Member Article

Ex-merchant navy man aims to create top chimney sweeping brand

A Northumberland ex-merchant navy engineer says he wants to make his chimney sweeping business the “Kwik Fit of the stove market,” after a successful first year.

Nik Atkinson is rapidly growing his customer base after setting up the business to provide chimney sweeping, chimney and stove maintenance and installation services to customers across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and parts of County Durham.

Nik is now working on an updated business plan after achieving growth in the first year that he had expected to take three years.

Business Northumberland advisors have helped to develop the business as Nik spent almost a year planning the business, getting the right licenses, accreditations and equipment.

To cope with current demand Nik has taken on a virtual PA, on the suggestion of Business Northumberland advisor Paul Brown.

Explaining he reasons for going into chimney sweeping, Nik said: “My neighbour had set up and successfully grown his business.

“So we had lots of conversations in the pub about exactly what I could do. There is a huge surge in popularity in open fires and stoves at the moment, and I spotted a market niche.

“Although there are many operators installing them, there seemed a real lack of properly qualified and professional aftersales and maintenance. It is obviously essential to keep stoves and chimneys properly maintained so that is what I decided to do.”

Business Northumberland offers established and start-up businesses in the county free support in reaching their full growth potential. It is a free service that provides business advice and support to anyone thinking about starting a business and also offers business coaching to existing businesses with growth ambitions.

The programme is jointly funded by Arch, The Northumberland Development Company, Northumberland County Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Further information on the support available can be found at www.businessnorthumberland.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .