Do more with your plumbing business while making it easier to run by incorporating these four strategies to improve efficiency.
- Using technology to streamline operations
When you’re busy running between jobs, it’s easy to let admin take a back seat. Processing orders, invoicing and maintaining accounts can be tedious and time-consuming, but falling behind with these essential tasks can seriously damage your business.
Using technology rather than traditional methods is a straightforward solution to staying on top of your operations. Digital solutions like automated HR or tax calculation software can save you hours each month and help ensure greater accuracy by minimising the chance for human error. This is an effortless way to establish stronger relationships with your suppliers and improve the customer experience.
- Investing in staff training and development
Growing talent and retaining skilled staff is key to maximising efficiency within your business. Having employees who are capable across the board lets you take on all enquiries from fixing leaks to full home heating installations, ensuring excellent service every step of the way. As a bonus, investing in the development of your staff will boost morale for a better at-work atmosphere.
Support your team in pursuing official training programmes run in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, including niche specialisms that could broaden the capabilities of your company. Encourage employees to shadow one another and run apprenticeships annually.
- Getting ahead with green products
The growing demand for green products is evident across all industries, and there’s no doubt that it’s set to last. Getting ahead of the game with eco-friendly initiatives now will help you meet customer requests for systems that reduce their carbon footprint now and down the line, reducing the danger of you falling behind the competition as interest increases.
Be prepared to provide customers with a choice of boilers that can reduce environmental impact compared to old gas models such as electric and combi boilers or even biomass fuel alternatives. You should also be able to explain new eco technologies such as solar technology and heat pumps and recommend installers if you don’t have the specialist know-how to fit these yourself.
- Staying abreast of regulatory changes
UK industry regulations are constantly changing in response to shifting societal factors. Most recently, the government’s commitment to reaching net zero by 2050 is driving a focus on energy efficiency across almost all sectors, including construction. Specific to the plumbing industry, climate advisers have recommended that half of homes in the UK should have heat pumps by 2040 if they hope to meet their 2050 target.
Stay up to date with the latest guidelines to ensure your work is always compliant, otherwise you risk having to redo work, pay fines or even face compensation claims from customers. The news, government websites and industry associations can all be valuable sources of information.
