Newbury-based franchise operation Wilkins Chimney Sweep is celebrating an incredibly successful first year in business.

The new franchising arm of Wilkins Chimney Sweep, which has been trading in Newbury since 1865, beat all targets by awarding four franchises in their first 12 months. The new franchisees are based in Brighton, Cambridge, Malvern and the Black Country with more in the pipeline.

Franchise Director Louise Harris said, ‘We could not be more pleased with our first year’s results; we set out to recruit three franchisees in year one and we now have four new members of the Wilkins Chimney Sweep ‘family’; we’re delighted.’

Louise and husband Peter Harris, MD of Wilkins Chimney Sweep Ltd chose the franchising route to expand their company following consultation with franchise lawyers and advisors. Said Peter, ‘We knew we were ready to expand the business; chimney sweeps are in great demand with people using open fires again to escape rising energy bills, but we didn’t want the headache of running a national workforce, so franchising seemed the perfect solution. After years of being self employed ourselves we firmly believe that when it’s your own business you always go that extra mile for your customer and it’s that work ethic we want to see replicated across all our Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchises.’

Louise admits, ‘Although we knew there was a need in the market, we’ve been surprised by the amount of interest shown in our franchise opportunity. Our standards are high and we only accept the very best applicants, with around 75% not even making it past the initial enquiry stage. It is very important to us that we choose the right people to take on our brand and become a Wilkins Chimney Sweep.’

Initially the couple expected the opportunity to appeal to those leaving the Armed Forces but have found this not to be the case at all, with the majority of applicants being post-redundancy or simply looking for a change of life-style, having possibly been desk-bound for many years. The couple are determined to make Wilkins Chimney Sweep the most professional sweeping business in the country and as such insist that all their sweeps are insured, Police checked and professionally trained in line with HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme) and APICS (Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps Ltd) accreditation standards.

Peter says, ‘The majority of a sweep’s work takes place in people’s homes so it’s vital that the public know if they’re using a Wilkins sweep he is not only well trained, professional and fully insured but also trustworthy. Many of our customers are elderly and this means a great deal to them.’

To underline the professional attitude they take in running their business Wilkins Chimney Sweep has been accepted as a provisional member of the BFA (British Franchising Association).

Says Louise, ‘To be accepted as a member our business model had to be thoroughly reviewed, and we are proud to say we are now the only BFA approved chimney sweeping franchise in the country which gives our potential franchisees peace of mind to know that they are looking at a professionally run organisation .’

Peter, Louise and their new business are heading into 2012 in a very strong position with interest still being shown on a daily basis from potential new franchisees.

Louise reflects, ‘2011 has been amazing, if a little exhausting and now we’re focussed on building on this initial success. Next year we would like to award another 5 franchises; generally our aim is for slow and steady growth, but we won’t be stopping until there are Wilkins Chimney Sweeps the length and breadth of the country.’