at a launch event at the Builders Merchants Federation members’ day last week, is for the franchise to be rolled out nationwide.
For an initial, unspecified investment Unimer members will be able to set up GECs on their premises as sales and advisory centres for products, from insulation and energy-rated windows, to solar panels, ground source heat pumps and wood-fuelled biomass boilers.
“Members will get advice on the market and product selection – although they will not be locked into products from particular manufacturers,” said Unimer managing director Howard Grant. “Their staff will also be trained, both to develop their knowhow about the materials and technology and about latest legislation affecting the market and accessing grants for installing renewables and energy saving products.”
The GECs’ target will be the retrofit sector.
“This is a potentially huge market,” said Mr Grant. “The UK’s existing housing stock is about 26 million, against 80-90,000 new homes being built a year, and legislation will increasingly push for improvement in energy-performance here.”
He described the venture as “an exciting business proposition” for Unimer.
“It will be of interest to all types of merchant, whether they are general, heavyside or lightside,” he said. “Product supply in this sector breaks across old demarcation lines and may lead to merchants working alongside each other to develop comprehensive product solutions for customers.”
Unimer, he added, will also back the franchise network with marketing.
