Horsham father and son team launch ‘Handy’ new business
Surbiton – 16/11/10
Local entrepreneurs and business partners David and Richard Jupp have launched ’0800 Handyman’ a professional handyman service dedicated to dealing with niggling everyday repair and maintenance tasks.
David, 58 and Richard, 30, both fathers-of-two from Horsham, now own and operate the Horsham and Crawley 0800 Handyman branch – the first to launch in West Sussex.
The father and son team had previously been in business together running a successful Dyno Rod franchise in West Sussex.
They were keen to continue working in partnership, but were looking for a change of direction and a fresh and exciting business challenge, in which they could utilise their existing practical and management skills.
Their new business specialises in tackling the small DIY tasks and odd jobs that people don’t have the time, inclination or expertise to carry out themselves.
David tells us: “We discovered there was a real gap in the Horsham and Crawley area for a professional handyman service. While there are plenty of specialist contractors to deal with the bigger jobs, and many odd-job men in our local area, there was no one offering a quality service for handling the multitude of little jobs that never seem to get done!”
Both David and Richard had a keen interest in DIY and felt that going into business with 0800 Handyman was the perfect fit.
Says Richard: “It’s great to be going back into business with my Dad. We work really well as a team and play off each others strengths. I will predominantly take care of the practical side of the business, while my father will concentrate on managing and building the business.”
Having worked for a franchise business before, we recognise the benefit of working in partnership with an established organisation with all the experience to help us run a successful business. At the same time it’s, exciting that we have control of own destiny, while doing a job we’re passionate about!”
Says David: “Of key importance is providing a professional and reliable service. We are a one-stop-shop for customer’s handyman requirements and no task is too small. We’ll put up shelves, change light fittings, assemble furniture, mount plasma screens, change locks or repair a dripping tap.” In fact, David says we’re the ‘men for all reasons’.
0800 Handyman understand their customers’ time is at a premium so specific appointment times are booked rather than morning or afternoon slots. Charges are sensibly based on half hour increments so that the amount invoiced is a more accurate reflection of the time the work takes.
All staff undergo strict vetting procedures, including police checks so clients can be assured of the highest levels of security. Their workmanship is backed by a no quibble guarantee and the company is fully insured.
Richard concludes: “Each day presents a new challenge and its great being out and about meeting people in our local community. People call us out because they have a specific task that they need help with, so I get great job satisfaction with each job, knowing that when I leave a clients’ property I’ve resolved a problem for them!”
Clive Smith, Managing Director, 0800 Handyman said: “We’re delighted to welcome David and Richard on board. They bring a wealth of valuable practical and management expertise to the company and I have every confidence they’ll make a real success of their new venture in Horsham and Crawley.”
Local residents will easily spot David and Richard driving their eye-catching and distinctively liveried ‘toolbox on wheels’ around town. And getting hold of them couldn’t be easier, simply dial 0800 then HANDYMAN using the alpha keys on the telephone pad. (0800 426 396)
About 0800 Handyman • Established in 2001 trading under the name of Redjacks, the company has operated as 0800 Handyman since 2003 and is the UK’s first specialist handyman service. • The business is owned by The Zockoll Group, whose Chairman, Jim Zockoll founded and developed Dyno-Rod, one of the UK’s most successful franchised services. • Building on the successful platform established in the London area the business is expanding by franchising throughout the UK. Issued on behalf of: 0800 Handyman, Zockoll House, 143 Maple Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4BB. Tel: 0208 481 2120. www.0800handyman.com
Becky Roberts, Lloyd Roberts PR, Tel: 01794 590001 M: 07960 718 712
