Help-Link

Help-Link UK Limited is a prominent central heating firm in the United Kingdom.

History

Help-Link started out in 1998, as a team of 4 based in East Leeds, and has grown substantially over the last 15 years to become a 1000-strong nationwide team.[1] Originally based in Leeds, before moving to larger premises in Castleford in 2003/4, and after outgrowing the 180-staff office, the company's head office is now based at Thorpe Park business park, Leeds as of May 2012.

Harrogate Borough Council

Harrogate Borough Council have worked with Help-Link since 2002, with the firm supplying boiler installation and maintenance services, and after the collapse of Connaught in September 2010, the company was asked to provide emergency repair and maintenance work. The contract includes annual gas servicing and the provision of landlord safety certificates for 3,885 properties in the Harrogate district.[2] As part of Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP) funded by the Government’s Places of Change Programme and Harrogate Borough Council, Help-Link renovated the Harrogate Homeless Project's accommodation building, enabling it to provide 16 single bedrooms, 11 toilets and eight shower rooms for its clients.[3]

Selby and Richmondshire District Councils

In 2010, Help-Link were awarded 3 1⁄2-year contracts for gas boiler service and general maintenance for Selby District Council, and Richmondshire District Council.[4]

Government Warm Front Scheme

The Government Warm Front Scheme was re-launched in March 2011 under the UK Coalition Government to give financial assistance for homes struggling with fuel bills to become more cost and energy efficient. Eligibility for the scheme centred on income-related benefits and also household efficiency to enable the least energy efficient homes to be prioritised. The Government provides up to £6,000 in grants in order to cut fuel poverty and Help-Link were selected as a certified agent to work on the behalf of the Warm Front Scheme, contracted as installation engineers to install and repair boilers to reduce the numbers of households with a sub-standard or broken boiler. The Warm Front Scheme drew to a close at the end of 2012, with all outstanding jobs being completed by Help-Link within the early months of 2013.

Affordable Warmth Scheme

Help-Link have been selected as a certified agent to work on the behalf of the Affordable Warmth scheme, contracted as installation engineers to install and repair boilers to reduce the number of households with inefficient, sub-standard boilers. The Government backed Scheme was launched in January 2013 and is designed to give financial assistance to homeowners that are struggling with fuel bills and have a low graded boiler. The Scheme aims to provide homeowners with more environmentally friendly boilers, and in turn-reduce fuel poverty. Eligibility for the scheme is based on a range of means tested government benefits that the customers is in receipt of.

North Edge Capital Investment

During April 2013, North Edge Capital announced their investment within Help-Link, adding more Directors and positions within the Board of Directors. This presented Help-Link with further plans for future expansion. The deal allows Help-Link access to NorthEdge’s support structures, including their supply chain network, strategic partnerships and extensive management experience. Keith Pacey is now proudly Chairman of Help-Link and James Hall, who fronted the deal and Andy Ball that have been added to the Board of Directors.

Advertising and Sponsorship

Recently, Help-Link signed up veteran children's presenter Johnny Ball to star in their new television adverts, as well as signing a 1-year deal with Rugby Football Super League team Castleford Tigers to become their main front shirt sponsor for the 2013 season.[5] Help-Link was brought before the Advertising Standards Authority in 2006 after two listeners complained that the company's radio advert about the winter freeze was alarmist. The complaint was not upheld with the ASA stating it 'did not consider that it had over-emphasized the situation or went further than the media coverage' and was not in breach of ASA rules.[6]

During the beginning of June 2013, Help-Link and Leeds United announced that Help-Link was to be the official secondary shirt sponsor of the football club, for the next season ahead. The official shirts present the logo of Help-Link on all the home, away and third kit adult replica shirts.

In October 2013, Help-Link announced they are the new secondary shirt sponsor of the Leeds Rhinos;[7] the most successful club in the Super League History. The sponsorship shall see the Help-Link name emblazoned on the reverse of the playing shirts, as well as on 25,000 replica shirts, pitch side boards at the ground and seen as a regular presence in the match day programme.[8] The deal will mark the first time that any company has been the secondary shirt sponsor of both the Leeds Rhinos and Leeds United simultaneously.

