EVER UPWARD CURVE

Jim’s Test & Tag & Fire Safety finds new growth markets.

“I hate to say it, but a high-profile fire really focuses peoples’ minds,” says Kevin Du Preez, Jim’s Test & Tag & Fire Safety franchisee and regional franchisor on Auckland’s North Shore. “We were overloaded with enquiries after the SkyCity International Convention Centre fire. The reality is that tragedies remind people to check their status and preparedness for emergencies.”

To help meet the demand, all Jim’s Test & Tag & Fire Safety franchisees are up-skilling by gaining the NZQA Level 3 Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment Certificate. “It’s a very healthy move,” Kevin explains, “Jim’s have always pushed franchisees to gain new skills, and it is just one of many reasons why the company is so successful.”

After seven years Kevin is just as enthusiastic about his business as when he first started. “In my first year, my turnover was about $60,000,” he says. “This year it is $360,000 and just one client is responsible for nearly a third of that. Our model is basically repeat work, so we see the same clients every three, six or twelve months depending on the equipment. Of course, if you are checking electrical equipment then you are available to check the fire extinguishers and other hand-operated firefighting equipment – which is where so much recent growth has come from. When I started, the fire section was tiny, but today it is 25% of my business and growing rapidly. Covering First Aid kits as well means we are a very convenient one-stop shop for all health and safety matters for our clients.”

It is a legal requirement for electrical and fire equipment to be tested and tagged in New Zealand in accordance with the standards AS/NZS 3760:2022 or NZS 4503:2005. “Most office equipment must be tested annually,” Kevin stresses, “and a lot of kit on building sites needs testing every six or three months.”

Jim’s Test & Tag & Fire Safety are actively recruiting to keep up with demand. “There is room for many more of us throughout the country, and frankly the more we have the better it is for business,” says Kevin. “Franchisees tend to stay long term and there’s not a big turnover because we are on to a good thing. The initial franchise fee of $60,000 + gst covers everything except your vehicle purchase or lease – and it brings a very healthy return.”

Advertiser Info

Jim’s Test & Tag

www.jimstestandtag.co.nz

Contact

Malcolm Bradley 0800 454 654

info@jimstestandtag.co.nz