Light commercial
www.heatingandventilating.net
It’s time to go large
Mark Krull from Logic4training M
any HVR readers are already flying high in the commercial arena, but for those taking their first steps, making the switch can
seem daunting. When you ‘go large’ life will change; if you’re willing to take the risk, bigger budgets and bigger profit margins could be in your sights. Further training and qualifications are essential, however, alongside an understanding of how the logistics and culture of the commercial environment differs from the domestic sector.
Build on your skills
All gas engineers need to hold a ‘core’ safety element in order to achieve their ACS and join the Gas Safe Register. With a wider variety of heating requirements to contend with and increasing pressure to improve efficiency, installers working in the commercial sector must also ensure they have an additional level of experience and training to make the transition. Domestic gas installers have transferable skills and experience to facilitate a smooth cross-over into many commercial environments. Targeted training courses which focus specifically on this changeover will provide the additional knowledge required to support a career move into this varied arena, which covers everything from office blocks to manufacturing facilities.
It’s also worth considering enhancing your core skill set with some complimentary talents, such as electrical and building works. You could train-up yourself and your team, or consider partnering with other businesses in order to offer a total package.
How do commercial gas e ngineers find work?
In the domestic world, work usually comes through personal recommendation and word-of-mouth; in
20 January 2019
The commercial gas sector offers an exciting working environment for skilled domestic engineers looking for their next challenge. Mark Krull from Logic4training takes a look at what gas engineers need to know to make the switch a success
the commercial and public sector, however, it’s an entirely different process. Commercial contracts are usually put out to
tender. You can find out about what projects are coming up through notices and advertisements in trade magazines, newspapers and online, but networking with other businesses in your own industry and in wider sectors is also key.
In order to be in the running for commercial
contracts, contractors must usually submit a formal bid for tender, setting out a schedule of work to be undertaken and the costs involved. The client will review all the applications and select the most favorable contractor to carry out the work – it’s a competitive environment in which strong bid preparation is essential to success. Some commercial jobs may be right under your nose; the bigger companies you come into contact with for domestic work – such as builders and letting agencies – may also operate in larger buildings, so it’s worth updating those around you when you’re ready to take on more.
How do you prepare a successful bid for tendering?
Think domestic quoting but on a much larger scale! As well as scheduled works and costs, potential clients will want to see that you are compliant in risk management, certification and insurance. You’ll need to make sure you have enough cash to front the costs associated with the job – materials and wages – and have enough contingency to cover periods when you are waiting for payment. Careful planning is essential. There will be a strict deadline and you’ll need plenty of time to prepare, research and polish your bid before submission. Often, this work will be undertaken on top of your regular workload, so get organised. Make sure you fully understand the client’s
requirements, so you can prepare a focused bid that matches their stated and underlying needs. A good tip is to do a bit of research – what is the client like to work for? What do they look for in a service provider? This information will help you make your bid as precise as possible. Finally, a note about pricing. These days, budgets are tight, particularly in the public sector, and
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