Eco Group Hull’s story is one of resilience, ambition and an unwavering commitment to quality, writes Sam Hawcroft
What started as a small plumbing business run by Stuart Angus has grown into a leading provider of multi-trade services, offering everything from heating and electrical work to renewable energy solutions.
Alongside his wife Sarah, whose strategic thinking and business acumen helped shape the company’s expansion, the Hull-based firm has built a reputation for expertise, reliability and customer trust. But like any entrepreneurial journey, their path hasn’t been without its challenges.
Stuart began his career as a highly skilled plumber and heating engineer, and his meticulous attention to detail and reliability earned him a strong reputation in the Hull and East Yorkshire area.
As the demand for his services grew, so did the number of requests from customers asking if he knew a trustworthy electrical or renewable heating specialist. This recurring theme planted the idea for a business that could provide a comprehensive, one-stop service for homeowners and businesses.
“I kept getting emails from customers saying, ‘Do you know an electrician? Do you know someone for this?’” says Sarah. “And we realised there was a real demand for a one-stop solution. People don’t just want a tradesperson – they want someone they can trust for everything.”
Recognising this opportunity, Sarah and Stuart decided to expand. The transition from Eco Plumb to Eco Group reflected their broader ambitions, moving from a plumbing-focused company to a multi-service provider. “We haven’t just rushed in and tried to do everything all at once,” Sarah explains. “We’ve taken it in stages – making sure each new service is delivered to the highest standard before expanding further.”
This methodical approach has allowed Eco Group to steadily grow without compromising its core values. What started as a small family-run business has now expanded into a team of 15 to 20 engineers operating across Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. More recently, the business has taken on national projects, proving its ability to scale while maintaining high service levels.
Unlike many companies in the trade sector, Eco Group doesn’t rely on subcontractors. Every single engineer is directly employed, ensuring that each job is completed to their exacting standards. By keeping everything in-house, Eco Group has been able to guarantee a high level of professionalism and accountability, building long-term relationships with customers who know exactly who they are dealing with.
“A lot of firms win a contract and then scramble to find subcontractors to do the work,” Sarah says. “We don’t operate like that. Our team are all employed by us, so we know exactly who is going out to do each job, and we can guarantee the quality of the work.”
Stuart echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of trust. “When you have your own team, you know who’s representing your business every day. We’ve built relationships with our clients because they know who they’re dealing with. That’s something you don’t get when you outsource everything.”
Building a business of this scale hasn’t been without its challenges. Stuart and Sarah have both faced significant hurdles, from navigating industry regulations to managing rapid expansion. For Sarah, stepping into a traditionally male-dominated industry presented its own difficulties. “I think women have it a lot harder than men in business,” she says. “You’re juggling everything – running the business, being a mum, managing staff and dealing with personal challenges. There’s this expectation that you should be able to do it all, and it can be overwhelming.”
Despite these obstacles, Sarah and Stuart have successfully led Eco Group’s growth, balancing family life with business demands. Even their children have become involved in the company, creating informative videos on home maintenance safety and general information for the sector.
While Eco Group has expanded significantly, it hasn’t lost sight of its local roots or community values. One of its most meaningful initiatives is Sarah’s “passion project”, Empowering Possibilities, a non-profit scheme that provides free labour for urgent home repairs in cases of financial hardship.
This initiative is currently focused on Hull and the surrounding areas, but Sarah hopes it will grow alongside the business. “It started with just helping people locally, but I’d love to see it reach further,” she says. “It’s not just about business – it’s about being part of something bigger. We’ve helped people who were coming home from hospital and needed a separate electrical socket for oxygen machines, families with no heating in winter, and single parents who had to choose between fixing their boiler and buying Christmas presents.”
Their commitment to giving back doesn’t stop there. Eco Group actively supports local grassroots sports teams, sponsors Hull FC, and donates to charities such as Life for a Kid. They believe that as their business grows, so should their ability to support the community around them.
Looking to the future, Eco Group has no plans to slow down. Stuart is focused on expanding the commercial side of the business, taking on larger contracts and increasing the company’s geographical reach. Sarah, meanwhile, is passionate about strengthening their reputation in the domestic market. “In a perfect world, I want everyone in Hull to think of Eco Group first when they need a plumber, heating engineer or electrician,” she says. “We want to be the go-to name for quality and reliability.”
The company also plans to increase its workforce to around 30 employees, ensuring they can continue to meet demand while maintaining the high standards they’re known for.
Sarah oversees much of the company’s financial and administrative backbone, managing accounts, insurance policies and feeding into health and safety audits, as well as a bit of networking.
“We’ve got a business development manager now, so she’s out and about doing whatever business development managers do,” she laughs. “Stuart’s role is more project management and networking, and quoting for larger-scale jobs goes through him or Ryan Jordan, contracts manager on the electrical side.”
The company operates with a structured but pragmatic approach, making sure everyone knows their responsibilities while keeping a sense of camaraderie within the office. “We’ve sort of ended up with a girls’ office and a boys’ office – and it just works so much better!” says Sarah. “We like our music and a bit of chat, whereas the boys sit in complete silence with their headphones on.”
This lighthearted division underscores a deeper truth about Eco Group’s culture: it’s a workplace where people are given the space to work how they work best. The mix of professionalism and personality is part of what makes the company a great place to be –structured when it needs to be, but flexible and fun when it can be.
In both the office and out in the field, the company operates with a mix of electricians, gas engineers and specialists in air-conditioning and renewable energy. While each trade has its core focus, the team is structured to allow for adaptability and professional growth. “Depending on what the job is, we mix and match,” says Sarah, “but it’s about making sure they’re as skilled as possible, and that we give them as many opportunities to learn and develop. We don’t get anywhere without having the most qualified staff.”
Renewable energy is also a major focus for the company, with demand for solar panels, EV charging points and air source heat pumps increasing rapidly. “The world is changing,” Stuart says. “More people are looking for energy-efficient solutions, and we want to be at the forefront of that. It’s not just good for the environment – it’s good for homeowners too.”
Eco Group has already made significant strides in this area, with a growing number of large-scale installations and partnerships in the renewable sector. “It’s an exciting time,” Stuart says. “This industry is evolving, and we’re evolving with it.”
Despite all the challenges, Sarah and Stuart wouldn’t have it any other way. “Running a business is intense,” Sarah admits. “You never really switch off. But the rewards are worth it. Seeing the company grow, seeing the impact we have on our customers and our community – it makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
“Small enough to care, big enough to do the job” – that’s the philosophy that drives Eco Group forward. And with their dedication to quality, trust and sustainability, they’re well on their way to becoming one of Hull’s most respected trade service providers.
