Energy Saving Centre
PUT YOUR ENERGY to good use

Two of the biggest buzz words in business today are ‘energy savings’ and Dave Catley believes the importance of this topic will keep on growing. ‘Anything that can save power and emissions for house holders, businesses and the nation as a whole is important,’ says Dave. ‘Whether it's insulation, heat pumps or double glazing, in my opinion these and other similar products will be big business for years to come.’

Dave is the managing director of Energy Saving Centre, which was established in Christchurch in 1996. The Centre originally concentrated on warming homes efficiently by supplying heat pumps then through fitting secondary glazing and insulation. In early 2009, the business was bought by three men: Dave Catley, Richard Rea (Director of Sales and Marketing) and Glen Robertson (Director of Production and Installation). Between them, the three have over forty years’ experience in the industry and are passionate about its future.

Dave, Richard and Glen quietly set about expanding the business with new outlets in Tauranga and Hamilton, ensuring systems were in place before expanding nationally. ‘We had no desire to rush into anything,’ explains Dave. ‘Energy Saving Centre has been performing well for years with over 7000 energy-improved homes in Canterbury alone. Before franchising, we wanted to ensure that it could be equally successful in other parts of the country, which we have achieved.’

Energy Saving Centre produces its own brand of double glazing, Insulglaze®, which has several distinct advantages over other products,’ Dave says. ‘For a start, it is secondary glazing that is retro-fitted to existing windows, thereby ensuring that the historic or unique style of a home can be kept intact. It’s not made of glass; instead, it is constructed from a thick optical grade acrylic and therefore offers better insulation. In addition, Insulglaze is stronger, lighter and has many other advantages over glass – for example, installation is easier because the acrylic layer is fixed by a magnetic strip. Frankly, it is a near-perfect system; it produces a great result with no need to throw out the old window frames or glass.’

Heat It – Keep It – Save It

The market for products such as Insulglaze, not to mention home insulation and energy-efficient heat pumps, has expanded dramatically in recent years thanks to new legislation. ‘The government now requires new homes to be built with double-glazed windows and have thermal insulation in both walls and ceilings, and the benefits are becoming obvious. Research has shown around 900,000 homes in New Zealand are sub-standard by the new criteria. We supply and install only the best: Insulglaze®, Pink Batts and Fujitsu heat pumps,’ says Dave.

‘With the government Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority’s (EECA) marketing campaign in full swing, energy saving products are receiving a major push which ensures our products are well-received by home-owners. Energy Saving Centre franchisees will therefore not only have a huge informed market but also the perfect product mix to make all these homes healthier, drier and more comfortable, whilst saving energy all year round.’

Sales Experience Counts

With three busy centres proving the demand for their services, Energy Saving Centre is now looking to select suitable franchisees in all main centres in New Zealand. ‘Ideally, we are seeking people from a sales or management background with a desire to succeed in their own business,’ Dave says. ‘They will operate from a small showroom and we envisage our franchisees concentrating on sales while employing a team of installers to complete the jobs.

‘Energy Saving Centre is keen to appoint franchisees who can grow their business and lead a group of energy consultants while having the skills to manage the business and market development.’ The investment required by franchisees will range from $45,000+gst and working capital, and will vary depending on the location.

To ensure new franchisees have the best support available, Energy Saving Centre has appointed Murray Clark as National Franchise Support Manager. Murray has considerable experience in franchising; his last role being master franchisee for Lollipop’s Playland & Café.

‘We know how big the market is and we offer new franchisees large territories that will enable them to get results fast,’ says Murray. ‘We also provide the best tools and support available. We have had our systems professionally developed by Franchise Consultants (NZ) Ltd, three-times winners of the Service Provider of the Year title at the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards. Energy Saving Centre’s franchisees are also provided with extensive training and great systems, backed by our accounting and IT packages, that give them the best opportunity to succeed.’

Murray goes on to say that this is just the beginning. ‘Experience shows that this is a perfect opportunity for the right people to build very profitable businesses in a fast-expanding sector. As we grow, everyone will benefit from even more economies of scale and, of course, the consistent development of new energy-saving products and services. If you want to be in on the ground floor in your area, call me now.’ 

This advertorial is taken from Franchise New Zealand magazine Volume 19 Issue 4 

Contact details for Energy Saving Centre

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