Enerfoil
Last updated | 25/04/2007
" You can sell anything from anywhere if you want to - as long as you always keep your promises, and make sure deliveries arrive on time,
" says Shirley Shearer, Director of
Enerfoil.
As a distributor of under-floor heating systems,
Enerfoil does 85% of its business in the south-east of England. Despite this, Shirley is committed to the area, and sees the advantages as far outweighing the drawbacks.
"We wouldn't want to live and work in London, even though we could probably have two or three times the turnover,
" said Shirley.
"The quality of life here is second to none - and customers don't mind where we are based, as long as we commit to quality of service. Attention to detail is paramount to our success.
"Enerfoil was launched six years ago, when Shirley came across the heating product in Finland, and was asked to market it in the UK. Initial doubts were quickly overcome when investigation found a real demand for the product and now, supplying three different types of electric under-floor heating systems,
Enerfoil has grown to become one of the top three electric under-floor heating companies in the UK and Ireland.
Enerfoil employs seven people, including a newly-appointed sales manager based in Glasgow, but with turnover doubling each year, this is set to grow rapidly.
Enerfoil currently operates out of a log cabin in the tiny hamlet of
Fearnan, in the heart of highland Perthshire, but demand was such that they soon had to expand into custom-built premises nearby.
This rural setting is far from isolated, however, with strong access links allowing Shirley to take a flight from Edinburgh, and reach London in time for a morning meeting. In addition, the internet plays a large part in the company's marketing and communication strategy, as does a large network of distributors, who assist in face-to-face sales in the UK and Ireland.
Under-floor heating has become universally accepted across the UK, being both space-saving and energy efficient. The concept dates back to Roman times, and has been common on the continent for years. As interest continues to grow in the UK, Shirley is confident that
Enerfoil can continue to expand.
"We have a huge number of assets to work with, not least the nuts and bolts of our strong in-house design team, and the fact that we offer such a wide range of products, which can meet the growing range of applications for under-floor heating,
" said Shirley.
"In addition, we find it does no harm to play up the Scottish angle - our designer, Gordon makes regular appearances in a kilt when we visit trade fairs, and everyone from customers to delivery drivers has been charmed by the beauty of Perthshire, its landscape and the wildlife.
"
