Meet Bradley Ellis MCIPHE RP

What interests you about the industry?

Where we’re placed in the construction industry, it’s the commercial side of things, but it’s also more intricate. It’s trying to upkeep the traditional ways and applications with modern principles. You have to know a bit of everything: electrics, carpentry, roofing, as well as core plumbing and heating skills.

How did you get into it?

University wasn’t for me. I’ve always been a hands-on person. The family had other trades, but they didn’t have a plumber. At the time, I’d heard people were earning obscene amounts of money. Of course, it never works out that way – the money is a by-product of your own abilities and professionalism.

What’s the best thing that you’ve learned?

If it’s not your skillset, recommend someone else. It’s nice to give them the work and the customer the best deal possible. You can’t do everything. Always get people with experience to shadow you.

How did you get into your current role?

Seven years ago I started trading for myself. Although I’m the company director, I never see it as working for myself. I see it that the company employs me. I’ve got 11 employees and everyone brings something. That’s the ethos I’d like to retain. Without them working as hard and as well as they do, we wouldn’t be in the position we are. I don’t want to be some massive entity. We’ve been bigger and I’ve downsized.

If you had the chance, would you do it all over again?

Absolutely. There are so many things that you learn. It’s really rewarding building your own business. You make mistakes but you learn from them. They laugh in the office but I still have to be on the tools.

What’s been your stand-out moment?

I became a liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Plumbers in 2018. It was a real honour, like being welcomed into a new family. They’re encouraging young people to come through and the ceremony was brilliant. My first involvement was in achieving my Livery Companies Skills Council Journeyman Plumber Award via the CIPHE and I would advise anyone to go for it.

Tell us something people don’t know about you

I’m a farmer at heart. My grandfather used to run it and I am carrying it on. Upkeeping it is one of my hobbies. It relaxes me. And when I’ve got time, I’m a pianist.

This article first appeared in the Jul/Aug 2019 issue of P&H Engineering, the magazine for members of the CIPHE. Find out how to join here