INSTALLER PROFILE

INSTALLER

OF THE YEAR 2022

At the inaugural BiKBBI Awards, held recently at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, the ‘blue ribbon’ category for Installer of the Year was won by Paul Miles of ACE Electrical & Plumbing Ltd. The Installer Magazine team were delighted to have

a chat with Paul about his achievement. →

Many congratulations on this achievement Paul, what does this accolade mean to you?

To be recognised by a panel of industry experts is a fantastic high, I see it as a pat on the back for achieving and maintaining very high standards in what we do, and it has motivated me and my team to keep striving to improve.

I guess this is reward for many years within the industry?

I would say, yes, many years! I set up the business (sole trader) back in the late 90’s after a career in food retail, I guess transferable skills, customer service, problem solving, planning, computer skills etc. So over 20 years in the kbb industry, since starting the business from scratch.

By default, winning the Installer of The Year award is a win for your business too so what do you think makes the difference between your business and many other installation businesses out there?

I can only speak about my business, but a constant drive to do better, to try and learn from mistakes, (as they do happen) to use the best quality materials and mostly, to listen to what the customers is really after, offer best advice, help customers make the right choice. Collectively these make the job so much more satisfying, especially when you can look at the end result and be proud. We tend to only do local projects, occasionally we have gone further afield, but only on a recommendation (where we have been recommended by a customer to friends or family). As once you have been a customer of ours it can often lead to more projects

What initially got you into kbb installation?

Having outgrown ( in my mind ) the retail world, which paid well but wasn't mentally stimulating. A chance arose for me to accept voluntary redundancy, I grasped the opportunity and set on my path to becoming what I am today, where boredom plays no part in working as an installation business.

"To be recognised by a panel of industry experts is a fantastic high, I see it as a pat on the back for achieving and maintaining very high standards in what we do, and it has motivated me and my team to keep striving to improve."

Kitchens and bathrooms, but we do take on much more if its a part of a bigger project, recently we have converted, modified or made into new rooms, the whole ground floor of a property, including all plumbing, electrics, plastering, decorating and carpentry; in all, 7 rooms were made new, from floor to ceiling and everything in-between.

Are you truly independent or are you contracted to other businesses and if so which ones?

We are both as we are currently on the installation books for John Lewis, Wren, and we have in the past for B&Q, Wickes, Victoriaplum. However, I have not been able to take on any of their work since the early days of the pandemic, and at this time, they have blanked out my diary, at my request, due to our demand from private customers and repeat business etc.

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

Staff, I started on my own, took on an apprentice (Mike who is now a director with me) and then we have tried several team members, ranging in skill levels, including other apprentices, but until the fitted furniture apprentice scheme was launched (first time) we had failed to get the right calibre of people, we have kept Elliott, who did go through the course at Procat, started 2018/2019. →

Including me, we are four.

What do you think of the BiKBBI Apprentice scheme?

I fully support it and will continue to do so. In fact we have just this week employed Archie Beadle from the BiKBBI Apprenticeship scheme. The whole process has been made easy by the institute and we fully recommend it.

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

Listen, watch and learn. The tradesperson teaching you would have taken years to get to their skill level, you are being shown the best methods, most effective, economical and productive.

How long have you been a BiKBBI member?

We were head hunted by Bathstore, back in 2015, and as part of the recruitment. We were asked to become members of the BiKBBI, which I was quite happy to do as we did not belong to any other professional body at that time.

What does being a member add to your business?

I see membership as a testament to quality. I'm proud to be a member. Yes, BiKBBI membership is a testament of our high standards and practices. It offers peace of mind to potential clients, as it reassures them that they are in safe hands if their chosen tradesmen is a member.

What’s the secret of growing a successful business?

Attention to detail, understanding what your potential customers are after, ensuring you have the skills and abilities to deliver and exceed expectations. It is also important to network, so that other skilled trades that can support you when needed. Also, manage situations before they become a problem.

Having been through what we hope is the worse of the pandemic, what is your biggest challenge now?

Building the team without compromising standards. Yes, I am a very lucky man, I have four beautiful daughters, ranging in age, from 10 to 18 and a beautiful, wonderful wife that keeps us all in line.

Hobbies or past times?

Keen squash player and a little badminton, now and then. Favourite holiday destination?

Florida, what more do you need for a family? A villa with a pool and lots of theme parks.

If you could take one record or movie on a desert island (assuming there was electricity) what would they be?

Film - Pulp Fiction. Tunes? It's hard to pin one down, I think I would need Spotify !

Favourite sports team?

Arsenal.

Finally, what your hopes for the future both professionally and personally Paul?

Professionally, to continue to drive the business to greater success whilst personally, making sure that I keep the work / lifestyle balance in order.

www.aceplumbers.com