In a modest unit in Widnes seven years ago, two former plumbing & heating engineers with a vision to make British homes more energy efficient planted the seeds of what would become one of the region’s fastest growing eco focused businesses. Today, Zenith Eco Solutions stands as a testament to how entrepreneurship, strategic funding, and a commitment to sustainability can fuel remarkable growth in the green economy.
Humble Beginnings, Ambitious Vision
When Zac Corcoran (27) and Liam Owens (32) founded Zenith Eco Solutions in 2018, they brought with them hands on experience as gas fitters but something more valuable; a clear vision for a business that would tackle both fuel poverty and carbon emissions through innovative heating solutions.
“We saw firsthand how many households were struggling with inefficient heating systems & poorly insulated homes that were not only costly to run but also harmful to the environment,” explains Zac. “We knew there was an opportunity to make a real difference while building a sustainable business.”
The Turning Point: Strategic Investment
A pivotal moment came when Zenith secured a £75,000 investment from NPIF – River & GCBF Smaller Loans, managed by River Capital in partnership with GC Business Finance as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
“That investment was transformative,” says Liam. “It wasn’t just about the capital, though that was certainly important, it was about what it enabled us to do in terms of accreditations and expanding our service capabilities.”
The funding allowed Zenith to obtain crucial industry accreditations that many competitors lacked, positioning them perfectly to capitalise on growing government initiatives in the green energy sector, particularly the ECO scheme that provides free or subsidised grants to vulnerable households for energy efficient heating solutions.
Explosive Growth: By the Numbers
The results speak for themselves. In just three years, Zenith Eco Solutions has:
- Increased revenue to £10m from £750,000 pre-funding – a nearly 3,000% increase.
- Expanded from 6 employees to nearly 50 staff across operations, marketing, finance and fitters.
- Relocated to a larger office space in the Meridian Business Village in Speke.
- Grown their fleet from just 3 vehicles to an impressive 20
- Significantly broadened their service offerings from basic installations to comprehensive eco-heating solutions
Andy Jones, River Capital investment manager, who supported the initial investment, notes: “Zenith exemplifies what can happen when passionate entrepreneurs with the right expertise receive the financial backing they need at a critical growth stage. Their success demonstrates how businesses that address environmental challenges can also achieve remarkable commercial success.”
The Accreditation Advantage
According to both Zac and Liam, securing specialised accreditations was the competitive edge that fueled their explosive growth.
“The funding from River Capital allowed us to invest in obtaining accreditations that many smaller operators couldn’t afford,” explains Zac. “This meant we could offer services under government schemes that others couldn’t, particularly around air source heat pumps and the ECO program.”
As a Trustmark accredited company, Zenith gained access to government backed schemes, creating a profitable cycle: more accreditations led to more service offerings, which attracted more customers, which generated more revenue for further expansion.
Building a Diverse Team
The company’s growth has necessitated building a diverse team beyond their initial technical focus. What began as a small group of heating engineers has evolved to include marketing specialists, finance professionals, customer service representatives, and specialised project managers.
“Building the right team has been essential,” says Liam. “We’re no longer just installers. We’re running a complex operation that requires diverse skills. Bringing in expertise in areas like finance and marketing has been key to managing our growth sustainably.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Zenith
With the UK’s continued focus on reducing carbon emissions and the government’s commitment to green heating solutions, Zenith Eco Solutions appears well-positioned for continued growth.
Companies like Zenith are at the forefront of the green economic revolution. They’re demonstrating that addressing climate change and fuel poverty can create significant business opportunities and jobs.”
For Zac and Liam the journey from plumbing & heating engineers to leading a multi-million pound enterprise in just seven years is just the beginning.
“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we see this as just the start,” says the pair. “The transition to sustainable heating solutions in the UK is still in its early stages, and we intend to remain at the forefront of that transformation.”
As Britain continues its path toward net-zero emissions, Zenith Eco Solutions stands as an inspiring example of how entrepreneurship, strategic investment, and environmental commitment can align to create both business success and positive social impact.