After proving that he’s a superman to his customers, Adrian Steel has been rewarded for outstanding service levels and pioneering business development after being awarded Wilkins Chimney Sweep Franchisee of the Year 2015.

The 33-year-old, based in Basingstoke, is the youngest franchisee in the Wilkins Chimney Sweep network of business owners – but since starting up in June 2012 Adrian has proved he has a wise head on young shoulders and a focus on the highest standards of customer care and the drive to propel his business forwards helped him sweep the award.

He’s forged an enviable reputation on the Checkatrade website for tradespeople, with a remarkable 9.9/10 ranking from nearly 450 customer reviews, and showed his initiative and commitment to his franchise by piloting a new pressure-washing service, Wilkins PowerClean, that provides alternative income streams during the seasonally quieter months for sweeps.

As a franchisee, Adrian owns and operates his own business under the systems, brand and ongoing support of Wilkins Chimney Sweep owners, Peter and Louise Harris. This, Adrian said, has been vital to his success. He commented: “To win the award was a great achievement as the competition within the franchise was really tough. I am extremely proud.

The help and experience on offer from Peter and Louise is second to none and is without doubt the reason my business has been so successful in a relatively short space of time. Becoming a Wilkins Chimney Sweep was the best decision I have ever made!”

Louise Harris, the company’s franchise director, praised Adrian’s focus on service quality. She said: “We don’t base our award on the financial performance, although this tends to go hand in hand with best practice as a franchisee. We look at the management standards of the business, collaboration with colleagues, head office and, of course, our customers. Adrian has exemplary sweeping skills and his standards are reflected with excellent Checkatrade scores – he is rightly proud of his achievements in this regard, and so are we!”

“His energy and enthusiasm to drive a successful business keeps his customer base growing. Adrian is able to identify personal business challenges and takes steps to resolve these – he works hard and closely follows the proven business model.”

Adrian, who runs the north Hampshire Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise, operates his business in an area that covers from Winchester to the northern edge of the county.