Two years ago this summer, we opened the doors to Mr Soot Training Centre in Wigan.

As the first chimney sweeping company to open such a facility, accredited by HETAS, it was a move which raised eyebrows. Some thought we were mad. Others thought it was smart. Most agreed it was bold.

I’ve spent the month taking stock. We’ve seen hundreds of people come through our doors — some brand new to the trade, others looking to expand their business. Others just doing their regular five year refreshers.

And in that time, I’ve learned a lot. About people. About business. And, yes, about myself.

Here’s 10 of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from the past two years.

1. More Than ‘Just a Badge’

When we first opened, I assumed most people were just after the HETAS ‘badge’ and that would be it. But it became clear very quickly that what they really wanted was direction. Many were at a crossroads in life. They weren’t just chasing a registration; they were chasing a new start. So we adapted. Alongside all the technical stuff, we started offering support on mindset, and business. And I think that’s made the difference.

2. Confidence & Competence

You can be the most technically skilled person in the world, but if you can’t back yourself in front of a customer, it’ll hold you back. That first solo job, that first quote, that first complaint — it all takes a bit of bottle. That’s why we don’t just teach regulations; we work on confidence too. Because when someone believes they can do it, they usually can.

3. Criticism Comes With the Territory

Being in training isn’t for the faint-hearted. There’s always the usual suspects on social media making throwaway comments when someone new asks a basic question. “Shouldn’t they have been taught that?” they ask, quite pompously. Truth is, all courses are crammed with information — but people absorb at different rates. We understand that, and work with people, rather than criticising them.

4. Community v Competition

“You’re just training up your own competition!” was one of the familiar refrains when we first opened. I suspected they were wrong, and that’s been borne out by the past two years. What’s actually happened is we’ve built a network. A community of solid fuel professionals who share work, help each other out, and raise standards across the board. There’s a great saying that ‘Competition happens at the bottom, collaboration happens at the top.” We’re proud to have facilitated the latter.

5. Every Learner is Different

We’ve had ex-soldiers, bankers, sparkies, plumbers, barbers, and even a former casino croupier walk through our doors. Everyone brings something different. Some sail through the courses, others need a bit more time and support. That’s fine. We’ve made a point of being adaptable – whether it’s supporting someone with dyslexia, explaining things in different ways, or simply being patient. There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ in teaching. Those who think that have either never stood in front of a class, or aren’t very self-aware.

6. Admin Scares the Life Out of Most People

The number of tradespeople who break into a cold sweat at the mention of admin is surprisingly high. And that’s okay. Most haven’t had to think finances or marketing before. But once we break it down — how to write a decent social media post, or how to turn a profit while keeping those nice folks at HMRC off your back, you can see them visibly growing in confidence. We’re not just creating businesses here. We’re building mini brands.

7. The Right Culture Brings the Right People

From the get-go, we were clear on what we stood for: openness, professionalism, and high standards. And because of that, we’ve attracted people who share those values. That’s led to a real sense of purpose and pride across the board. This isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating a trade that future generations can be proud of. And others are noticing.

8. Success Means Different Things to Different People

Some trainees want to earn enough to ditch the shift work and be their own boss. Others dream of building something bigger – multiple vans, maybe even employing staff one day. Both are valid. We never push one vision of success. Instead, we help people define what their version looks like — and then give them the tools to make it happen.

9. You Never Stop Learning

If you ever meet someone who says they know everything about this trade; run. And do it very fast. Because the best in the business are always learning. I’ve learned more in the past two years than I ever expected; about teaching, about people, and about the ever-changing landscape of our work. And it’s made me sharper, more grounded, and more aware.

10. More Than A Business

Perhaps the most powerful thing I’ve learnt is how much a kick I get out of seeing people succeed. Of course, Mr Soot Training Centre is a business, and needs to sustain itself, but I see it more as a mission. A mission to change lives. I’ve seen people come in with zero experience and leave full of confidence, ready to begin their journey. That’s powerful stuff. The biggest buzz isn’t handing out a certificate — it’s the messages we get six months later saying “It’s the best decision I ever made!”

Final Thoughts…

Opening the centre was a real gamble. But the rewards have been unbelievable.

The feedback on our bespoke rigs, hands-on training, and business courses has been overwhelming. We’ve torn down barriers by collaborating with other professionals in an industry that can sometimes be too protective of its own turf.

Personally, it’s been humbling. Very early on, I realised that being a good tutor isn’t about standing at the front and boring people to death about how great you are. It’s about breaking down walls, boosting confidence and making people feel like they *can* do this.

In short, it’s about the candidates, not me.

To break the ice, I often share stories of the many mess-ups I’ve made. Treading soot into a customer’s cream carpet, battling a stuck brush for two hours, or sweeping the wrong flue entirely. Those moments always raise a laugh — and they help people realise that we’ve all been there. This instantly puts people at ease. In some cases, you can literally see the tension removed from their shoulders.

They’re now ready to learn, ready to embark on a new challenge, and ready to succeed.

That’s my job, and one I take incredibly seriously.

So to every trainee who’s stepped through our doors: thank you. You’ve made this centre what it is.

And as for what’s next? Well… we’re only just getting started.