Member Article

Yorkshire loft conversion start-up creates 19 jobs after first quarter success

A start-up Yorkshire loft conversion specialist started by an entrepreneurial accountant is expanding rapidly and has created 19 new jobs in its first quarter trading.

Loft Creations, which uses a new patented beam technology that allows time-saving conversion of attic space, was set up by James Roach who led the turnaround of Ripon-based Truss Loft in 2011 where he gained extensive experience of the domestic conversion market.

“The loft conversion sector is one that I know well, and having secured the rights to install the lightweight patented ‘TeleBeam’ technology, we saw this as a great time to offer a professionally project-managed, fast, clean and hassle-free loft conversion service,” said Mr Roach.

The business offers conversions of attic space in residential property, managing the projects from initial planning permissions if required, through design and build to decorating and finishing.

Mr Roach left his most recent role as finance director of outdoor furniture retailer Akula in November to launch the firm that is based at offices in Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.

The business started with just Mr Roach and one full-time employee but with sales of over £250,000 in its first three months trading and a further pipeline of orders worth more than £200,000, the company now employs four full-time staff at its head office and 15 full-time sub-contractors on site.

“The early success we have seen is proof that the market is ready for a more completely managed provider of loft conversions as an alternative to hiring one-man band builders and other tradesmen with all the risks and hassle that this involves.”

“We have some exciting plans for 2014, with new services planned and we will be expanding further in the first half of the year, building on the early progress we have made.”

Loft Creations architect Simon Horne, who leads the planning team for the business said, “There are a great many people looking to maximise the square footage of their properties to gain space for kids or grandparents but also as an investment.

“We are seeing parents with school age kids wanting to stay local, but needing more space, and we have clients looking for home offices or granny flats for visiting relatives too. People are very focused on the extra value that increased living area can drive when properties are resold.”

The firm has already delivered several domestic contracts in York and Harrogate. It currently has five projects underway and is in the planning consent stages of loft conversion work for a number of other clients across Yorkshire.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .