SUCCEEDING IN BUSINESS IS
ALL ABOUT CONNECTION WHILE THE ELECTROTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY HAS A DIVERSE RANGE OF SECTORS AND OPPORTUNITIES, MANY CONTRACTING BUSINESSES FOLLOW A SIMILAR GROWTH SEQUENCE. BUSINESS OWNERS START OUT, OFTEN AS SOLE OPERATORS, THEN PROGRESS TO EMPLOYING APPRENTICES AND TRADESPEOPLE, GROWING THEIR BUSINESS TO A SIZE THAT SUITS THEIR GOALS. AS THEIR BUSINESS MATURES, OWNERS START LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, WHICH OFTEN INVOLVES DISCUSSIONS ABOUT TRANSITIONING THEIR BUSINESS INTO NEW HANDS. We interviewed three business owners at the start up, growth and transition stages who shared their experiences and valuable insights. One of the consistent messages was the important role relationships play in running a business. While contracting businesses often start out with a single person, they definitely don’t operate in isolation.
GREG SPURLING SPURLING ELECTRICAL Greg Spurling started Spurling Electrical in 2000. For the first two years, Greg worked on his own, building the business until employing a second tradesperson. As the business progressed, he started an apprentice and has now just employed their tenth apprentice. “One of the advantages of being selfemployed is the reward for your own effort, even though this is not always easy. As the owner operator, I liaise and quote with customers large and small, plan and supervise jobs, manage all facets of the business administration and support tradespeople and apprentices.” “I’ve been fortunate to have my sons Josh and Tom complete their apprenticeships with me and work as tradespeople and supervisors within the company. Josh has now relocated and is establishing himself as a contractor. Watching apprentices grow into successful tradespeople and adults, including spending time with my sons every day
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from leaving school through to their late twenties, has been a real highlight.” “I’ve also enjoyed spending time socially with other contractors at supplier events in Australia and overseas.” The majority of Spurling Electrical’s work is in the aged care sector, providing services to residential care centres and independent living centres. “We built our business through involvement in local football and surf lifesaving clubs over the years. For new contractors, it’s worth looking at ways to become involved in your local community through your family, schools and sporting clubs. This approach has helped us build a presence within our local area.” “For contractors planning to take their business to the next level, I also suggest they employ administrative assistance, whether this be through a partner or an additional employee.”
Greg is now 58, and although he cannot see himself retiring anytime soon, he is helping the business move into its next phase of ownership. He can see himself continuing in a supporting role to help the team continue Spurling Electrical and build on its success.
June 2021
