Sold. Long Established Natural Stone Flooring Retailer - With Excellent Levels Of Repeat Business

Long Established Natural Stone Flooring Retailer - with excellent levels of repeat business
Ref.GE075
Location Buckinghamshire
Asking Price £ 60,000
Asking price: £60,000 (reduced from £160,000) plus stock at valuation circa £70,000
Established over 18 years ago, this well known suppliers of high quality stone for flooring and tile has established an unrivalled reputation for quality with an enviable repeat client base from both the private and trade sectors. The business only supplies natural stone and is not involved in ceramics. As such, whilst the products offered can cater for aesthetic and economic requirements, it does tend to appeal to the more discerning customer.

The customers either find the company via the comprehensive website which receives enquires from across the U.K. and internationally, or mostly via the high levels of recommendations and referrals received daily. The products supplied by the business tend to be at the top of the list for Architects, Designers and Specifiers, whether they are engaged on a project for local high-net worth individuals and celebrities or business clients in the City. Corporate clients have included major retailers, spas, pub & restaurant chains. There has also been some very prestigious projects completed with the stones supplied by the company such as the crypt development at St. Martins in the Fields in Central London.

The business imports stones, marble and slates from across the globe with 11 key suppliers internationally, including those based in China, India, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal and France. Whilst most of these relationships go back over many years, the activity tends to vary depending on currency exchanges and the popularity of products. The owners of the business have strived to maintain relations through the ups and downs, so that suppliers are geared and delighted to supply when called upon.

Expansion Potential
The business is well placed for further growth under new management. There is a strong possibility that by re-expanding the advertising and marketing function, the client base can easily be enlarged further. The vendors have also previously considered whether supplying related equipment or creating ties with other businesses that supply equipment such as bathrooms and kitchens, to offer cross referrals. Added revenue could also be driven from a direct sales approach to the building and construction sector as the market for new property developments and re-developments starts to expand again.

Market / Competition / Non-Competition Agreements
The business has taken regular advertising positions in local and national lifestyle magazines, including Period Living Magazine and building renovation magazine. There is a comprehensive website that receives many unique visitors daily both from the UK and internationally. Alongside the marketing efforts, a high degree of business comes from referrals by professionals involved in property development and recommendations from satisfied customers.