Heron Solutions

Overview

Heron Solutions (trading as Heron Deterrent) is a specialist business operating within the pond protection and aquatic deterrent sector. The business has developed a purpose-designed modular floating deterrent system aimed at preventing herons and other predators from accessing ornamental and garden ponds, and benefits from a granted UK patent protecting its core product.

Heron predation is a persistent issue for pond and koi owners, often resulting in the loss of valuable fish stock and long-term damage to ponds. Traditional deterrent methods such as netting or visual scare devices are widely regarded as unattractive, impractical, or ineffective over time. Heron Solutions addresses this with a humane, discreet, and physical deterrent system that preserves pond aesthetics while offering reliable protection.

The business has operated as a low-overhead, owner-managed operation and offers a clear platform for relaunch and development under new ownership.

Business Highlights

- A specialist product protected by a granted UK patent (Patent No. GB2507952)
- A clearly defined niche within the garden and aquatic market
- A humane, physical deterrent that avoids reliance on noise, movement, or visual stimuli predators become used to
- A modular product designed and manufactured in the UK
- A simple, transferable and low-overhead operating model
- Established e-commerce and online marketplace infrastructure in place
- Clear scope for reactivation and growth under new ownership
- Suitable for a hands-on owner-operator or a trade buyer seeking a niche bolt-on product

The Business

Heron Solutions specialises exclusively in pond protection and predator deterrence. Its core product is a modular floating panel system designed to remove safe standing and hunting points around pond edges - the primary areas used by herons when feeding. The system floats around the pond perimeter, preventing herons from gaining stable footing while maintaining full visibility of the water and fish.

The flagship product is manufactured from durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for long-term outdoor use, produced using virgin polypropylene to ensure consistent quality and long-term durability. Product highlights include modular panels that can be configured to suit ponds of varying sizes and shapes, simple installation with no permanent fixings or specialist tools, a wildlife-friendly design allowing smaller amphibians safe access to the pond, a discreet appearance that preserves ornamental pond aesthetics, and low maintenance requirements. The modular design also supports efficient packaging, storage and shipping, offering a scalable product format.

The core floating deterrent system is protected by a granted UK patent, providing legal protection against direct replication and forming a meaningful barrier to entry within a clearly defined niche. The business does not require specialist technical expertise. While the product concept is straightforward, replicating the business would require product development, sourcing, branding, and time to establish market trust.

The business is targeted at domestic pond owners, hobbyists and ornamental fish keepers, with demand driven by widespread garden pond ownership across the UK, the value attached to ornamental fish, legal protections around wildlife that restrict lethal options, and growing preference for humane, environmentally responsible solutions.

Location

The business is based in Worcester, Worcestershire, supplying customers on a UK-wide basis. Operations do not rely on customer-facing retail premises, allowing the business to be run flexibly from a small operational base or home environment.

Premises & Tenure

The business does not require dedicated retail premises and can be operated flexibly from a small operational base or home environment. The operational model is straightforward and transferable, with scope for integration into outsourced fulfilment or an existing logistics operation.

Financial Overview

The business has been largely dormant for approximately the last 12 months, with limited active trading during this period. As such, recent trading figures are not reflective of the underlying opportunity.

- The business has traded historically through its own e-commerce platform and third-party online marketplaces
- Historic sales information and prior trading data can be obtained and made available to genuinely interested parties to demonstrate previous demand and trading activity
- The sale is structured as a business and asset sale, with Stock at Valuation in addition
- Assets included: goodwill and trading name, website and e-commerce infrastructure, supplier relationships, associated operational assets, and the granted UK patent

Growth Potential

There is clear scope for a new owner to relaunch and grow the business, including:

- Relaunch with active marketing, renewed digital marketing and SEO activity
- Expansion of online and marketplace presence, supported by educational and instructional content
- Development of complementary pond protection products
- Trade and wholesale partnerships, and partnerships with pond installers, landscapers and garden centres
- Potential international sales

Reason for Sale

The business is offered for sale due to the owner wishing to pursue other interests.

Next Steps

Heron Solutions represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a specialist pond protection business with a proven, UK patent-protected product and strong niche positioning, operating on a simple, low-overhead model that provides a solid platform for relaunch and further growth. Full details are available in the Information Memorandum.