HIGHLIGHTS:
• Every child’s dream – To run your own Fireworks business!
• Established business undertaking professional firework displays for events and functions
• Outdoor lighting specialists
• Valuable contacts in events and entertainments sectors
• Nationwide client list
• South Somerset base but suitable for relocation
• Company share or asset purchase as required
• Excellent safety and insurance assessment
• Recent investment in new equipment
• Finance available (subject to status)
BUSINESS:
This is an opportunity rarely available. A chance to fulfil a childhood dream to own and run a professional firework display and outdoor lighting company.
The business has built its reputation over a 15 year period and has developed valuable links with internationally recognised party and event organisers as well as entertainment companies, private schools and charitable organisations. Operated to date only on a part time basis and with its potential never fully exploited in view of other commitments, a strong platform has been developed from which the business can grow through enhanced promotional activity and the full time involvement of a new owner.
Run from a Somerset base, with modified storage containers licensed by Somerset County Council and experienced part time operators living nearby, the business handles displays and contracts throughout mainland UK and is suitable for relocation if required or simply could be co-ordinated and managed from a new base located almost anywhere.
The safety record, built up over the years by the limited company through which the business operates, is strong, resulting in reducing public and employee liability premiums annually.
All fireworks businesses are required to undergo a regular, rigorous assessment of their operating procedures, safety record and facilities and the vendor advises that an excellent rating has been awarded by the independent insurance assessor (Q4 2010).
The vendor also advises that a further investment has recently been made in new equipment.
TENURE:
Business only for relocation.
YEARS ESTABLISHED:
The business was established in 1994 by the current owner.
EMPLOYEES:
There are 8 part time staff, all living within 30 miles, who are called upon as necessary to run the displays.
TRADING HOURS:
By the nature of the business most displays are undertaken at weekends with preparatory work undertaken on Fridays where necessary.
SALES REVENUE:
The business has been operated on a part time basis alongside the owner’s other role as a design engineer in the electronics industry. Turnover averaged £50,810 in the 4 years ended 31/5/07, the figure being £61,716 in the last of these four years. Later figures are expected to be available very shortly.
GROSS PROFIT:
Whilst in the past a flexible approach to pricing has been adopted where it is felt that the contract is likely to lead to future more remunerative work, the owner advises that a gross profit margin of 50% is the norm.
OPPORTUNITIES:
A promotional DVD is available to assist marketing but the owner openly admits that this has not been exploited to its potential. A website is currently in the course of being upgraded. With smaller displays costing from £3,000 and larger events up to £10,000 it can be seen that the potential exists to drive up turnover very substantially with the full time involvement of a new and committed owner.
REASON FOR SALE:
The vendor is obliged to travel widely as part of his other role and, after 15 years of undertaking regular weekend work in the fireworks business, and with two young children at home, he feels that he now needs to concentrate more upon his growing family.
SUPPORT AND TRAINING:
The part time operatives are all highly skilled in putting together and executing displays and lighting contracts and will provide excellent support to a new owner. However, the vendor would be pleased to continue to work with the business for a while to make the necessary introductions to key clients and ensure a smooth handover overall.
LOCATION OF STORAGE CONTAINERS:
The business currently operates with the benefit of 2 suitably modified secure containers which are re-licensed annually by Somerset County Council for use as firework stores. One is presently located within the grounds of the vendor’s own property, which is in a rural location and the second container is currently stored on a farm nearer Yeovil.
VIEWING:
All viewings to be arranged through Adams & Co, sole agent, on 01752 493002
FINANCE:
Finance is available (subject to status) through Agora Commercial Finance, independent commercial finance brokers, on 01752 405032
FULL PARTICULARS:
Please telephone or email for full particulars
GUIDE PRICE:
The vendor invites offers against an asking price of £37,000 for the goodwill, detailed operating procedures, secure containers and equipment plus stock at valuation.
The equipment comprises firing hardware (mortar rack and tubes), stakes, cables, ratchet straps and storage cases, ADR plates/placards (required for display on vehicles carrying hazardous materials), radios, timing boxes and fire extinguishers together with generators and lights. Also included will be the promotional dvd and the reconstructed website.
A further 40 metal halide coloured lamps will also be available subject to separate negotiation.
VALUE OF STOCK:
The value of stock can vary widely during the year. From £10,000 in the low season to c £27,500 in August.