Talking to Aaron about The Quote Handbook

The TWC team recently sat down with Aaron, the author of "The Quote Handbook - Essential Steps to Building the Perfect Boiler Quote." Our probing questions led to an enlightening conversation about his work, insights into the plumbing and heating industry, and the strategies he has laid out for business owners. Here's how the conversation went:

1. What inspired you to write a book specifically for plumbing and heating business owners?

Through my work as an accountant, working closely with many plumbing and heating business owners, I recognised that many in the trade were struggling with the quotation process, and there was a lack of proper guidance on how to write effective quotes. I wanted to end the cycle of poor quotes and provide practical tools and strategies that could be implemented straight away, helping businesses in the plumbing and heating industry to achieve greater success.

I was inspired to write "The Quote Handbook" to provide a working example and explore how different sections of the perfect quote work in real-life scenarios.

I focused on the plumbing and heating sectors due to my firsthand knowledge and experience with the struggles these businesses face. My ability to spot what makes one business stand out from the rest, along with my expertise in accounting, allowed me to offer valuable advice tailored to these industries.

2. Can you explain the main challenges that these business owners face in their quoting system, and how your book addresses them?

I work closely with business owners in the plumbing and heating industry, and I notice some recurring challenges they face in their quoting system.

It's not surprising how many struggles with writing quotes. There's just no proper education on how to structure them for success. Some people think copying a quote from a competitor will do the trick. But if that quote's not good to begin with, you're just perpetuating a cycle of poor quotes.

I've seen tradespeople miss out on crucial parts of a quote, and it leads to unhappy customers and lost opportunities. You've got to really understand what's bothering the customer and relay it back to them in the quote.

The book addresses the challenges by giving a real, hands-on example. I walk you through different sections of a perfect quote, just like I would if we were sitting down together.

I've put together guidance on what to include, how to structure it, and the best practices to follow. It's like a roadmap to break free from those ineffective quotes.

And you know what? Even though I focus on plumbing and heating, these ideas can work for other trades too. It's a versatile guide that can help many businesses.

So, that's what I've tried to do with "The Quote Handbook." I wanted to address these real-world challenges and provide practical, actionable solutions. Whether you're in plumbing, heating, or another trade, I believe this book can make a difference in how you approach quotes and grow your business.

3. As an accountant, how did you become interested in the plumbing and heating industry?

It's been quite a journey, and it all started with my early career. After training and qualifying, I found myself managing a diverse portfolio of corporate clients across the Southeast of England. That experience really laid the groundwork for me, giving me a solid foundation in accounting practices.

Then, something exciting happened. I landed a specialised role as the internal Finance Director for one of the UK's largest independent family-run plumbing, heating, and renewable energy firms. That's when I really got to dive into the unique challenges and opportunities within the plumbing and heating industry. I was right there in the thick of it, gaining firsthand knowledge and experience.

In 2011, I decided to take things a step further and founded TWC, my own accountancy firm.  TWC has grown since then, and I've had the chance to work with businesses of all sizes, offering valuable advice from an accounting perspective. My expertise in plumbing, heating, and renewables, has allowed me to make a real impact in this sector.

And you know what? My connection to the industry goes beyond just professional interest. I genuinely understand the struggles these businesses face. I've seen what makes one business stand out from the rest, and I'm committed to offering straightforward, no-nonsense, innovative advice. It's not just about numbers for me; it's about helping these businesses thrive. That's what fuels my passion for this field.

So that's my story. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for every step that's led me to where I am today, working closely with an industry I truly care about.