A profitable work/life balance

When gas-elec launched its safety inspection business in the UK, the industry was somewhat sceptical about its 'partnering' model. Eleven years on, with a national network behind it and a shortlisting for Enterprise in this year's British Franchise Association awards, Gas-elec has proven that a well-run franchise, where a regional management franchisee partners with a team of safety inspection franchisees, can be stunningly successful.

In celebrating the two-tier franchise, gas-elec has nominated South/SW regional manager Richard Curl and one of his 13 engineers, Bath-based Jason Davey, as Franchisees of the Month. "We've nominated them not just for their success as a team," says Gas-elec's founder and managing director, John Davidson, "but for the profitable - in all senses of the word - work/life balance enjoyed by Jason, which has been created by his ability to go that extra mile for the client and by the energy of Richard and his team in the regional office."

Mr Davey provides combined gas and electrical safety inspections to Gas-elec's clients who are private landlords, property managers, leisure park owners and the general residential lettings sector. It's Mr Curl's job to market and develop the business throughout the area, leaving Mr Davey time to promote his business locally and maximise earnings. It's an annual business, because the rental/holiday sectors are obliged by law to have the gas and electrics tested every year, so customer retention is key to success.

Mr Curl took on the regional management franchise three years ago and finds fellow-franchisee Mr Davey great to work with. "Jason is very capable and that gives us confidence when we are marketing his skills," he says. "He's a highly experienced guy but he's also prepared to go that extra mile to ensure that the job is finished and the customer is happy. Earlier this year, for instance, he stayed until 7pm on a Bank Holiday Friday to do just that. 

"Jason works hard, but he's not a workaholic. He doesn't have to be. Yes, he puts in the hours when needed but he has a healthy work/life balance. It's profitable in all senses of the word for both of us."

Mr Davey, who has just renewed his franchise contract for another five years, describes himself as 'lucky'. "I've had lots and lots of work almost from day one," he says. "If I get a day off in the week it's unusual, although it has happened. I know a couple of other gas engineers and they seem to spend a lot of time and effort finding and keeping work. But my work comes down the line from Richard and I just go out and do it. A lot of the hassle is taken away from us engineers. It's a bonus, not having to work weekends, although occasionally I do if the client needs it. 

"I think our office is particularly well run. It is very professional and the clients like that; Richard, Dee and the team work hard to take the burden off them. For instance, when I go and collect keys from an agent they know that the engineers doing their work will have been briefed by our office. Richard and Dee look after me and I really look after my clients and the vast majority of my work comes from that."

In spite of the high productivity of franchisees like Mr Davey, Mr Curl is looking for more engineers to cope with the workload of his growing business. He took on a going concern, has built on that and now plans to double the business in two years with a mix of organic growth and the recruitment, by head office, of more franchisees with engineering skills.

"The prime factor for growing this business successfully is the relationship between the engineer and the regional office, with specific emphasis and focus on customer requirements," says Mr Curl. "Jason and I make a great team because he shares that emphasis and focus; the result is that we are both successful - even in these rather challenging times."