Spiral Cellars

Spiral Cellars - Company History

The Spiral Cellar originates from France, and was created by Monsieur George Harnois in 1978. Realising that many modern homes had no proper cellar he designed the perfect solution. In 1982 Deryn Hemment acquired the rights to manufacture and install Spiral Cellars in the UK and within ten years built up the business such that customer demands justified the employment of two full time teams to install the cellars – now over 150 cellars are installed per year.

Adrian and Lucy Hargreaves, and Nigel Hall bought the company in November 2005 and now they manage three teams of three who install the cellars – one of whom has 24 years experience in the industry. The head office is based nr Pulborough, West Sussex.

Previously, Lucy, Adrian and Nigel had already established a working relationship.

Lucy began her career at a London Business to Business marketing agency, and was then requested by her client Dow Chemical Company to become their freelance Marketing communications specialist, working on their Styrofoam insulation product range in the UK and Scandinavia.. Adrian qualified as an architect and worked as a consultant to some of London’s top architects on product selection for major schemes. Lucy and Adrian then started their own marketing communications agency specializing in the construction sector, managing PR advertising, Direct Marketing and seminars for major brands in the construction products sector.

Lucy & Adrian brought in Nigel to look after the financial side as an ‘Outsourced Finance Director’ at the agency, which eventually grew to a team of 12 staff. Nigel runs his own consultancy business, managing the finance function for several small business in Surrey and Hampshire.

Since November 2005 the three Directors have run Spiral Cellars, Lucy and Adrian full-time and Nigel part-time. With his construction knowledge, Adrian conducts the site surveys and advises clients on the best location of their cellar within their property; Lucy manages all marketing and promotion of the business; Nigel handles the financial aspects of the business.

http://www.spiralcellars.com/uk/index.html

 

SPIRAL CELLARS

FACTSHEET

What is Spiral Cellars?
Spiral Cellars Ltd is a company dedicated to the supply, delivery and installation of prefabricated concrete wine cellars. It is the sole supplier of concrete wine cellars in the UK. The company is owned by Adrian and Lucy Hargreaves, and Nigel Hall and the installation teams are fully employed by the company.

Where did the idea originate from? The Spiral Cellar was originally a French invention, developed by Monsieur George Harnois in 1978. Realising that many modern homes had no proper cellar he designed the perfect solution. Since then, over 15,000 cellars have been built in France and over 2,500 in the United Kingdom.

Why should I want a Spiral Cellar?

A Spiral Cellar is an extension built downwards that adds extra space to your property, specifically designed to store wine. To age good wine over a number of years, or simply keep a short term stock in excellent condition, it is crucial that the storage environment is a clean, dark, humid area with good ventilation, a constant temperature and free from any vibration. A Spiral Cellar provides just this. For domestic installations in particular a cellar is likely to add value to the property and as such represents an investment opportunity as well as improving lifestyle.

Where can a Spiral Cellar be installed?
Almost anywhere, subject to survey of the property, local ground conditions and by performing engineering calculations. A Spiral Cellar can even be installed in an area with a high water table thanks to the 1.5mm butyl liner that keeps the cellar totally waterproof.

How much is a Spiral Cellar?
They start at £7,000 + VAT for the Mini Cellar.

How many bottles of wine can be stored in a Spiral Cellar?
The Spiral Cellar:
1000 in a 2.00m cellar 1150 in a 2.25m cellar 1300 in a 2.50m cellar 1600 in a 3.00m cellar

The Mini Cellar: 650 in a 1.35m cellar 770 in a 1.6m cellar

How can I store wine that is in a wooden case?
Standard wooden cases will fit within a module inside the cellar.

Can I store magnums in a Spiral Cellar?
Yes, under the spiral staircase – on the floor of the cellar is the best place to store magnums.

Does the cellar require mechanical cooling or heating?
No mechanical cooling or heating is required under normal UK conditions. This is a passive system that will run in the event of a power cut, will require no maintenance and adheres to The Wine Society best practice guidance for storage; cool, humid, vibration free and steady temperature regardless of season.

How long does it take to install a Spiral Cellar?
A standard installation will be complete within five working days.

Do I need planning permission?
No, however, building regulations approval is usually required for inhabitable spaces within the home. Spiral Cellars will manage this on your behalf.

Do you sell in countries other than the UK?
Yes, the Spiral Cellar system originates from France, where its inventor actively markets the system. We deliver to Ireland and have also now expanded into the U.S., with the first cellar being installed in Seattle.