A leading industry entrepreneur from the USA has given Mr Soot Training Centre an international seal of approval.

Byron Schramm, founder of Midtown Chimney Sweeps, visited the HETAS approved centre in Wigan as part of a European tour to further his expertise.

Since September, Byron has been on a sabbatical from his company, which has franchises right across the US, in areas such as Colorado, Washington State, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

He’s been visiting countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France, but wanted to see how Brits sweep and inspect flues.

While at the Wigan centre, Byron sat in on the H003DS stove installer course. In addition, he attended the H009s sweeping course and passed with flying colours! 

Midtown founder Byron, who originally hails from California, said: “I was absolutely blown away by Mr Soot Training Centre. The standard of training and the facilities are awesome.

“In the US, we very much see the United Kingdom as the home of chimney sweeping. Our languages may be the same, but the industry back home is very different to what you have here.

“It’s given me a lot to think about when I return home.

“I’d really like to thank Sam, David and Gordon for their warmth and hospitality during my stay. They made me feel really welcome we’ve certainly struck up a friendship which will endure.”

Sam, owner of Mr Soot Training Centre, said: “Having Byron at the centre was not just fantastic for us, but also for our candidates who were sitting courses during the days he was there.

“So not only did they get access to quality learning regarding British standards, they also learnt, through Byron, how they differ from America in some aspects.”

David, founder of Mr Soot, said: “ It was a real pleasure to welcome Byron to our HETAS approved centre.

“As a company, we are very much about raising industry standards and reaching out to others to share best practice. 

“To have international recognition from a leading figure such as Byron is a real honour, and we hope to see him again in the not-too-distant future.”