New far-reaching regulations which prevent anyone other than a competent person from making alterations to electrical installations came into force in January 2005, placing tremendous pressure on what is already an under-served electrician industry.

The new regulations have meant that the demand for qualified electricians has surged and since its launch in April 2005 ElecLocal has attracted enormous interest and territories throughout the UK are rapidly being taken.

An ElecLocal franchise offers a commercial opportunity enabling successful applicants to qualify as an electrician and build a profitable multi-vehicle operation. Grant Harvey launched his ElecLocal business in August 2005 having successfully passed the City & Guilds training courses. Grant has since moved on to become NICEIC registered.

Since completing the training Grant has been providing a full electrical service from electrical installations and repairs, installation of additional sockets and lighting, to full re-wires. "I already had my own business but was looking for a new challenge in an area where there was a real demand," he says. "I was initially attracted to ElecLocal because of the City & Guilds and Part P training and qualification. Since launching the business I have been very impressed with the level of support that I have received from Local Services. Thanks to the training, support and my efforts I am already looking to expand the business."

The ElecLocal training lasts for three months beginning with six weeks completing the City & Guilds qualifications. Franchisees then undertake four weeks of work experience with qualified electricians. Once this stage has been completed ElecLocal franchisees will also be Part P qualified.

Local Services has also developed the PlumbLocal franchise network. Both PlumbLocal and ElecLocal are multi-vehicle franchise opportunities with each territory capable of supporting many additional vans. Local Services has developed a unique, industry-leading online Business Management System for franchisees that takes care of job scheduling incorporating an electronic diary for each operator, electronic onsite invoicing, which automates the sales ledger, and a complete accounting package to make light of business administration. The system has been built to ensure that franchisees have complete control of their businesses and, more importantly, their employees as they begin to recruit.

Local Services is looking for people who recognise that qualified, reliable plumbers and electricians have an integral part to play in society. We need people that understand the importance of customer care and have the professionalism and honesty to provide all customers with a reliable local service at a sensible price.

An initial investment of £12,000 is required with a typical investment totalling £24,500. Finance of up to 70 per cent is available from all major high street banks (subject to status). Due to increased training costs and overheads the cost of each franchise will rise to £27,500 as of 1st April 2006.

What do you want to be now...Plumber or Electrician?

We will give you the training, the qualifications, the system and the brand to start your own business.

The demand for good local electricians and plumbers has never been greater and is set to rise even higher!

That's why PlumbLocal and ElecLocal are looking for highly motivated and organised individuals with good basic skills and self discipline to join the fastest growing franchise operation in the market - an ideal opportunity for those seeking a new start.

Perhaps you have reached a point where a career change is right for you. Or maybe you are being offered redundancy and are looking to secure your future. Whatever you decide, talk to us first.

Your previous employment may have given you many of the attributes required for running a successful plumbing or electrical business already. Just leave the rest to us.

Starting with an intensive 11 week City & Guilds/NVQ training programme, we will give you all the skills and qualifications you need. Once completed you will have all the support necessary to build a successful business in your territory - and once established give you the opportunity to expand into a multi-van operation.

Your new business will be continually backed up by our ongoing technical support. Not only that, our extensive local marketing campaigns will ensure that a new customer is never too far away.

Initial investment is £27,500 for a one van operation up to a maximum of £32,000 for a multi-van territory.

Up to 70% (including working capital) can normally be financed through Nat-West.

All this adds up to a successful, lucrative and secure career - so what are you waiting for!