The concept of UKNishikigoi was started at the end of 2007, when we spoke about buying a new Koi outlet in St. Helens. It was a Koi farm before so it was semi established. The location was perfect. 1mile from the M62 and can be seen from the M62, ideal.
The UKNishikigoi facility in St. Helens
We decided that we would build the UK’s very best Koi sales outlet. With an empty Barn around 3000 square feet, with 2.5acres of land we could also use. In September 2008, the property was bought and finalised. Previously it had been a Koi store/Farm but it had been run down over the previous years, so it was starting from scratch. We set out in September with around 12 people working full time in the barn, and also outside in the fields laying new roads around the site and cleaning all the area’s that had fell into a bad state. When the barn is finished, there will be 5 ponds ranging from 2500gallons to 10,000 gallons. Outside the main facility will be a series of 8 ponds, covered by a poly tunnel ranging from 2250 gallons to 7500gallons each, which are already built. Then we have a 200,000gallon growing on pond.
In November 2008, UKNishikigoi made its first trip to Japan. Even though we were only there for 9 days we made some fantastic sales including Matsunosuke’s very best 2 year old Koi, his brother Yamamatu’s number 1 Nisai Kohaku, some of Hasegawa’s very best nisai and Yozaimons best 5 year old Showa and more…
The aim of UKNishikigoi is to supply and source the best Koi in the world. We have the facility now to be one of the major Koi dealers outside of Japan.
UKNishikigoi will be stocking the full range of Koi, from 5” to 34”, from £15.00 upwards. There really is something for everyone. We will also be stocking a full range of Koi related dry goods, everything for the Koi Keeper.
We are working hard on this website, we plan on bringing a full range of Koi products which can be purchased online. We will be having some exclusive products which are a must for all Koi Keepers.
In 2010 we will be building 4 new poly tunnels, covering an already built 200,000 concrete pond, covering a span of already existing ponds which we will uniform and eventually use as a wholesale facility where dealers can hand pick their own Koi at consolidated prices, guaranteeing parasite and virus free fish.
Energy efficiency is our main concern. The fuel costs now are becoming so it’s impossible run a business without huge energy costs. UKNishikigoi are currently working with energy leaders to find alternative means of energy. When we have finalised the direction we will go, we will post articles and information.
Saving running costs is our priority; we are using Sequence low wattage pumps along with low wattage UV’s etc. Running costs will be kept to a minimum. Our main shop has state of the art ‘greensource air to air’ heating systems which will give the shop are very homely feel and also important ambient heating for the ponds, keeping the costs right down and a better carbon footprint.
Everyone is welcome to call into the shop. We are a proper retail outlet. Feel free to browse around the shop. There will never be any pressure for sales, have a coffee and sit down and watch videos of Japan on the big screen.
If there is any advice you may need, do not hesitate to call or email us, we are always available.