Unfortunately, gas accidents are common and may result in death. One key reason for such mishaps is an inappropriate analysis by an illegal gas engineer. Therefore, people are always looking for a reliable gas-safe company.
Gas safe companies provide domestic and commercial gas certificates. They also offer repair services and can install new appliances. These companies employ a group of professional engineers.
A credible, legal, and committed gas safe company is high in demand. Therefore, starting a gas-safe business can become a lucrative choice. If you are wondering how to start this business, read below:
1. Research the Domestic and Commercial Sector to Select your Target Audience
Some gas safe companies only cater to the domestic sector or commercial sector while others offer services for both. Try to study your market and see the demand. If you are offering services in the domestic area, you can target the residential clients. However, if it is an area where residential houses are fewer, the commercial sector can be the right choice.
You can also operate online but even in this case; you need to see your target market. If you are opening an office, see how much transportation cost will incur for reaching the client. Also see the demand, income level, and awareness of the people regarding gas safety.
Once you analyze all this, you can select your target market.
2. Learn about the Legal Requirements: Gas Safe Register and Certificates
Starting a gas business is a bit different from other small businesses. Many legal requirements are involved in it. For instance, registering each employee on the Gas Safe Register is mandatory.
A gas safe register is a process of analyzing the skills of a gas engineer and awarding certification. The certificate expires after every 12 months, and it should be renewed. Likewise, you need to register your business as well.
People looking for gas safe services check the registration of the company on the gas safe register website. Additionally, it is illegal to work if your company is not registered on this list.
Getting knowledge about other gas certificates is also essential. These include gas safety certificate cp12, commercial catering certificate, LPG certificate, and many others.
3. Look into Your Competitor’s Strategy
Once you have all the knowledge regarding the legal requirements, you can now study the competitors. Not every gas safe company provides the same services. Some companies only provide certificates, while others offer repair services too.
See what your competitors are offering. Also, notice their pricing strategy, and discount offers. Visit their website, check their social media presence, and read reviews.
After this, think about how you can stand apart from your present competitors. It can be a low-price strategy, high-quality service, or something entirely different.
4. Examine Your Finances
The next step is to determine your finances. See how much investment you can do and what loan options you have. As per your country, check the loan offers made for small businesses from banks.
Notice the time in their return policy and see what requirements are present. You can have a meeting with a bank representative to discuss your matter. Check well-known banks and opt for the loan that suits your business needs.
You can also consider a partnership business for sharing investment as well as risk. Look for a partner who has knowledge regarding a gas safe business and is ready to invest. A partnership is always better than a sole proprietorship business if you have zero experience.
5. Decide Your Services
Once you know how much you can invest in total, you are in a better position to decide which services you can offer. Some companies offer heating system installation, boiler repair, plumbing services, and many others.
What you will offer will depend on your budget, expertise, and competitors. If competitors are already offering the same service, try to offer something else. Look what other gas safe services are present and stand out with those offers.
Tip: If you are a newbie start offering services to a single sector initially. The domestic sector seems easier to cater to as compared to the commercial.
6. Hire Qualified Engineers
For earning consumer trust and building a positive business image, you need to have an impeccable team. Therefore, search for the best gas engineers who can impress clients with their expertise and knowledge.
Incompetent employees will not be able to get registration in the Gas Safe Register. Thus, it will be illegal to send such team members for the gas work. People also check the registration of each gas engineer besides checking the name of the gas business in the list.
Furthermore, try to train every new employee before sending them for the actual fieldwork. Arrange workshops and seminars to ensure every employee remains updated with the latest gas technology.
7. Focus on Branding and Advertisement
Before starting your business, you need to prepare a strong digital profile. Brand your business to make people realize your professionalism. Create an inspiring logo, make social media profiles, and set up a business website.
Also, make sure to update all these digital assets with the latest information. Put your contact information, address, and other business details. Add some creative content and educate prospects about gas safety.
Tell readers how your business can provide this safety and why is it important for everyone. You can also invest in online ad campaigns. Paid advertisements give great results and highlight your presence.
Takeaway – How to Start a Successful Business in 2022
All in all, starting a gas safety business can become easier with research. Since this business needs a lot of legal requirements, research helps you meet all such conditions. Apart from it, if you hire the best engineers, study your target market, and try to stand apart from competitors, getting clients will not be difficult.
Also, see which loan options are present and what business structures are ideal for you. Never forget to focus on branding and invest generously in the advertisement.
Even if you reach the break-even in the first year, you can make huge profits in the future!
