New Wilkins franchisee enjoys bumper first month in business.
Sweeping chimneys for a living is not everyone’s idea of fun but for Keiron Harding it has turned out to be a welcome career change – and a lucrative one too. Kieron recently signed up as a new franchisee with Wilkins Chimney Sweep and in his first month of trading set a new company record. The father of two young children, who used to work in a special school, banked an impressive £6,000, much to the delight of the company hierarchy.
Keiron took advantage of the Wilkins ‘No Money Down’ offer which was launched by the business during lockdown. This new initiative was introduced to help those who had been made redundant as a result of the pandemic, or were even just seeking a change in direction. The innovative scheme allows new franchisees to delay the usual fee and associated set up costs for the first year. Instead, monthly repayments will start in September 2021, to be paid back with interest over the following 48 months. The only item not covered in this deal is the Wilkins van.
Keiron decided to change his job to protect his family from the threat of Covid-19. He was nervous about returning to work, because he knew it would be impossible for the children to socially distance. But before he could embark on cleaning chimneys, he needed to complete an intensive Wilkins training course. This consists of one week of office-based training, followed by three weeks of real-time chimney sweeping, when new members are put through their paces by established franchisees.
The office-based training includes getting familiar with the company’s digital apps, as well as understanding the administrative part of the business. During ‘practical sessions’, budding new members travel with franchisees to undertake their duties for regular clients. In Keiron’s case, this meant sweeping more than 100 chimneys of all shapes and sizes.
Richard Bryan, general manager of Wilkins Chimney Sweep, said: “Keiron’s success is more judgement than luck. Before buying his franchise, he found out how many sweeps were operating in his area, making absolutely sure he had a market to sell to. Alongside the traditional forms of marketing, such as carrying out leaflet drops, he has also made full use of Facebook and Instagram. He posts regularly and takes multiple bookings via social media. He is personable and a great communicator, and as his results show, he is doing a great job.”
Keiron said: “It’s an unbelievable start. More than I could have hoped for. Following training, my family and I began leaflet dropping in areas close to my house and after that it’s just gone mad. I’ve now got 180 customers on my books who, I hope, will all rebook me for next year. And they’ve given me some great reviews too. The phone and emails just never stop. I’m working six days a week, sweeping up to seven chimneys a day. I’m busy, but it’s great not to have to worry about where the next booking is coming from.”
Darren Taylor, managing director of Taylor Made Franchising, the umbrella company which owns Wilkins Chimney Sweep added: “Keiron has been the most fantastic success story and we couldn’t be more delighted for him. Having left his job during lockdown, he decided to make a big career change and run his own franchise instead. Obviously, we’ve supported him every step of the way, but he has worked hard, demonstrating exactly the kind of work ethic and determination that makes a great franchisee. These are still early days and our head office team at Wilkins are in touch with him almost daily, but we couldn’t be happier. We look forward to helping him build a hugely successful business over the coming years.”
And Keiron has paid tribute to the administrative assistance he has enjoyed during his short time in business: “One of the other franchisees suggested I sign up to the optional virtual PA system and it was one of the best bits of advice I’ve ever been given. This works hand-in-hand with Wilkins head office. It organises my booking schedule, deals with enquiries and produces a list of appointments for me each day. It even arranges them in a geographically logical order, saving me time and fuel.”
He also praised the support he has received from Wilkins head office, saying: “Everyone has been great, from Darren and Richard to the other franchisees. I’m not quite up to sweeping the same number of chimneys each day as the more experienced sweeps, but I’m getting there.”
