Every industry has accreditation and top awards for professionals who do well – so what is it that makes James the Sweep a ‘professional’? Anyone can call him or herself a professional… any Tom, Dick or Harry could pick up a brush, knock on your door and announce that he is a ‘professional chimney sweep’. If he’s charming and has soot smudged on his cheeks, you might believe him.

It’s an important point, that marker of actual experience and trade recognition. When it comes to chimney sweeping, there is no actual qualification needed to sweep a chimney. That sounds worrying from the point of view of customers. However, there are definite green lights, which should show you that a chimney sweep is a true professional.

Firstly, is the chimney sweep a member of a trade association? There’s no legal requirement but membership does serve as a strong indicator that the sweep takes his or her work seriously. Trade associations provide training and guidance, which is reassuring for consumers. James the Sweep is a member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps. He has undertaken a number of trade courses with the Guild, in his 20-plus years as a Master Sweep in Kent. James issues a Guild certificate of sweeping, useful for household insurance, upon completion of any sweeping project.

Secondly, how do you know if the ‘experience’ is real? If you read an online testimonial saying ‘Super work’ from a so-called Boris Johnson, is it likely to be true? The simple fact is that people can make up testimonials. So, how can you know if customers really do value the work done? Ask around, if you want to be sure. The internet doesn’t always give answers, especially in this age of fake news. If you want to really know who should sweep your chimney, ask your neighbours, ask folk at the pub, ask… people whose opinion you trust. James the Sweep’s reputation in T Wells has been built on people recommending his services to each other. But don’t just believe that because you read it – please ask others what they think!

Lastly, talk to James! Any tradesman can hide behind a jazzy website and nice pictures of cats or dogs in their social media. But that doesn’t give you a real idea about the man behind the brush. Pick up the phone and talk to James personally (07587 134 589). Hear his voice, get his opinion – ask him ANY questions about your chimney or fireplace. Gauge his integrity for yourself. Discover why people do choose James to sweep their chimney. Because they trust him. It’s as simple as that.

There are a lot of cowboys out there. Please don’t take chances. Your chimney and fire set-up needs to be kept in proper working order to deter risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires. This isn’t just a case of wasting money by choosing the wrong chimney sweep. If he or she doesn’t know what they are doing, you are putting your household at risk. James the Sweep is a trusted and reliable chimney sweep. A professional. Find out for yourself!