What is the Stopcocks Business Scheme?
The SBS was set up in January 2010 in response to the number of emails received by Stopcocks from women looking for a way to begin their careers as plumbers. Although Stopcocks has been supporting women plumbers for many years, it was clear that a new way of thinking was needed to solve the problems in the current economic climate. The SBS gives women plumbers a way to be part of a national brand, build up their customer base and increase their skills and speed without worrying about the business side of things so they can concentrate on the thing that earns the money….The plumbing.
What’s the difference between the Stopcocks Business Scheme and all the others?
The SBS has been specifically set up to be flexible and affordable. Since the designer and creator of the scheme is a woman (Hattie Hasan) we know that women have different needs. At Stopcocks we celebrate the differences between men and women and recognise our strengths are different too. The SBS is an annual renewable license for you to trade as a Stopcocks Woman Plumber. Yes, there are some requirements like compulsory training and a strict code of conduct, but these are all in line with the type of service we would all wish to receive as homeowners ourselves.
Who is the Stopcocks Business Scheme for?
This opportunity is not for everyone. It is designed for you if you are a woman who has completed plumbing courses at college. Technical certificate C&G 6129, 6089, NVQ Level 2,3. Also, ideal for you if you are a woman plumber already self employed and want to be part of part a national brand, and if you are working for somebody else and want to earn within your own business.
Don’t I need a placement to get my NVQ’s signed off?
The SBS can place you with qualified plumbers to support you while you get your work-based elements signed off. We have a woman plumbing tutor who has joined our team as an adviser. We are constantly being kept up to date with the legal requirements for City and Guilds and NVQ. As from September we will have our very own NVQ assessor on board.
How do I join up?
Its very simple. Once you have contacted Stopcocks by going to info@stopcocks.net and telling us about yourself we arrange for Hattie to come and see you. She likes to meet and interview all the plumbers herself. This is so that she can put a face to the name when you call up for technical help.
What happens at the interview, will I have to take a test?
Goodness! No. The purpose of the interview is for both parties to assess if this is really right for you and if you are right for us. It is an interview however and we will be assessing you on things like attitude and customer service, all extremely important for the Stopcocks brand. We also answer questions you may have face to face. You have already taken many of the first steps by going to college and completing your course. We already know you are a hard worker.
Surely it’s very expensive to start a business. How much does it cost?
It doesn’t have to be. By creating the scheme as an annual license with the opportunity to own part of Stopcocks after you complete the first year, we are confident that your business will be paying for itself in no time. The investment is modest and time limited.
What do I get for my Money?
- 12 months renewable license to trade as a Stopcocks Woman Plumber, including branded clothing, toolbag, invoice pad
- Technical mentoring; phone support from a fully qualified plumber 12 hours a day 5 days a week
- Invited to regular events for networking and sharing with other female plumbers around the country
- Top class training including customer service, pricing, record keeping, getting and keeping customers
- Website as part of the Stopcocks Group including profile, testimonials and photos
- Administrative support including negotiating with customers to get you best rates, invoicing, relationship building with customers on your behalf to keep customers ‘warm’,
- Most importantly you become part of the Stopcocks National Community of Accredited Women Plumbers
- The opportunity to own part of Stopcocks for yourself
What happens if things go wrong on the job?
Everyone makes mistakes. Things happen and we have to deal with them. The customer is relying on you to know more than they do. The first rule is always Keep Calm. Make the situation safe and call one of our experts.
In most cases you can turn the water off and take a breather. You cannot be expected to know everything, that’s why we have put in place our technical mentoring as part of your license. Ensure you deal with the customer in a respectful and calm manner at all times.
Why do you have such a strict code of conduct?
Stopcocks has been building the brand on the four pillars of Respect, Quality of Service, Peace of Mind and Aftercare for 20 years. It is these 4 codes that have kept the brand at the top and kept the customers coming back time and again.
Why Women and will men be allowed to join?
In the future we will run a scheme where men can join too. This subject is very close to Hattie’s heart. There are a number of myths that Stopcocks wishes to address.
Women can’t be plumbers ~ Stopcocks is proof that they can be and so will you be
Only women use women plumbers ~ Stopcocks has customers from every social class and gender
Women can’t do the heavy work ~ It’s true the work is heavy, but anyone that can give birth is stronger than they look.
On a serious note though; even though things have improved massively in the last 20 years, judging by the emails received from women every day in the Stopcocks office, there is still a long way to go.
