Eco Providers reflects on growth and sets sights on future following BIBAs win

A fast-growing Lancashire heating and insulation retrofitting company which was crowned this year’s Scaleup Business of the Year at the Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs), is planning to expand its range of services as it continues to scale over the coming years, according to its managing director.

Established in 2017, Longridge-based Eco Providers helps customers take advantage of government schemes across the UK for heating, solar and insulation upgrades so they can lower their bills and reduce carbon emissions. 

The company has achieved strong growth since it was founded in 2017, often doubling its turnover year-on-year and is currently generating revenues in excess of £18 million.

Eco Providers’ success was recognised at this year’s BIBAs awards and managing director, Tom Myers, spoke to Two Zero about what he has learned so far from scaling a business, as well as plans for the company’s continued growth over the coming years.

He said: “You can have a flawless business strategy on paper but without the right people, none of that plays out in the long-term. We have a really good team and that, above anything else, is what has allowed us to keep growing and achieving our goals.”

In response to demand for its services, the company has expanded its team consistently and it now employs around 100 staff.

Tom added: “As we keep on expanding, our people selection and development process will remain front and centre.

“It is a really important part of making sure we provide the best possible service to our customers so retaining that will be crucial.

“If I could give one piece of advice to another business looking to scale, it would be to invest in your people.”

To sustain its growth over the coming years, Eco Providers is planning to diversify its customer base which will include moving into commercial sales, where it will offer its service direct to consumers who don’t qualify for government schemes, as well as taking on social housing partnerships.

Tom said: “In order to maximise these opportunities in the commercial sector, we want to make the Eco Providers brand more personable. We’re currently undertaking a rebrand which will open up new routes to market through ecommerce and other channels.

“Our aim is to become a one-stop shop for customers to reduce their energy bills to make their homes more energy efficient.”

Two Zero is Lancashire County Council’s scaleup support service, designed to help the leaders of Lancashire businesses, growing at 20 per cent year-on-year. Lancashire County Council was headline sponsor of this year’s BIBAs awards.

Tom also spoke about the challenges of being a leader and the importance of quality advice, especially with the company pursuing a new growth strategy over the coming years.

“It’s hard to grow a business at pace without having any past experience of doing so,” he said.

“I’ve often received advice from friends and family in business, but I’ve recognised the importance of receiving professional help. I’m now working directly with a dedicated business mentor who is helping me prepare Eco Providers for our next stage of scaling up.

“As a company, we’re excited for what the future holds and the opportunity to make an even more positive impact in Lancashire where we are based, the communities we serve as well as on the planet as a whole.”