WINNER OF 'THE INSTALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020'

INTRODUCING ASHCROFT KITCHEN INSTALLATIONS LTD - WORTHY WINNERS OF 'THE INSTALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2019'

At the prestigious ek&bbusiness Awards & Review 2019, held recently in London, Ashcroft Kitchen Installations Ltd scooped the much sought-after ‘Installer of the Year’ award.

Owned by BiKBBI member Billy Ashcroft, the company fought off many other deserving potential winners to scoop the now coveted award. The Installer Magazine spoke to Billy to discover how his business has risen to such prominence:

Many congratulations Billy, what does winning this award mean to you?

It means a great deal to me and my family. I am over the moon that my work has been given this recognition.

How do you think you can use the title to your best advantage?

I think the Award will help me stand out from the crowd and give any prospective customers greater confidence in me.

What advice do you have for anyone else being nominated?

Just enjoy the experience and learn from it. It is a recognition in itself to be nominated. I was nominated and shortlisted in 2018, never won, but came back as winner in 2019.

So, going right back to the beginning, what got you into fitting kitchens?

It was more by chance than anything. I was asked to labour for a kitchen installer and after a load of boxes became a kitchen, I knew there and then that was what I wanted to do.

And how long have you been installing?

Since 1994, so coming up 26 years, based in Cumbria since 2010. I am an all-in-one kitchen fitting tradesman, carrying out all aspects including plumbing, gas and electrics myself. I do have a part-time assistant who comes along with me for the first 2 or 3 days of a fit to assist with ripping out, building furniture and lifting of the worktops.

What’s has been your biggest challenge whilst growing your business?

Not being academic, however I went on to achieve Corgi, now Gas Safe status and my Part P Electrical qualifications.

Do you have any retail contracts?

Yes, I currently install kitchens on behalf of Wickes. I have previously fitted for B&Q and MFI.

Why do you work with retailers?

There is a guarantee of regular work and the systems the large retailers use suit me.

What do you want from a retail contract?

Steady work and efficiency but it is also nice to feel part of a larger team.

What’s the secret of growing a successful business?

Hard work, punctuality, communication and a desire to succeed.

How has BiKBBI helped your journey?

The BiKBBI is a key to opening doors to new opportunities. Being a member of the BiKBBI enables you to stand out with a professional status as an Accredited Installer. Also, without being a member of the BiKBBI I would never have had the opportunity to receive this award or recognition in any way. 

What are your opinions of the BiKBBI?

The BiKBBI team are 100% committed as spokespeople for installers within the industry. They are rooting for the people at the bottom of the supply chain and ensuring that good installers are recognised for the work they do but also ensuring that the customer can access good quality installers.

Can you foresee a time when you will be utilising the BiKBBI led apprenticeship scheme?

I wouldn't rule out taking on an apprentice in the future, so if that moment arises, I would certainly look into the BiKBBI led scheme. In the past, I have employed and trained 3 individuals who then progressed to become installers in their own right.

If you can offer one piece of advice for an apprentice, what will it be?

Don't expect to learn it all in one go, there is a lot to fitting a kitchen project aside from putting the cupboards on the wall, i.e. gas, electrics, plumbing, plastering and tiling. And to

And if you had one piece of advice for an existing installer wanting to grow his business, what would it be?

Commitment, hard work, punctuality, communication and going above and beyond for customers.

What’s the future for your business?

Expanding with a 2nd installer/ team has been a consideration. There is certainly still a possibility of this happening at some point. Other than that I shall continue to strive to work to my own high expectations.

On a more personal note, do you have a family?

Yes, my wife Alison and 2 children, aged 15 and 7. Alison works for the company carrying out all of the administration and bookkeeping.

What do you like to do for leisure?

When not at work, I like to spend time with my family.

What would be a perfect weekend for you?

Walking around NASA Kennedy Space Center indulging in space and moon memorabilia.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Florida.

Favourite sport/team?

Everton FC. I have supported them since my Dad took me to a home match when I was a kid.

Finally, hopes and aspirations for the future both in your business and personal life?

As I am 52, my hopes and aspirations for both the business and personal life are to remain fit, well and healthy to continue to provide a stable home for my family and to continue creating customers' ‘Little Hollywood’, i.e. their dream kitchen. This is a term I often use when discussing a new kitchen with the customer, "Creating your Little Hollywood".