Feature
Issue No. 38 - December/January 07/08
Rewards flow to Eco
Water conservation firm Desert Eco Systems is something of a quiet achiever enjoying consistent, fast growth without notable milestones in the form of big contracts or breakthrough products.
Its product is discreet - pellets used in urinals in commercial properties can cut water consumption - flushing - to an astounding degree.
But although water usage has been a hot topic for years now, the most important change in Desert Eco’s business environment has been the tightening water water usage restrictions, particularly in Queensland.
Founder and MD Richard Boyce says business has “really kicked in” since Queensland went to Level 5, which increased turnover by 30%. Victoria, like SA, has gone to Level 3 restrictions and provided a further fillip.
Where restrictions present a problem, Desert Eco provides a solution, particularly for big water users such as hotels.
Desert Eco’s products are distributed nationally through branch offices in SA/NT, NSW and Victoria. The firm has contracted distributors in Queensland, WA and Tasmania.
Queensland is Desert Eco’s strongest market with greatest potential for growth. Level 5 water restrictions are tipped to rise to Level 6 soon. Richard expects this will help double turnover again.
Legislative support is essential to success, Richard says, when the water resource is so badly under-priced. He is disappointed restrictions are necessary to force people to save water.
“More people are becoming educated, which makes our life easier,” Richard says.
But adds many big corporates simply aren’t interested in a conservation message because water is so cheap.
“People who are dollar-driven are hardest to sell, only because water is not priced correctly. It is so undervalued it’s not funny; it’s cheaper than (an equivalent volume) of dirt,” he says.
Richard started Desert Eco with commitment to a conservation ideal.
“I d...
