Environmental awareness boosts business for ventilation company

Envirovent, a Harrogate manufacturer of low-energy domestic ventilation equipment, said it has seen a 22 per cent rise in sales between January and the end of March.

The firm, which last year won a Queen's award for innovation after developing a recyclable filterless extract fan, expects to turn over 15m in 2010, up from 12.2m last year. It has grown after strengthening its three arms – construction and new build, the electrical contractor and distribution business and domestic sales.

Envirovent supplies predominantly to the social housing sector, selling to more than 400 housing associations and regeneration bodies and has continued expanding despite the recession as firms look to trade in a more environmentally friendly and energy efficient way, said sales director Andy Makin.

"There has been a high growth in the business for us. Properties have become more energy efficient and air tight and the quality of the air we breath has become more of an issue.

"We have had a really successful three or four years and have really enjoyed a good year despite the downturn."

It has also developed bio-vents, which are used in the medical industry to combat bacteria such as MRSA and e-coli.

The company, based in Harrogate, was honoured in the Yorkshire Post's Excellence in Business Awards two years ago, when it won the category for companies with a turnover under 10m.

Envirovent was launched in 1997 although its roots go back to 1987 as a producer of condensation control units. It became a plc in 1998 and in August 2007 it became part of the Soler and Palau Group, a world leader in ventilation, after a management buy-out led by MD Nick Heaton.

In the same year, it launched its Lifetime range, with packaging made from recycled materials and incorporating design features that minimise energy consumption.

All of the company's products are designed to be long-lasting, low maintenance and energy efficient, reflecting its eco-friendly approach to ventilation.

Today, the firm has 176 staff and is already Britain's fastest-growing domestic manufacturer and supplier of ventilation products and Mr Makin said they aim to be the country's leading ventilation business within five to six years.