This month we’re featuring Luke, an inspiring electrician based in Bury St Edmunds. He started his business during the covid pandemic – no mean feat. We love supporting our clients and would like to raise our hats to Luke on his success and taking on an apprentice this year. Continue reading to hear about why Luke started his own business, what challenges he’s faced and what he’s got planned for the future.
Tell us about your business
My company is called Burroughs Electrical Ltd which is growing rapidly. I pride myself in my work and have a very high standard that I always work to. There is no job too big or too small and I dive into work whatever it may be; from a simple light fitting replacement to a whole house rewire and even full 3phase commercial and industrial projects. As a company, we keep up to date with all the latest electrical regulations and legislation. Because of that, we have a wide knowledge and understanding of the Electrical industry. My aim is to help my customers achieve the look and design that they long for at an affordable price so that they can share their experience with all their friends and family members. That’s the ultimate goal.
What drove you to start your business?
I wanted to be able to provide for and support my growing family. I had always aspired to become my own boss/have my own company one day. It was something I had wanted for a very long time and which I spoke about a lot. I also wanted to follow in my Grandfather and Uncle’s footsteps as they too had their own/have their own electrical companies and achieved so much.
I finally took the plunge in February 2021 during the covid pandemic, it was a risk at the time as there was so much uncertainty. My wife had just been made redundant, we had a 10-month-old baby and I was unsure if the work would be out there but if you don’t try you will never know. Thankfully it has all worked in our favour, it’s been a very busy 2021/2022 and looking into 2023 I am hoping for the same. I have recently taken on an apprentice which has helped the company to grow so that I can take on more work to grow the business even further.
What particular challenges did you have to overcome in setting up your business, and since then?
There are lots of things to think about when starting your own company, as I hadn’t done it before it was very daunting. Thankfully I have had help and advice from friends and family and even customers, to which I have listened and used on many occasions.
Time is a massive factor you must consider, doing the work, invoicing, paperwork and keeping on top of things all with having a young family to provide for, managing your time wisely is a massive thing I had to do. There will be long days and lots of time spent in front of the computer but it’s all worth it in being able to provide and spend precious time with my family.
Why did you choose The Smart Business Hub?
I decided to partner with Smart Business Hub as many relatives of mine highly recommended them. I had next to no knowledge of the financial side of running a business. When talking to Sarah (the top dog) at the very beginning of my journey she put my mind at ease going above and beyond what a ‘normal’ accountant would do. I know I can fully rely on her and her amazing team to carry out all the important jobs they do to keep me in check. Everyone at the office is friendly, consistent and knowledgeable. They’re in constant contact with me in the running of my company, I am glad I found them.
Have we helped you overcome any challenges, if so, how?
When I first met Sarah and we went through my business and the ins and outs of self-employment and being a limited company, I didn’t really know that much. The team at The Smart Business Hub have really taught me a lot about how businesses run.
Sarah and The Smart team have helped and advised in many areas which I was very unsure about. All aspects from the tax return, to becoming an Ltd company, paying CIS, taking on an apprentice, payroll and much, much more. I wouldn’t have had the knowledge, time or patience to do all of this alone. I appreciate everything they do and are doing for me and my company.
What do you have planned for your business in the future?
I am hopeful that Burroughs Electrical Ltd will be a large, profitable and well-known electrical business. It’s a dream to be the company many builders and homeowners want to use on a regular basis.
We are doing all we can to stand out from the other electrical businesses which is a very competitive industry to be in especially in the current financial crisis we are all in,
I also hope to have many highly trained employees under me helping to grow the business even more. You never know if my son follows in my footsteps it could be Burroughs Electrical & Son Ltd but time will only tell.
Thank you Luke for taking the time to answer our questions! If you enjoyed reading Luke’s story, then head back to our blog.
