Wilkins Chimney Sweep has signed its fourth franchise owner to its network.

Ex-Police and Trading Standards Officer John Parker became the fourth Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise owner when he purchased the Malvern and Worcester territory.

Parker, who is married with two children, decided to join the franchise after taking voluntary redundancy. He said: “I was tired of my job being constantly threatened by pay freezes and cut backs so decided to become a chimney sweep and get some control back in my life. I’m really enjoying my new venture; chimney sweeping is not your ‘run of the mill’ profession but with the huge increase in energy prices and more people using open fires and wood burners to heat their homes, there’s been a definite increase in trade and it made good business sense to be part of that trend.”

Louise Harris, Franchise Director at Wilkins Chimney Sweep, added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome John to the Wilkins Chimney Sweep team and will be working closely with him over the next few months to ensure his business is a success. We pride ourselves on our professional approach to chimney sweeping and following extensive training John, like all our franchise owners, will be HETAS registered and a member of APICS (Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps).”

Peter Harris, Managing Director of Wilkins Chimney Sweep, said: “It's great to have John on board and the team at HQ in Newbury are already working hard with him to ensure his business is a great success.

“Chimney sweeping is good honest work that would suit anyone who enjoys working with the public in a variety of locations and doesn’t mind getting a bit grubby. We sweep over 3,000 chimneys a year in Newbury so we know the demand is there and we’re excited about expanding our business further in 2012.”

Published: 12 March 2012

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