Wilkins Chimney Sweep celebrates most successful month since records began

Newly processed end of month reports shows that income for all franchisees combined in October 2020 was 18.5 per cent higher than the same time in 2019

Wilkins Chimney Sweep has recorded its most successful month of sweeping and income since records began. The franchise operation team is putting the boom in figures down to people spending more time in their homes during lockdown, using their fires more and having new wood-burning stoves installed.

The franchise, part of Darren Taylor’s Taylor Made Franchising group, currently has 15 franchisees operating over 18 territories across the country. Franchisees sweep chimneys and fit cages caps and cowls to the chimneys of commercial and domestic properties across the UK.

Newly processed end of month reports shows that income for all franchisees combined in October 2020 was £207,328 up from £174,746 for the same time in 2019 (18.5 per cent increase). This was also the first-time income for the franchise had gone above £200,000 in a calendar month.

The actual number of chimneys swept rose as well from 3,245 in October 2019 to 3,765 in October 2020 (16 per cent increase).

General manager Richard Bryan, himself a former Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchisee, said: “It is fantastic to see the network doing so well; the lads have all worked really hard this season and these results show that. The effort we put into ensuring that our sweeps have been working safely throughout the coronavirus pandemic has clearly paid dividends. We knew things were looking good when our latest franchisee to join us during lockdown carried out £6,000 worth of sweeps in his opening month and we’re delighted that success has been replicated across the network.

“As sweeps and as a franchise, we are often asked: ‘do people still really use chimney sweeps?’ These figures confirm what we’ve always said, yes, they do and now more than ever. Customers in 2020 know how important it is to get their chimney swept regularly to keep their homes and families safe and our franchisees are doing a fantastic job providing that safety service, whilst also building successful, profitable businesses for themselves.”

Because many insurers require homeowners to produce a valid certificate of sweeping before any claims for damage caused by fire will be considered, Wilkins’ customers are emailed their certificate via bespoke software ‘ProSweep’, immediately following the sweep.

Franchisor Darren Taylor, owner of Taylor Made Franchising who purchased Wilkins Chimney Sweep in January 2018 said: “This really is great news and we send our heartiest congratulations to each and every Wilkins franchisee on what has been an outstanding month. Despite the pandemic, the British public has recognised the need to use a reputable, professional chimney sweep and we are delighted that they chose Wilkins Chimney Sweeps.

“Each of our sweeps is fully versed in working in a COVID-safe way, allowing them to get on with their sweeps whilst keeping their customers safe. Feedback and recommendation from customers are vital in this business, so we’re delighted that our Trustpilot reviews show a 97 per cent ‘Excellent’ score. We thank all our customers for taking the time to add their reviews and for their kind comments.

Image: Franchisee Jon McDougall owner of Wilkins Chimney Sweep (Marlborough and West Berks)