The Apprentice winner, Joseph Valente, has signed up with NICEIC – the UK’s leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry.
Valente was named the winner of the hit BBC show ‘The Apprentice’ last year. That victory earned him the backing of Lord Sugar and he is using his support to expand his plumbing, heating and electrical business, Impra Gas.
“It has been full on since winning The Apprentice, but it is a great platform for my business,” commented Valente.
“The investment and support has allowed us to explore new areas and we just want to get going now and grab the opportunity.”
Part of that development includes gaining NICEIC accreditation. As the nation’s leading and most recognised certification body, Valente admits NICEIC approval was vital to expanding his business.
“Having specialised in the heating and plumbing sector I was well aware of NICEIC and it was the only brand that people really spoke about.
“We used to sub-contract out all of our electrical work but winning The Apprentice means we have been able to take on two fully qualified electricians and start doing that work in-house.
“Being an Approved Contractor with NICEIC means we can now offer a full electrical service to our clients including consumer unit changes and electrical reporting and testing.”
Joseph is also keen to capitalise on the growing trend for smart technology around the
home.
Continual developments in technology in recent years have transformed the way we work. They are also increasingly changing the way we live in our ‘connected’ homes – something Joseph has identified as a specialist area for his business.
“I think smart homes and the Internet of Things (IoT) is the way the industry is going,” he added.
“Technology is developing all the time and I think being a pioneer in that particular area is a strong unique selling point for my business.
“Winning The Apprentice has allowed us time to look at new avenues to explore – such as smart technology. Something we never had the time or money to do before.”
Impra Gas currently employs five gas engineers and two qualified electricians. Originally based in Peterborough, Impra Gas will be expanding into Cambridgeshire and Northampton this year with further plans to grow the business and the services it offers.
NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy added: “We are delighted to welcome Impra Gas and Joseph on board.
“The NICEIC name is associated with quality and is great to know that when it comes to expanding and growing a business that Joseph turned to NICEIC – the name which for sixty years has stood for excellence and safe electrical working.”