A Perthshire company is growing apace after expanding into the renewables sector.
Quantum Energy in Perth was originally an electrical contractor, but two years ago began offering renewable energy technologies for domestic, commercial and agricultural properties.
With help from Business Gateway, the founders Nikki Brooke and Tom MacGillivray from Auchterarder are implementing a new business strategy and have already increased their workforce from three to 17.
Nikki said: “Tom and I met while we were travelling in Australia, and when we came home we didn’t have any commitments to an employer.
“Tom was an electrician and my background was in accounting, so we decided to set up our own business.
“It was possibly the worst time to start a new company as it was just months before the recession hit.
“But we were determined and, with hard work and perseverance, we steadily built up the business.”
The pair moved into renewables when one customer asked if they could assist with solar photovoltaic installations.
Nikki said: “It was an area Tom had been interested in so we began the process of getting registered by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, and within a few months we were approved and began offering a range of services that reduce energy costs.”
Quantum Energy now offers advice to improve energy efficiency to homeowners and businesses, energy performance certificates, home energy management and is in the process of becoming Green Deal installers and having its own Green Deal assessors.
Since moving into renewables Quantum Energy has won a lucrative contract for the installation of solar PV on 104 houses, has moved into larger premises, taken on an additional 14 members of staff and expects to increase turnover from £600,000 to £2 million in the next year.
“Through word of mouth we have increased our renewable energy work in such a short period of time and we are only getting bigger,” Nikki said.
“We do expect to take on even more staff next year and we feel we are now in a position to go for bigger contracts,” she added.
Bob Morrison, business adviser at Business Gateway, said Quantum Energy is an example of a company that has diversified and is reaping the rewards.
He said: “We have supported the company in its recent growth and development by helping the business owners with a new strategy for taking the company forward.
“Nikki and Tom have also benefited from working with a marketing expert which we provided.
“This was to assist with Quantum Energy’s high-level marketing plan with a focus on a digital strategy, and as a result of this support the company will see improved marketing which will increase repeat and new business opportunities.”
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