Change of direction

A 53-year-old Shropshire man has changed career direction and set up a new plumbing business.

Roland Grinker said he wants to change the image some people have of a "cowboy contractor" by launching PlumbXpress, which is now operating through the county.

Father-of-three Mr Grinker, of Ludlow, was previously an account delivery manager for EDS in Telford but is now running the Shropshire branch of PlumbXpress – one of the UK's leading rapid-response plumbing and drain specialists.

He said: "There's no disputing that the plumbing trade has a bad reputation with the public and reliable, qualified plumbers are like gold dust.

"Given the demand for trustworthy plumbers, it made sense to provide a reliable and affordable solution for my local community.

The industry sector is booming, so a PlumbXpress franchise was the perfect option for me as it enabled me to run my own business, whilst benefiting from the support and experience of a much larger organisation.

"I've worked in the service industry all my life and appreciate the value of good customer care. I knew that PlumbXpress prides itself on the quality of its workmanship and customer service so I was confident of my ability to deliver a first-class, value-for-money service."

Corgi registered, PlumbXpress can service boilers, repair existing central heating systems and offer impartial advice on the installation of a completely new system.

An intensive training programme ensures all employees are fully qualified to City & Guilds standard and able to carry out work which clients can rely on.

For complete peace of mind, staff are also subject to strict vetting procedures, including police checks, and work to stringent standards.