Member Article

Flame Heating Spares creates new jobs with Ashington expansion

Trade supplies firm Flame Heating Spares is continuing to grow its presence across the region with the launch of a new Ashington branch.

Flame, established in summer 2011, now operates six trade counters across the North East. Its latest 1,387 sq.ft branch, which has created 3 new jobs in the Ashington basin, follows on from the opening of its Stockton branch in the first quarter of the year.

John Savage, Flame Heating Spares’ managing director, hoping to open another eight branches in the region over the course of the next 12 months.

He revealed: “It has been a fantastic five years in business and more than I could have ever expected. To start out with a single branch and see it grow to six, and to be in a position to hopefully reach double figures within the year, is remarkable and just goes to show how far the company has come.”

Gary Lucas, also from Ashington, will manage the branch, as well as become one of the company’s investor directors, which gives him a financial stake in the success of the branch.

Gary, 42, possesses more than 12 years’ experience in the sector, having started his career at a national plumbing merchant before working his way up to management level within a number of independent merchants. Prior to joining Flame, he was a heating and plumbing business development manager for a leading building merchant.

John continued: “I am delighted that we now have a presence in Northumberland with our Ashington launch and Gary’s extensive experience and proven track record will help support our growth plans and create a thriving branch in the town.”

Gary added: “I am excited to be joining Flame Heating Spares and to be involved in its ambitious plans for the future. John shares my enthusiasm and I have seen the company develop over the years, so as soon as the opportunity arose; I jumped at the chance to go back to my roots in Ashington.

“In my own experience working in the sector, I have seen a drop off in the levels of customer service, but I always go the extra mile for my customers and treat them how I would expect to be treated. My experience and knowledge of the local market should put me in good stead as I look to establish a successful outlet, and I can’t wait to get started.”

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