Rare shot to buy hot business

APARAPARAUMU home heating business with potential to burn is for sale for the first time in nearly 25 years.

The Heating Centre, at 53 Kapiti Rd, opened in 1973 and last changed hands in 1993. It sells and installs solid fuel heaters, freestanding and built-in fireplaces, coal ranges, flue/ chimney and spare parts, floor protectors, fire grates and child guards.

‘‘Installations are undertaken by the owner, or a sub-contractor if the need arises, and the business also supplies New Zealand-made True Form Spas,’’ Neil Forde, of Century 21 First Choice Realty, says.

‘‘Even though the business has averaged a cash surplus of $140,000 over the last three years, the retiring owner says he has been cruising and believes there are significant opportunities for growth and diversification.

‘‘With a database of more than 1000 clients, the business could add chimney sweep services, stimulate the market for parts, service and possibly new sales, or expand into gas or solar heating and heat pumps.’’

He says the company’s deep history means it has a big future with the Kapiti area undergoing strong growth, which means new builds and more sales.

‘‘You don’t need a certificate to install wood burners – the owner’s a certified plumber who reckons anyone with handyman skills should be able pick up the essentials of installation and pricing in about three months.’’

Forde points out the owner, who’s a Home Heating Association certified solid fuel technician, would be willing to work on wages to help the buyer achieve these skills.

‘‘There’s also a staff member who works 37.5 hours a week on administration and sales support.’’

The 149-square-metre showroom, complete with reception, office and kitchen, is on a prominent 832sqm site: the link strip between the motorway and Coastlands Shopping centre.

‘‘So thousands of cars pass it each day,’’ Forde says.

The site includes six car parks and a garage while the shop opens from 9am-4.30pm weekdays and 10am-1pm Saturdays.

‘‘The business is a simple sales and service operation,’’ Forde says.

The business has an asking price of $200,000 (including stock of $77,000).

TENDERS CLOSE on Thursday for one of Gisborne’s biggest and most successful hospitality and function-catering venues.

The Vines restaurant and cafe operates in the middle of Bushmere Estate winery in Main Rd, Makaraka.

Karen Raureti, of Bayleys Gisborne, says over the past four years the business has built a steady clientele in both the leisure and corporate sectors and offers high-end functions menus.

In 2016/17 it turned over about $680,000 and there are 19 weddings already booked throughout the remainder of the year and into next summer.

The sale includes the land, buildings and business sustaining The Vines’ operations.

Building infrastructure assets encompass a pair of three-bedroom owner/manager’s residences, a 341-square-metre carpeted marquee with its own stage and sound system, and a new high-stud Total Span barn.

‘‘There is the potential to use both dwellings as commercial accommodation venues, either by guests attending functions at The Vines or as stand-alone luxury accommodation for short-term tourists staying in Gisborne,’’ Raureti says.

‘‘So, one weekend the homes could be utilised as bridal or bridal party retreats, and the next weekend they could be reserved through an Airbnb booking by visiting Americans.

‘‘This is a ‘turn-key’ operation opportunity, with the vendors happy to negotiate a transitional handover to any potential purchaser.’’

For more information, contact Neil Forde on 938 6884, 027 445 8507 or at neil.forde@century21.co.nz

For more information, contact Karen Raureti on 027 454 0977 or at: karen.raureti@bayleys.co.nz