About Sky Flair
How did we get into this?
Whilst renovating a property we wanted to invest in alternative energy sources for hot water and heating needs especially as there was no gas (there was a feed but no meter) and electricity prices are increasing rapidly. The quotes we received were for under performing, over priced solar panels and this prompted us to look at our options. Andy is a highly qualified engineer and Susan is an enthusiastic supporter of prudent spending (obviously shoes and handbags don't count).
How were we going to get Solar Heat?
Our youngest offspring gave us the answer at the dinner table one evening with the blinding honesty of a 10 year old. Do it yourself Dad ....Dur! and from a throw away comment Sky Flair was born. We found a training company that gave Andy the most up to date installation training and qualified as an installer and found a supplier who provides high quality components at realistic prices. Susan got brain ache working out 5% VAT (YES it is only 5% on solar installations not 15%!) so check any quotes you have been given to ensure you are not being overcharged. Could this be a government incentive that actually saves you money as well as being green? This could be a first!
About Us
Andy Carr
I left school at 16 and got an engineering apprenticeship with a telecommunications company, staying with them for over 25 years.
During this time the learning bug struck and I went and spent 6 years doing an Open University degree course (finished in Dec 2001) collecting my award on 7th June 2002 - it was the day England played Argentina in the world cup and the final score being announced during the ceremony (1-0 to England). This was the proudest day of my life.....well apart from the births of my 2 children....oh.....and getting married.
One of the first topics covered in the OU course was on climate change and energy use and this, although i didn't recognise it at the time, planted the seeds of Sky Flair.
Although Susan appears to remember it differently, we decided to start a business after a long and logical discussion. This was most definitely based on sound principles and unaffected by any alcoholic intake as she claims.
I harbour a desire to become a world class racing driver (bio-diesel powered of course) however Susan would feel better if it was in a milk float. If anyone has an idea as to how I can get around my missus then please let me know. In the mean time I have to make do with flying my remote control helicopters.
Susan Carr
No more wine for me - Ever!! What do they say? One glass to refresh, two for a smile, three makes merry and four reckless and easily led. Not for the first time has a girl forgotten the rules. This time however I agreed to start a company. We can do this, he said. Engineering and Finance are our skills, he said. You do believe in me don't you, he said. I believe that is 2 falls and a knockout. This is the true testament as to how Sky Flair was born.
Well yes I do believe in him, I also believe in what Sky Flair is all about, bringing to a market place, affordable, renewable eco-products that makes switching to solar, wind and rain resources do-able.
An Eco-warrior in high heels, lipstick and a good handbag - now that is a mental image of myself that I like. You see, like Andy I left school at 16 with nothing to show for my wasted years. Back then Dyslexia was never spoken about and, like so many of my generation, was left to fend for myself. After years to tortuous night school and the slow dawning realisation that academia was never going to be my forte (I've no idea why I ever thought it would, maybe its just me being pig headed and stubborn and wont give up). however I now just want to show what is possible.
Now don't you think of me as a bit thick, I'm far from that. I am really good at numbers and stuff. It is just that getting rid of the mental image of myself as a poor learner and transplanting it with one that is a brilliant mum who also runs a growing business is surely good enough reason to open a bottle of wine.