A SCOTTISH specialist home assistance company is predicting a £3million sales surge by challenging industry giants such as Home Serve and British Gas with its innovative range of emergency repair policies.
First Call Home Assist aims to deliver a fresh new approach to the home assistance sector by offering cheaper and better policies – supported by directly employed engineers, a UK network of contractors and 24/7 claim call centre.
It has set a target of breaking into the market dominated by the likes of British Gas by signing up in excess of 20,000 policies across the UK over the next 12 months.
Paul Greaves aims to challenge British Gas’ dominance in the market
The sales target will see Edinburgh-based First Call Home Assist top £3m turnover – which will see estimated revenues for it and its sister company, First Call Trade Services, hit £5m by April 2013.
Paul Greaves, Managing Director of First Call Home Assist, said they have spent the last six months establishing a UK-wide trade network, setting up its Halifax-based call centre and refining its product offering to allow it to successfully compete in the home assistance policy marketplace.
He said: “We know there is a demand for a company that offers a fresh, new approach to home assistance policies that are not just cheaper than other bigger rivals, but provide the kind of service customers actually want.
“We carried out extensive research on the range of services currently available and identified and selected the best elements to complete the First Call Home Assist policy offering. That means we offer unlimited call outs, all-inclusive parts and labour, two hour response rates and features such as taking on homes with boilers that are 20 years old.
“What’s more, our staff use the latest hand held technology and have vans stocked with more than £2500 worth of parts to ensure repairs are quickly carried out. And all our policies are insurance-backed products regulated by the FSA – to provide the ultimate in reassurance.
“It’s this unique, personalised service that will make the ‘big-boy’ competitors sit up, but more than take notice – be afraid.
“We are looking forward to going head to head with the likes of British Gas – and beating them hands down.”
First Call Home Assist offers four policies for home emergency assistance – increasing in scale and cover from its Home Emergency to Complete Care package – with cover starting from £8.99/month.
While the firm is initially targeting homeowners, it is also aggressively pursuing the rental, factored property and social housing sectors by offering bespoke policies for tenants and occupiers that would allow them to contact First Call Home Assist direct in event of an emergency.
Paul added that the future plans for First Call Home Assist remain very ambitious.
He said: “We see the launch of our new policies as just the start. The investment in our dedicated call centre in Halifax and our commitment to develop the best network possible means we are perfectly place to strengthen our rapid response service to customers – regardless of where they live.
“We are embarking on a comprehensive marketing campaign to bring First Call Home Assist to the ears of homeowners across the country – and we are developing strong links with major letting agencies and social housing bodies.
“We see the opportunities to grow First Call Home Assist as endless
“We also know the development of the trade network means we are providing valuable work to many contractors who are still continuing to struggle because of the ongoing challenging conditions in the construction industry.”
As well as developing the business, First Call Home Assist has cemented its strong commitment to local communities across Scotland by choosing Cash For Kids as its official charity.
