The Sheffield-based sustainable heating engineer came to the trade a little later than most tradespeople. After school, he pursued several career options, such as graphic design, engineering, law, and banking. 

The father of four, with another one on the way, started his career as a heating and plumbing engineer at the Rotherham council and stayed there for 15 years. Five years ago, he decided to go solo and start his own business to support his growing family.

Due to his late start and stint with the council, he had no clients when he launched his company, which allowed him to focus on renewables and specialise in this niche. 

Today, his job takes him all across the country, and he manages a small team of installers. In addition to installing heat pumps, he also provides other renewable services, such as battery installations. 

One of the challenges he faces with heat pumps is the confusing paperwork from MCS. "I've been waiting eight weeks to switch from my sole trader business to a limited company. I can't even redeem any Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers. I have six vouchers worth £45,000 stuck," he says in frustration.

He says it is challenging to get right and harder to price heat pump installs.  "There's not a lot of money in this," he claims. 

"It is relative to what you're pricing. You could get two combis done in a week and earn more than what a heat pump job offers. So why would anyone want to do this job? The government needs to make this enticing for us." 

However, he's managed to find success in this specialty despite the niggling issues.  

Listen to the full podcast here.