Ian Nolan, based in Tooting, founded TootSweep in 2008- a chimney sweep business based in his local area.
Previously a photographer, during the 2008 recession, where economic instability and unemployment levels were high, Ian decided he wanted to retrain as a tradesman in the tertiary sector as something more practical.
After having his chimney swept and deciding he wanted to pursue the career, he went to the company Rodtech- a professional rotary power sweeping company. In order to develop his skills and interest in the trade he attended a three day comprehensive chimney sweeping course establishing his ability and passion. Following this, he worked with other sweeps and joined Facebook groups to immerse himself in the trade.
Throughout Ian's career working as a sweep, patterns of work have drastically changed due to economic, social and political factors.
In the last decade major economic adaptations have faced our economy leading to the death of cash. Six years ago 40% of people paid for the service in cash whereas now only 10% use cash payments to pay for the service. This transition to digital payment displays the adaptability required to be a successful business owner.
Typically Ian aims to do eight sweeps a day four days a week leading him to have to turn down multiple jobs during the busier season between September and January due to exceeding demand.
Recently, due to many factors such as the Ukraine war and Brexit the economic stability of the country has caused the cost of living and goods to have risen substantially. This has led to an increase in the amount of people wanting to use their fire alternative to gas and electricity for heat in the cold winter months meaning many dormant chimneys are requiring Ian's service to enable them to be used safely and effectively. Subsequently, Ian is having to turn down many possible jobs in order to not overwhelm himself or his business but this poses problems for the local community as a chimney not regularly swept and maintained can cause safety problems leading to major issues such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ian said,"In 2022, we have seen an unprecedented rise in the cost of living and especially the cost of gas and electricity. This has led to many people considering using their chimney for the first time. Consequently, many chimney sweeps are busier this year."
This increase in the cost of gas and electricity has been followed by an increase in diesel prices. To combat this issue, Ian has had to change his mode of travel to a small petrol van to decrease the effect of the cost of living crisis on his business and due to his awareness of diesel pollution. Contrasting to this, due to the niche nature of the trade, there are very few chimney sweeps in London so an increasing proportion of chimney sweeps live out of London and commute in to sweep chimneys due to the cost of housing.
