SURFACE POWER

Clean-tech/green energy sector

The Client

ACME Energy Limited trading as Surface Power is a leading Irish based provider of solar thermal heating and clean technology. They are a specialist designer, manufacturer and distributor of various types of renewable technology equipment. The company covers domestic, commercial and industrial markets.

The Challenge

As a start-up, they needed help with many aspects of their developing business. They required a full business advisory service and selected Avid Partners – Accountants & Business Advisers to be their comprehensive business advisor. Initially, they needed help recruiting and selecting a full senior management team. They required a complete sales and marketing plan as well as financial projections in place for the next 3-5 years. Surface Power also needed to investigate their funding options and how best to manage this ongoing function.

The Work

Avid Partners – Accountants & Business Advisers took each of these projects in tandem. With an experienced team in place, Avid Partners – Accountants & Business Advisers were capable of tackling each of these points head on. The first task involved selecting a management team. Avid Partners – Accountants & Business Advisers advised on the type of candidate required for each top level position. The attributes and experience for every job were discussed in detail.

“Avid Partners provided us with a complete advisory service from concept right through to detailed business planning. They went above and beyond the role of a normal business-consultancy. Their advice was solid and they gave us a real platform from which to achieve our targets”
- Mr John Quinn, Surface Power.

This left Surface Power with enough information to begin to draw up a list of candidates. Working with Planet Power, Avid assessed applications and advised on the next move. The next task involved drawing up a realistic, measurable business plan.

Various aspects of the plan from the marketing strategy to financial planning were covered at this stage. A solid, accountable sales strategy including targets and required personnel, geographic areas was presented and agreed upon.

Another key aspect for any provider in the energy sector is dealing with investors and maintaining solid relationships. Avid Partners – Accountants & Business Advisers negotiated and dealt with investors as part of their service offering and worked with Surface Power as they dealt with all the tricky elements a start-up will encounter.

The Results

Surface Power now has a solid plan in place for their ongoing development. They know what direction they’re going in. With a solid marketing plan in place targeting a specific market, backed up by a real sales strategy, Planet Power go from strength to strength.

“Jamie is a modern business consultant with a fast and agile approach. He cuts through the dross and get to the point, just what every business owner wants and needs”, Mr John Quinn, Surface Power.

With the help of Avid Partners – Accountants & Business Advisers, they have solid distribution channels in place and have identified the right partners and alliances. They’re also in the process of closing in on their first round of funding.

That is some progress. Combine an ambitious start-up with an old hand and you will see serious results and progress early on.