NOWADYS, we rely on digital technology to keep our homes and businesses working. As such, the electrical industry is booming!
Whether you’ve wanted to become an electrician for years or you’re looking to take your DIY skills to the next level, now is the time! With a recession on the horizon and a skills gap that needs filling, why not join the industry to keep everyone’s homes and offices working as they should?
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If you’re ready to take the plunge and begin a new career as an electrician, read on to find out how to start your very own electrical business.
Look into doing your qualifications and training
First things first, to become a fully-fledged electrician, you’ll need to ensure you have the right qualifications and training under your belt. To do that, you’ll first need to get a Level 3 qualification after doing an electrical apprenticeship.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to get hands-on experience in the field.
Go self-employed
If you’re looking to join the 4.2 million self-employed people in the UK, there are a few steps you need to take.
Firstly, you will need to become a registered electrician and apply to become a self-employed trader through Companies House. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to consider setting your rates.
As a general rule, you should look to set a rate that doesn’t squeeze your margins too much but is still competitive in a relatively tough industry.
Seek out clients
Once you’ve set up your business, it’s time to go on the lookout for potential clients. To start with, start offering your services to friends and family while you find your feet. With a bit of luck, they will spread the word and clients will come rolling in!
Make sure to get all the tools for the job
As they say, a bad workman blames his tools! To make sure you don’t have to nip to your local hardware store mid-job, make sure you have all the tools you need beforehand.
Be sure to invest in a portable toolbox to store all your equipment in too. That way, you’ll always have everything you need at your fingertips.
Think about your marketing strategy
If you want to grow your business, it’s imperative to look into marketing your services. One straightforward way to start doing so is by setting up social media profiles to get your brand out there!
Retain those customers
Once you’ve got your first customers, switch your focus to trying to retain them! If you provide an excellent service at a decent price, you will be well on your way to keeping your clients as regulars, which is far easier than finding new business.
Final thoughts…
It’s no secret that there’s a lot to think about when starting up an electrical business. However, by taking the time to train properly and following the above tips, you’ll have a successful career as an electrician in no time at all.
