Polar Power Batteries
Name: Charles Slack and Darren Bottomley
Trading Ward: Buttershaw
Business Name: Polar Power Batteries Ltd.
Business Address:
Unit 23, Royds Enterprise Park, Future Fields, Buttershaw, Bradford, BD6 3EW
Website: www.polaruk.com
Email: Contact Polar Power Batteries Ltd.
Telephone: 01274 355630
Background of Business
Polar Power Batteries Ltd. is a well-established company which began trading in 1996. For most of that time it was based in Gildersome, near Leeds, but a search for better premises brought its Director, Charles Slack, to the Royds Business Enterprise Park at Buttershaw, Bradford. He liked what he saw and the company re-located in the autumn of 2008. Since then, the business has grown substantially and Charles is planning to recruit both warehouse and distribution staff in the near future.
Charles and the company's Business Development Manager, Darren Bottomley, met while gaining degrees in Motor Sport Technology at the University of Huddersfield. They share a passion for building and riding motor cycles. Concerned that too many customers were complaining that motor cycle batteries were unreliable and didn't last long enough, they set out to find a durable, high quality battery. Their search ended in Italy with a company called Samauto, who manufacture batteries suitable for all leading motor cycles. Polar is now exclusive UK distributor for their international Unibat brand.
Support Journey
Polar Power Batteries did not seek any support in relocating from Leeds to Bradford. However, once they moved into the Royds Enterprise Park they had a big surprise: support was offered to them! First to welcome them was Helen Hoyle, a Kickstart Business Adviser and Business Development Manager for Royds Community Association. Helen is a former bank manager and an expert in advising growing companies. "It's like a family here; everyone knows each other and we love it," says Charles. "I can't believe how much new business we have found as a result of moving to Bradford. At least seven new customers are within walking distance and businesses on the park trade with each other. I am already supplying car and truck batteries from our trade counter. Bradford is a great place to do business." He often attends the networking meetings which Helen organises.
Where are they now
In addition to supplying motor cycle batteries under the Unibat brand, Polar Power Batteries also supply car and truck batteries. In addition, they supply batteries required to provide 24-hour security and emergency lighting in hospitals, hotels, shops, apartment buildings and offices. As Charles and Darren continue to grow the business they intend to recruit staff to work in the warehouse and drivers to deliver batteries all over the UK. Asked where he sees the company in five years from now, Charles replies confidently: "Here, in the Royds Enterprise Park, but in a larger unit with three times the turnover we have now and more staff to provide the high quality service our customers depend upon."
