 | Entrepreneur: James and Harjinder Green. Location: Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim Established: 2012 Famous For: High Quality LED Products Supports received from Leitrim LEO: Trading Online Voucher, Sales, Marketing, Social Media, Brexit Workshops / Training courses, Mentoring |
Irish Savers is a dedicated business specialising in LED Lighting. Based near Ballinamore, Irish Savers, was set up by husband-and-wife team, James and Harjinder Green. The company sells LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting for domestic, agricultural, and commercial use with clients throughout Ireland. The couple sell mainly to kitchen fitters, shop fitters, electricians and for domestic users. “Our additional product is used in display cabinets and overhead kitchen units,” explained Harjinder, who’s made to measure products are designed to meet specific requirements of each customer.
James originally from the UK and Harjinder from Kenya, moved to Ireland in 2007 after falling in love with Co. Leitrim. Establishing their business during the recession, they grasped the opportunity to exploit their expertise as James is a retired electrician with over 35 years’ experience in the electrical trade.
- Challenges faced when starting:
While both Harjinder and James had experience in running their own businesses, they recognised they needed support in certain areas and contacted their Local Enterprise Office. “We need support on the legal implications of importing and export and attended business meetings that were arranged by the Local Enterprise Office. These meetings were a big help when we started.”
LED bulbs are considered six to seven times more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lights and cut energy use by more than 80 percent. This focus on reducing energy consumption is important to the couple. Harjinder pointed out that quality LED bulbs can have a useful life span of 25,000 hours or more - meaning they can last more than 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs. “Our ambition is to become one of the leading suppliers and trusted names in the lighting world in Ireland”, “We offer competitively priced products, strong product guarantees, the right product certifications, such as CE/EMC and RHOS and with a great delivery service (Fastway)” the Greens promise. Their products, which come with a two-year warranty, can be found in private homes, shops, hotels, clubs, and bars throughout the island of Ireland.
- Where can you purchase products from Irish Savers?
Products from Irish Savers can be bought on their Website - http://www.irishsavers.com/ , In Store, over the Telephone and by Email. Full details are available on their website including a full list of products and pricing. All products come with 2 years warranty which reinforces the company mission of ‘Profitable growth through superior customer service, innovation, quality products and 100% commitment to our customers.’
- Supports received through the Local Enterprise Office:
The couple say that the Local Enterprise Office has provided support at every stage of their development, sharing expertise on a range of issues from Social Media to Brexit. “I did a social media course through the LEO and they also guided us through Brexit,” said Harjinder. She said mentors provided through the LEO encouraged them to develop and grow their business. “They are also supporting us with our website. We really value their ongoing support to us”. The company is now focussed on building its online sales through the Trading Online Voucher “once more we will be availing of the supports and advice available from the Local Enterprise Office as we build this aspect of our business”
- Why Harjinder believes it is important to #LookForLocal
“Supporting local businesses improves the local economy, reduces delivery issues for customers and is also good for the environment as it reduces emissions and fuel costs.” said Harjinder. Having lived in Co. Leitrim for 14 years, they feel this is home for them and are very proud of it. Once again acknowledging the Local Enterprise Office, Harjinder says “If starting a new business seek advice from the Local Enterprise Office. They have helpful members of staff who are always happy to help and support. We support Local and encourage Local businesses.”
