Falkirk heating firm marks 15 years after humble industry beginnings
A Falkirk-based heating firm is celebrating 15 years of success, having seen both owners begin their careers as first-day apprentice engineers.
Heatsafe Heating specialises in boiler installation, servicing and repairs. It was launched by Graeme Hillier and Dougie Hunter, and has recently moved from nearby Bonnybridge to the Falkirk Hub. The pair put the firm's long-term success down to a number of different factors.
Graeme explained: "We've been looking after the boilers of people in Falkirk and the Central Belt for 15 years, and have built the business through hard work, recommendations and the continued support of our customers.
"We describe our approach as 'the Heatsafe way'. It means treating customers' homes with respect: using dust sheets and carpet protection, taking care around their belongings, removing the old boiler and rubbish, and leaving everything clean and tidy. The care taken in someone's home matters just as much to us as the quality of the installation."
Graeme and Dougie learned their trade over ten years at a national company. Both had grander ambitions, though, and in 2011 they set up Heatsafe Heating.
In addition to building a successful business, Graeme says one of his proudest achievements has been supporting young people at the start of their apprenticeships.
He said: "One of our proudest achievements has been helping young people through apprenticeships and seeing them go on to become qualified gas engineers. Having started as apprentices ourselves, it means a great deal to give others that opportunity and help develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople."
Graeme says the company's reputation rests on customer loyalty and trust, keeping the service simple, from enquiry through to installation and aftercare.
He said: "Our aim is to build a lasting relationship with every customer. We take care of boiler registration and send annual service reminders, helping customers look after their boilers for years to come.
"That loyalty has become a particularly rewarding part of our story. We are now returning to some of our earliest customers to replace boilers we installed close to 15 years ago. Being trusted to fit their next boiler after looking after them over the years is something we never take for granted."
He also credits his team for the company's success, saying: "Our team deserves enormous credit for that progress. Our engineers' workmanship, care and professionalism are a credit to the company, while our friendly office staff help customers feel looked after from their first inquiry through to ongoing support."
Speaking of the future, Graeme said: "We recently moved our office from Bonnybridge to the Falkirk Hub in the town centre, marking another step in the company's development. As we continue to grow, our priority is to maintain the quality of work and personal service that customers have come to know us for.
“We have also begun the process of exploring boiler cover plans to offer customers ongoing support with greater peace of mind.”