Trade Skills 4U Electrical Training Blog
Contact usMicrogeneration, the opportunities for electrical contractors
Posted by Chris Thompson on Tuesday, 1st September
Though the Microgeneration industry is appears on hold at the moment, certainly from the Spring of 2010 it will be very much back on the agenda.
Stimulated by cost savings of energy, a willingness of consumers to do their bit for the planet and available funding from the government to the householder, electrical contractors that position themselves early to take advantage of this growing industry will most definitely benefit in the long run.
What is Mircrogeneration?
The official definition of microgeneration is in The Energy Act 2004, Section 82. Essentially microgeneration is the generation of energy of up to 45 kW (heat) or up to 50kW (electricity). The term “microgeneration” is not restricted to energy generated only from renewable sources. It also covers low and zero carbon technologies. The technologies involve the generation of electricity or heat and in some cases both, which is referred to as cogeneration.
Electricity generation technologies
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Wind Turbines
Micro Hydro
Cogeneration technologies
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Fuel Cells
Heat generation technologies
Solar Heating
Heat Pumps (Ground, Air or Water Source)
Biomass Heating
Why is Microgeneration important?
Buildings account for 47% of carbon emissions in the UK, so microgeneration has the potential to contribute to UK’s challenging EU 2020 renewables and greenhouse gas targets by generating some energy from secure and reliable smallscale installations. The government has committed itself to targets it must achieve.
So where’s the opportunity? I hear you say. Surely this is a fad, is it worth getting involved?
Yes it is, Tradeskills4U is well positioned in the electrical training industry and able to talk with many stakeholders, your customers, existing contractors, training bodies, local government representatives, large industrial electrical companies . All see that electricity and especially the mircogeneration industry is the future in no way a passing phase. It enables the average person to get involved, in some form over the coming years millions of households will have some form of mirco generation or renewable energy source. A move towards Nuclear power means that the electrical industry will be at the forefront of energy provision for certainly our lifetime, and therefore a consistent and renewing market. Electric cars with roadside charge electrical points, PV panels, Wind turbines, and all the subsequent electrical installation work involved for the correctly trained and qualified contractor. I call that an opportunity! Needless to say Tradeskills4U will be involved providing course are qualifications, coming online in January 2010.
Calling all Electrical Contractors, marketing is a must!
Posted by oxdi on Wednesday, 12th August
How often have you heard this from a fellow electrical contractor at the counter of your electrical suppliers?
“I don’t have to advertise, I’m busier than ever !” Well that’s probably bravado, counter talk.
Truth is no contractor is as busy as he should be. You should have enough work for 8 hours a day 5 days a week, and be able to pick and choose the jobs you prefer to do, in areas you prefer to work.
Tradeskills4U MD Carl Bennett has marketed over £5million worth of business in the last 3 years, so he knows what it takes to get customers and market a business.
Carl say’s “Frankly, if people don’t know you exist, you’ll never get enough business, no matter how good a service you provide”
“Trades people, electrical contractors included forget or don’t realise that they are a business, even if they are a one man or woman band, like any business you have to get the basics right, no business that wants to succeed will neglect marketing “
“I’m not talking expensive campaigns or fancy marketing ideas, I'm talking simple, cost effective, easy to do around your day stuff. For example.”
Leaflets
“Get a simple leaflet printed up, showing your picture ( preferably smart ) your services, your contact details, your website, logo’s of associations which you belong to, a little line about yourself, ‘ all types of electrical work at keen prices, clean and friendly service’. Nothing fancy or expensive, get a thousand made up. When your on a job in an area you like to work, get your leaflets out of your van and post them through neighbouring doors, only fifty or so. That will bring at least 5 new customers, maybe not immediately, you have to be patient with marketing, but it will bring in new business and worth way more than the £100 you just spent on the leaflets. “
Website
“Now I don’t know about you, but if I want to find out about anything, I go on Google and type it in. We all do! I’m 50, not exactly part of the computer generation and I do it. So do your potential customers. A website is vital if your serious about your business. A simple one page, which is all you need, will cost a few hundred quid and give you a great marketing tool and show potential customers your serious and professional about your service, and most importantly to the wary consumer, your not a rogue trader. Don’t forget these people will be thinking do I trust this guy ? he’s coming into my home, maybe when I’m at work, scary! Give them something to trust, tell them about you and your service. “Show them pictures of you doing electrical jobs.
Marketing your website
Having a website is useful for customers who know what the website address is (your leafleted customers). However if your website can’t be found on a Google search for say ’ Electricians in Sussex ‘ it’s not doing it full job, so get it out there!
Have a look on Google yourself, see what ‘Electricians in Kent’ or wherever you prefer to work comes up with and get your website on those search engines that promote local electricians, they are usually free or ask for a small charge.
You may have to spend a few quid to advertise on them. Its not wasted money ! Like any business you have to spend a little to get business in. You have to speculate to accumulate and be patient.
Remember guys, you could be the best electrician in the world, if no one knows you exist, they won’t call!
Best of Luck, I hope this little advisory helps!
Carl Bennett Managing Director
Tradeskills4U Ltd
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