Chimney Sweeps
The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps (FBCS) aim to create trade standards and to be a central point of contact for the industry.
The FBCS compromises of the main industry trade associations and the industry's NVQ provider.
Are you registered?
Many consumers will look for their chimney sweep to be registered with a chimney sweep association. Unregistered sweeps can still do a brilliant job, but many customers would like this reassurance rather than taking the chance.
Chimney Sweep Associations
Many chimney sweeps may choose to join an association to make use of the multitude of benefits.
These associations generally offer
- Basic training to ensure knowledge of members
- Regular refresher training
- Specialist training (i.e. thatch, CCTV)
- Formal NVQ qualifications
- You may be issued with an identification badge, this can help customers to feel more secure having you in their homes
- Gain credibility with the many local authorities and heating companies
- Discounts on equipment
- Nationally recognised chimney sweeping certificates of completion
- Listed in the search function of their website
- Use the branding to promote your company (on vans, clothing, promotional material)
- Insurance
- Gain credibility
- The association may mediate between yourself and a customer if any problems were to arise—including non payment by a customer
- Technical support
Each association is managed slightly differently, below are some of the more popular associations for you to investigate. Many of these are members of the FBCS.
Links to the websites can be found by clicking the expanded name of the association.
NACS
National Association of Chimney Sweeps
Formed in 1982 as a professional Trade Association, promoting high standards for the sweeping, inspection and maintenance of chimneys.
APICS
Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps
APICS aim to promote good standards of sweeping. Offering members training and continuous support, but allowing sweeps independence to trade and work without interference.
GMCS
Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps
One of the UK’s not-for-profit chimney sweep trade association, with the industries highest standards in training and assessment.
NCSSA
National Chimney Sweeping Safety Association
Recently formed by experienced professional chimney sweeps in September 2017, with the aim of “taking the ancient art of chimney sweeping into the 21st century.”
SS
The Chimney Sweep Association aims to put experienced chimney sweeps first, promoting skills and experience, safeguarding the Industry and promoting its members with potential customers.
