Partner Article

Husband and wife team give energy to new business

The region’s homesellers are being lent a helping hand by a new Darlington-based business. Husband and wife team Angelina and Alun Bell have launched Idea Limited, a domestic energy assessing company which can help sellers who are compiling Home Information Packs.

Under the new rules, everyone marketing a property with four or more bedrooms has to commission a HIP and this month (September 10) will see the introduction of HIPs packs for those selling three bedroom homes - meaning 80 percent of homesellers will need an energy efficiency rating.

Angelina said: “Alun has run his own business before so we were able to compile the business plan and put together how we envisaged the business’ development but we needed a helping hand when we began looking at the financial side of things, so approached Business Link for advice.”

Jonathan Barnes from Business Link said: “It has been a pleasure working with Angelina and Alun on this new venture. The pair are really switched on to the changes in the property market and with their focus and drive I’m sure that Idea Limited will succeed. “As the business looks to grow I look forward to working with the team through its recruitment, operations and training processes.”

Angelina added: “The idea of the energy performance certificate is that, at a glance, would-be buyers will be able to see the property’s energy efficiency - a bit like when they buy a fridge. The homeowner will also be presented with some tips on how the energy efficiency of their home can be improved. “Energy performance certificates kill two birds with one stone - providing information for homebuyers and ensuring the UK complies with an EU directive to reduce carbon emissions, which comes into force in 2009.”

For further information, visit www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk or call 0845 600 9 006. For further information about Idea Limited call 01325 352 221.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .