Posted:13-January-2021
Wilkins Chimney Sweep…no ordinary franchise!
Name: Jon Bright
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Franchise: Wilkins Chimney Sweep (South Norfolk)
Date launched the franchise: August 2016
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise business?
I spent about 30 years in various engineering roles, starting as an apprentice and finishing up as a consultant forensic mechanical engineer and expert witness. I live with my partner Elaine and our small flock of rescue chickens.
Can you also tell us about Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise
Wilkins Chimney Sweep is exactly what the name suggests; chimney sweeping! It is a man-in-a-van franchise, I have a territory of 100,000 houses and I spend my days travelling the Norfolk countryside, meeting nice people and sweeping their chimneys.
Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose the chimney sweeping industry? And why did you choose Wilkins franchise?
In my last job I spent too many hours commuting and sitting in an office, so I started looking for something closer to home. Unable to find an engineering job that I liked the look of I decided to try self-employment. As that is not something I had experience of I thought that buying a franchise would take a lot of the risk out of the venture. I wanted to do something traditional and practical, and the idea of chimney sweeping appealed as it was out of the ordinary.
How did you raise the finance?
I managed to buy the franchise and support myself while I got going by using savings and selling a couple of assets.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
The training and support on offer as part of the franchise was something that drew me to Wilkins in the first place. I had 2 weeks of practical training and a week of business training before I started trading. I then received some further training followed by an annual assessment. I recently went on a 3 day course to become a HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep.
How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee?
Mostly my time is spent sweeping chimneys and driving between appointments. I work on admin in the evenings and schedule various networking events into my diary when I can. When I am really busy (during the winter) I work occasional weekends. In the summer I have a trade stall at a couple of weekend events, and occasionally do some marketing in the evenings.
In addition to sweeping chimneys I advise on the feasibility of installing a stove, opening up a fireplace or simply lighting a fire or operating an appliance for those who are new to solid fuel heating appliances. I offer CCTV flue inspections, remove bird nests and blockages, and fit a range of robust cages and cowls that keep the birds, rain and draughts out.
What challenges have you faced?
Cashflow is a constant challenge; earnings are good in the winter, but work is harder to come by in the summer, so cashflow has to be managed. The job is physically challenging during the busy season.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
I have a lot less stress in my life these days! I love being able to determine where and when I work, and have almost total flexibility with my diary.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Take out references (informally is fine) on your franchisor if at all possible. A good relationship between franchisor and franchisee is vital.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
That probably depends on the franchise to a certain extent but being able to follow the model is a good start. Also, the franchisee needs to be willing to work hard and be flexible.
What are your plans for the future?
Firstly, I need to continue to pay the bills! After that, I want to earn a decent living while having a nice life. I would like to earn my investment back and hopefully have a valuable asset to sell when the time comes to give up.
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
Not a lot, except perhaps buy a bigger van!!
Learn more about franchise opportunities with Wilkins Chimney Sweeps by requesting a prospectus here!
Interested and want to know more about WILKINS CHIMNEY SWEEP?
The WILKINS CHIMNEY SWEEP basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity
