Posted:13-January-2021
Exclusive Interview: 'Business is on a very stable footing, despite the recession!'
Name: Mick Eldridge
Location: Porthcawl, South Wales
Franchise: gas-elec
I've been a gas-elec franchisee for 8 years, I renewed my franchise for a second term 3 years ago.
What attracted you to franchising?
I was made redundant from the MOD in 2007 & took the opportunity to retrain as an electrician & set up my own business as a sole trader. Business was difficult to start with, and whilst reading a professional trade magazine I saw an advert for a franchise with Gas-Elec.
I did my research into the franchise and came to the conclusion that this would give me better prospects and a more secure future. Not only would it give me two skills – gas and electrics, there is proven data that a franchise business has a greater chance of success versus an individual business. I visited the head office of gas-elec and met Carol Otway and the MD John Davidson and liked what I saw.
Why did you choose a hands on franchise?
It was a natural choice for me as I was previously an aircraft engineer and I just adapted my skills to the gas & electrical trades, this also gave me confidence in my investment because I knew exactly what I was doing and what was expected of me
Which franchise do you operate gas/electrical or the dual – gas-elec
As I am a qualified gas & electrical engineer and also hold the the inspection & testing certificate for electrical work. I do the dual gas-elec inspections but also can carry out the more in-depth electrical wiring work and installations as well being a qualified electrician
Are you happy with the lifestyle that comes with running a gas elec franchise?
I have no regrets in taking out the gas-elec franchise but as with any business, and being self-employed, there have been challenges along the way, but you learn from these and your business becomes stronger from the experiences.
In general I enjoy the flexibility the business gives me, which suits my lifestyle, and a big bonus is the fact I don't have to do much in the way of marketing and no invoicing or payment collection, this leaves me free to concentrate on what I like doing best, which is the engineering side of the business.
How is business going so far?
The business over the past few years is on a very stable footing, despite the recession, my business loan has been paid off and I'm making a living to suit my needs.
As with any business there is always the need to adapt to the changing markets and legislations. We are kept up to date with legislation changes from the technical experts at Head Office, and we are audited in the field regularly as a means of support and compliance.
Describe a typical day running your franchise.
First thing in the morning I would normally complete my paperwork and sync jobs to head office from the day before, so they can be invoiced. I then print off my work for the day, which has been booked on by the office. I then leave to start my first job which could be a 7 or 8 o’clock start, depending upon the clients’ request. I also confirm my day’s work with the regional office and then carry out what is required for each job whether, it’s inspection work or remedial work, and I pick up or order parts if necessary.
If I encounter any problems, or receive direct requests for additional work I contact the South Wales office for advice and for them to book on the system if necessary. I also inform the office immediately if I have to shut down any gas appliance or installation and they contact the agent or landlord for me.
What are your plans for the future?
This is always a difficult question to answer as with anything in life, things can change, but my plans at present are to continue as a gas-elec franchisee until I retire. I am also busy working on my house for the time being, again the flexibility of my franchisee allows this to fit in very well. I am glad I took the franchising route.
To learn more about a franchise opportunity with gas-elec, please request an obligation-free prospectus here!
