Mr Soot Chimney Sweep rubbed shoulders with titans of industry at a business summit.

Company owner David and Office Manager Sam attended the SME Xpo held at the London Excel.

During the two-day event, they were able to get first hand advice from big names such as:

• Deborah Meaden, star of BBC hit show Dragons’ Den

• Charlie Mullins, the multi-millionaire founder of Pimlico Plumbers

• Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, who gave Gordon Ramsay his TV break and founded The Black Farmer brand.

• Kathryn Burn, finalist on last year’s The Apprentice 

David said: “The two days were a complete whirlwind, with plenty of discussions, advice and guidance from some of the biggest names in business.

“They were open, frank and honest about their experiences in business – much more so than you ever see through the media.

“Being up close, you realise they’re just normal business people with the same pressures and worries as every other business person, but they had the drive and tenacity to succeed.

“They were all very candid with us. For instance, Charlie told me he regrets selling Pimlico Plumbers, even though he secured around £150m for it. 

“As someone who has also founded a trades business, I can understand what he means. When you start a business, you pour everything into it – so it’s a very personal experience. The money, while obviously a massive bonus, isn’t going to replace the void that has been left.”

David and Charlie also discussed how customer service is, on the whole, lacking in the trades sector.

“We both feel trades in general can let themselves down at times. Not turning up on time, not being smart, not being polite, lack of communication – it’s stuff we’ve all experienced ourselves as customers. 

“I guess that why, at Mr Soot, we set out to be different from your stereotypical tradespeople.

“We constantly look at how we can create a better customer service experience, like cutting waiting times and publishing our pricing on our website. Such transparency is welcomed, as it’s all about raising standards to meet both our own and customers’ expectations.”

David and Sam were also able to bag a front row seat for Deborah Meaden’s Q&A based around how businesses can have a positive impact on the environment.

The SME Xpo, backed this year by the London Evening Standard, also provided the opportunity to get the Mr Soot name to an even wider audience of key decision makers in commerce and industry.

“Our brand is going from strength to strength,” said Sam.

“With a rapidly expanding team in the North West and a Commercial Team covering the length and breadth of the UK, the future is extremely bright.

“We can’t wait to see what the next 12 months brings!”