Member Article

Flame Heating Spares announces Newcastle expansion

Fast-growing North East heating and plumbing merchant Flame Heating Spares has revealed the launch of a Newcastle upon Tyne branch to boost its turnover plans.

Targeting a record £13m turnover by the end of its financial year, in June 2017, the business looks to build on last year’s £6.4m revenues and continuous year-on-year growth since it was established in 2011.

It has now opened its seventh outlet in Newcastle, on Brough Park Way, near to the Newcastle Greyhound Stadium, after securing the 7,000 sq ft premises. As a result of the launch, three positions have been created.

Jimmy Bell, 42, who is from South Shields, will lead the branch in his role as an investor director. He possesses 26 years’ experience in the Heating & Plumbing trade, having started his career working in the warehouse of a merchant and progressing to area sales management levels at national firms.

The Gateshead-headquartered firm is aiming to launch more branches in the region by 2020 as well as double its current workforce to more than 50 employees.

Moreover, it recently announced it was to expand into Scotland, with the appointment of a business development director for Scotland.

John Savage, managing director of Flame Heating Spares, said: “We have really hit the ground running in 2017 and built on last year’s many successes.

“The firm has come a long way in the last six years, and I am hoping for more of the same as we look to extend our geographical reach across the North East and beyond, following our decision to expand into Scotland.

“Jimmy brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the local market, which will drive forward our expansion plans, as well as position and grow our presence in Newcastle and on Tyneside.”

John added: “Having a presence in each of the region’s key towns and cities will help support our long-term growth ambitions, as well as allow the company to progress recruitment strategies and create further jobs.”

Flame Heating Spares currently operates trade counters in Ashington, Durham, Gateshead, South Shields, Stockton, Sunderland and now Newcastle.

Jimmy said: “I have followed the growth of Flame since it was established, as I have known John for almost 20 years, so as soon as there was an opportunity to work with him again and after deciding the timing was right, I jumped at the chance.

“The Newcastle branch is positioned to become one of the company’s flagship trade counters, so I am excited by what the future holds and we already have hit the ground running, which is fantastic.”

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