Interview with Geoff Woodley [geoffwoodley] on Whohub

Geoff Woodley [geoffwoodley]

PROFESSION

What is your profession? What is your title printed on your business card?

I am a Chimney Sweep in North Devon.Card is in our business name CHIMNEY SWEEP NORTH DEVON. I will also service stoves and check chimneys for safety if necessary (apart from during general sweeping duties)
I also make driftwood items such as mirrors,candle holders,clocks etc. All wood collected from the well known beaches (and some not so well known) around the North Devon area.

What did you study and why did you choose to study that field?

I trained with Keith Howes, the well known Croyde Sweep and have now built up my own clientele, most of which generates new work through word of mouth - much the best way for a business to move forward.
I retired from a 32 year profession and was wanting something different to do, but working for myself - hence the Chimney Sweeping.I work with my wife June.
I am HETAS trained, am fully Insured (under my own Public Liability Insurance, not house Insurance) and I am also a member of APICS (Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps), one of only a few recognised bodies in the world of sweeping.

What is expected of you in your job, and how do you accomplish it?

We are expected to maintain a high level of cleanliness and professionalism. I expect to be able to give valid and correct advice on chimneys and fires of all types. If we cannot complete the job to our satisfaction at the time then we will return another day and we do not issue a certificate of sweeping until such time as we are happy in our own minds that the job is satisfactory.
We have a range of equipment including a twin motor Industrial Vacuum and a 'Viper' - a continuous rod on a reel which will not damage lined flues as there are no joints. Dust is kept to an absolute minimum and all necessary covering up is done before sweeping commences.

Are you satisfied with the education that you received?

I am completely satisfied with the training from Keith the Croyde Sweep. I am always willing to learn and absorb though,and enjoy furthering my knowledge of my chosen area of expertise.

What links do you have on the Internet: website, blog, social networks?

www.chimneysweepnorthdevon.co.uk
www.foreshoreart.co.uk

In which areas have you thought of building upon your education?

I may investigate taking the fire safety aspect much further

In which tasks are you good at, and in which could you better yourself?

I am a good problem solver and relish the more 'awkward' chimneys, especially if there is a fault and the fire will not burn to its full potential and I can leave a customer with a fire which works properly.

Do you usually attended seminars or coursework to advance your professional work or would you consider yourself a more self-taught person?

Both.
I have attended and passed a course through HETAS and will no doubt be taking things further in the future - time permitting. If busy sweeping ( and with work increasing yearly),it leaves juggling courses a little difficult

When did you realise that your work was being considered important and that it could possibly take you places?

Almost from day one.
It is a great compliment to have people recommend you as a sweep. We have even been called 'sophisticated sweeps'! (not quite sure why!!)

Do you have a website or blog? How was the process in making it? Does it accomplish the purpose for which it was created?

www.chimneysweepnorthdevon.co.uk and
www.chimneysweepsbarnstaple.co.uk
are the main websites for our chimney sweeping jobs.
My wife,June, has created these and maintains them on a regular basis.
Hopefully most aspects are covered although there is still work in progress.
Feedback from our clients indicates the site is well presented and informative and they appear to like it a lot.

What are the things you least like about your job?

Rain!!
Rain is a sweeps nemesis.
Trying to keep cloths and sweeping equipment dry when it has to be carried some distance is an absolute nightmare.