General
Barge Fiodra is owned and run by Bob Chase operating a sole trader. Fiodra Ltd has been registered with Companies House but has not itself traded (dormant company). This company can be transferred to the new owner if requested.
Barge Fiodra has been run as a serious hobby business. The aim was to enjoy using the boat for events and activities whilst making enough income to, as a minimum, cover the costs of owning the barge. Whilst income took time to grow the project has been a success. For the last two years we have been able to easily cover the core costs through events, hires and charters. In fact the demand for the boat now exceeds the time we are willing to spend servicing/managing the business. We are having to turn down business!
It is clear to us that there is capacity to grow the business activities, and income, on Fiodra. There is potential for a new owner to continue with the spread of existing activities, focus on one area or use Fiodra in a completely different way. The joy of the boat is that she is a flexible “platform” for many types of business or use.
Another huge bonus of Fiodra is that she can provide a comfortable floating home as well as a business. Given the housing costs in the UK this is a huge advantage. This is an opportunity to sustain an off-grid lifestyle that can also provide an income.
You could, of course, have a boat built for you or adapt and existing barge. Since 2016 steel and material costs have soared I dread to think what Fiodra would cost to build now. You would also have to spend time creating a brand and getting know. It all takes a lot of time and money. Fiodra is ready NOW.
Main income streams
Private hires
Fiodra is a great venue for private parties and events. Fiodra is a “SuperVenue” on Tag Venue. Having tried other agencies we have found Tag Venue to be the most successful in promoting our venue. We have had nearly 200 enquiries via TG to date. In addition we constantly have enquiries via our website and SM channels. Currently we only offer a fraction of the available dates to limit the number of messages!
Company Hires
As a flexible venue we are attractive to agencies and businesses. In 2023 we have already been hired, for a month, by the CRT for an Arts Council Funded Project and for a week by a project funded by Enfield Council. We have had to turn down a hire by Westminster Council this year. In previous years we have been hired by the Regents Canal Heritage Group, Paddington Central a publisher, a wine distributor and a film distribution company.
Brand and Marketing
Fiodra has an extensive website fiodra.co.uk a presence on Google Business and profiles on a variety of online hire websites. TAG Venue is our most successful source of bookings alongside direct hires. We also have a Facebook Page, Twitter and Instagram Accounts. This Domain and the SM accounts are included in the sales package with the barge. Reviews by customers have been excellent and Fiodra enjoys a good reputation for friendly and professional services and events.
Post purchase support
The Owner, Bob Chase,will happy to provide a “reasonable” level of telephone support and advice to the new owner for the first 6 months FOE. If the owner requires a higher level of support, this can be negotiated. The limited company FIODRA Ltd is available for sale/transfer should the owner wish to use it.
Financial information
Information on the income, expenditures and profit of Barge Fiodra will only be made available to serious buyers in a separate PDF document. Recipients will be required to sign a NDA (non disclosure agreement) before receiving he information.