How did you get started in the trade and when was it?
I was driving a truck for a living back in 2014 when I heard a program on radio 4 about Chimney Sweeps. When I stopped for lunch I contacted The Guild of Master Sweeps and inquired about their training courses. By September that year I had completed my training and set up as a self employed sweep. I’ve learnt a lot since then but have never regretted making that decision… Best thing I ever did.
What do you like most about being a Chimney Sweep?
The variety, every job is different and brings it’s own challenges. Even jobs that you are returning to from previous years still need looking at with fresh eyes. You never know if something has changed from last year or if you can improve your service to the customer.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Getting complemented on how clean and thorough you have been. And receiving calls from recommendations. It means a lot, it means that the customer that recommended you was so pleased with your work that they were prepared to pass your number onto friends and family.
What do you think makes you a good, trustworthy Chimney Sweep?
Honesty and fairness. I have fixed prices for jobs and I stick to them. If a job is more difficult or takes longer than expected then so be it. Some jobs are easy, some aren’t, it’s all swings and roundabouts really.
What would you like potential customers reading this to know about you?
I take pride in my work and am proud to represent both The Guild of Master Sweeps and Sweep Safe. It’s an old fashioned job that deserves old fashioned customer service and courtesy.
What music or radio station do you listen to in your van?
Radio 2 or Radio 4, either of those or a CD, something from The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd or similar.
Favourite book, Film, TV Series?
Books… To Kill a Mocking Bird or The Lord of The Rings trilogy.
Films… Das Boot or again The Lord of The rings trilogy.
TV… The Big Bang Theory or N.C.I.S.
When you’re not working what else do you like doing?
Reading, watching history programs, tinkering with motorcycles and or course relaxing.