St Helens Home Automation Business Expands with MSIF Funding

21st August 2007

A St Helens based business which provides cutting edge home automation systems to customers around the North West is expanding with backing from Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF).

Discovery Systems Limited designs and installs a variety of integrated systems including lighting and energy control, multi room audio-visual and CCTV. The company is also an accredited electrical contractor.

Customers include architects, property developers and self build homeowners.

The company has raised a £50k finance package including £20k from MSIF’s Small Firms Fund to fund the further expansion of the business.

Director Mike Collins worked in the electrical engineering and telecommunications industry for 28 years before setting up the business in 2005.

Mr Collins said: “The vast amount of new properties being built means designers and developers need to set their properties apart. Installing the latest high-tech systems is a good way to catch the eye of potential buyers. Our systems are easy to use and provide maximum energy efficiency. For example, lighting will automatically activate or deactivate if someone enters or leaves the room ensuring no energy is wasted.

“We work closely with the customer to design a bespoke system to meet their exact requirements. The products all feature state-of-the-art technology and our skilled team ensure that the systems are installed to the highest standard.”

“The funding from MSIF will allow us to develop the business further and we are now looking to expand into the commercial market focusing on intelligent building control lighting, heating and ventilation, air conditioning and energy efficiency.”

Paul Humphray, Investment Manager of MSIF’s £20m Small Firms Fund said: “Discovery Systems already has a solid customer base and we believe the home automation market is growing. The company has already demonstrated good commercial success and we believe it will continue to build on that.”

Turnover is expected to reach £185,000 this year increasing to £400,000 in three years time. The company currently employs 6 staff and this figure is expected to double in three years.

Ends

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Photo Shows L-R Mike Collins (Discovery Systems) with Paul Humphray (MSIF)

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