AN online retailer which specialises in energy efficient heating products has hit the £1 million sales barrier ahead of the anniversary of its launch.

Eco Stores Direct was established in February last year by e-commerce entrepreneur Paul Walker, who predicts the market to double in 2014.

Following a number of exclusive deals with green technology and environmentally friendly central heating manufacturers, the business has grown to employ ten staff at its Knaresborough head office and Keighley warehouse.

Since the company took its first 50 orders, it has seen sales rocket to more than 1,000 orders a month.

Mr Walker said: “Our market has grown at a fast pace due to two main factors; the ever-continuing rise of energy costs and the introduction of new super-efficient electric heating products.

“We’ve come into the market offering the new generation of products and we have seen demand growing rapidly and the UK market for these efficient electric radiators is predicted to grow by 100 per cent during 2014.

“We believe we are leading the growth in the electric radiator sector at present. At the same time we are looking at every innovation in green and energy efficient heating and lighting both commercially, but especially domestically, where consumers are desperate to slash their power and fuel bills.

“We plan to enter at least two new markets in 2014 to balance our portfolio by the end of the year.”