Help-Link Host A Guinness World Record Breaking Attempt at Elland Road

Help-Link got involved with education and future career prospects of the school children of Yorkshire on 19 March at Elland Road hosting the worlds biggest maths lesson.[9]

Help-Link joined forces with Leeds United and the face of the company, Johnny Ball, to host the world’s biggest maths lesson ‘Think of a Number’. Over 6000 school children from all across the Yorkshire region and beyond were treated to a maths lesson like no other. Johnny fired cannons, used a trebuchet and pendulums to explain ‘real life’ maths and encourage interest within the young minds.

Aside from the fun and frivolity of the day, Help-Link had a more serious reason for inspiring a new generation. Speaking of the reason Help-Link decided to back the event, Alan Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer said; "Since Help-Link was established we have taken on hundreds of apprentice engineers. Every year we are forced to turn away a vast number of young people who can’t meet the standard of maths required for an apprenticeship. Through our advertising work with Johnny Ball, we knew that Johnny also has a real passion for improving the standard of maths in schools. When we became a shirt sponsor of Leeds United we discussed the idea of a giant maths lesson, which LUFC backed fully." [10]

The maths lesson was enjoyed by thousands of children who will remember the day for years to come.

Help-Link Acquires Miller Pattison

The 24 April saw Help-Link announce their latest venture in the acquisition of the loft and cavity insulation specialist Miller Pattison, formerly known as SIG Energy Management, from SIG PLC.[11] Help-Link is now fully equipped to expand their unique boiler offering to incorporate insulation and build upon Miller Pattison’s expertise in the photovoltaic industry serving the ECO, private and new build markets.

As part of the acquisition, which takes place a year since Help-Link received investment from private equity firm NorthEdge Capital, Help-Link will take on Miller Pattison’s network of 11 branches across the UK, their fleet of vehicles and 300 strong workforce.[12]

Help-Link has grown phenomenally since the launch of the company’s unique ‘Johnny Ball £17 per month boiler deal’ in 2011 and was further catapulted to success following the investment from North Edge.

Speaking of the purchase Help-Link’s founder and Chief Operating Officer Mel Butler said; "Since establishing Help-Link 15 years ago the company has gone from strength to strength. We have grown at a rapid rate and we want to continue on this growth path. I have always had an aim that I would like to provide energy saving measures for the entire home, the acquisition of Miller Pattison is the first of a number of purchases in the pipeline to enable us to do this.[13]

"The strategic decision to acquire Miller Pattison, in particular, was born from the synergy of the company’s values with those of Help-Link’s – focusing on quality, longevity and customer care. Help-Link has funded the acquisition as it forms a key part of our plans for the future.

Butler continues; "Help-Link’s strong brand, sales workforce, IT system and operational procedures will act as a platform for the growth of Miller Pattison’s current offerings."

References

  1. ↑ "Expansion for Help-Link following success of 'affordable boiler' campaign". Industrytoday.co.uk. 2012-06-26. Retrieved 2012-08-02.
  2. ↑ Published on Thursday 4 August 2011 10:12 (2011-08-04). "Business hotting up for central heating supplier - Business News". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 2012-08-02.
  3. ↑ "Help-Link makes its mark in project to improve accommodation for homeless people | Construction News". The Construction Index. 2010-10-19. Retrieved 2012-08-02.
  4. ↑ "Help-Link ends financial year on a record-breaking high". Industrytoday.co.uk. 2010-09-27. Retrieved 2012-08-02.
  5. ↑ "Help Link - Johnny Ball". YouTube. 2012-01-13. Retrieved 2012-08-02.
  6. ↑ http://www.asa.org.uk/~/media/Files/ASA/Old%20Broadcast%20rulings/Broadcastreport5April06.ashx
  7. ↑ http://www.help-link.co.uk/about-us/news/help-link-uk-sponsor-leeds-rhinos-for-?utm_content=buffer30d66&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer
  8. ↑ http://www.therhinos.co.uk/news/21688.php#.Unou4nDIbZI
  9. ↑ http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/topic/johnny-ball/
  10. ↑ http://www.efficiencynorth.org/2014/03/a-record-breaking-number-for-johnny-balls-biggest-ever-maths-lesson/
  11. ↑ http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/help-link-acquires-miller-pattison-1-6579191
  12. ↑ http://northedgecapital.com/news/help-link-acquires-miller-pattison/
  13. ↑ http://www.bq-magazine.co.uk/yorkshire-april-2014/help-link-snaps-up-green-deal-bargain/

External links

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