Matt says that domestic work has increased in recent months


They realise from things they’ve ordered online themselves that everything’s taking longer at the moment.”


Going digital


Matt’s also signed up to SELECTcerts, our digital certifi cation system, which he’s now using it to save time on admin. “I love it and have even bought an iPad for doing my certifi cates,” he said. “I used to have to write them out and then write them out again more neatly. “Now I just do it once and send it


straight to the customer so it saves me time.


and since the initial coronavirus lockdown was lifted in summer, he’s seen a big surge in his workload as people spend on home improvements. He said: “During lockdown I had to turn down work because I couldn’t get hold of materials. But I’ve been really busy lately. There’s not a lot of electricians where I am so there’s always a lot on the go. I do everything – domestic, commercial, agricultural, landlord reports, you name it. “The domestic work has been really


busy with a lot of people getting extensions and new kitchens. They’re not going on holiday so they’re spending money on their house instead.”


Helping hand


While his business is booming, Matt’s been able to help someone else continue their career in the industry by taking on an apprentice who had been made redundant because of eff ects of the pandemic. “Before lockdown I’d spoken to the local college about taking on an apprentice,” he said. “Afterwards they got in touch to ask if I could take on someone who was being laid off . “I wasn’t sure at fi rst because I didn’t


know much work I’d having coming in. But over the next few days my phone never stopped ringing. I took him on for a two-week trial and he’s been with me four or fi ve months now. “He’s in his third year and that helps


CABLEtalk DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 17


me because as he’s not at college as much, he can spend more time working with me.” The COVID


precautions mean Matt’s had to adapt how he works to make sure he and his customers stay safe. He always has wipes, sprays and masks in his van, as well as a spray to clean his tools between each job.


“The biggest issue has been getting


deliveries,” he said. “Getting some materials is still taking longer than it usually would. The nearest wholesaler to me is an hour and a half away so it can be a challenge. “I’ve had to explain the delays to customers and most of them are fi ne.


Kitchens have been a big part of Matt’s workload


“I had a couple of little software issues at the start but it’s fi ne now and I’ve got the


technical numbers saved if I ever need any support.”


While COVID


means it’s hard for anyone to predict what 2021 will bring, Matt’s


remaining upbeat about the future. He said: “Maybe 2021 will be quiet because everyone


has already spent their money getting work done on their houses in 2020. “But hopefully things will get back to normal sooner rather than later and people will always want kitchens or need things fi xing. “I’ve also got a lot of contracts with hotels, shops, care homes and farms so hopefully they’ll help to keep me busy.”


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