2 minute read
Ex Scottish Armed Forces Franchisee Wins Award
Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchisee wins at Scottish ex-forces business awards
Kris McLernon (33) owner of the Lanarkshire franchise of Wilkins Chimney Sweep, was a winner at the 2022 Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards recently, in the ‘New Service Leaver ’ category.
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The New Service Leaver category recognises men and women who left the military less than three years ago.
Kris left the army in April 2020 after 14 years as a recovery mechanic with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and bought his Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise in September 2021.
At a black-tie event held at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, Kris was announced as the winner of his category and presented with his award by Lt Col Lorne Campbell, Edinburgh Garrison Commander and ex Royal Marine, BBC presenter and Invictus Games Gold Medallist, JJ Chalmers. Lt Col Lorne Campbell said:
“I was honoured to present Kris the award for NewServiceLeaverattheScottishEx-Forcesin Business Awards recently. Against very strong competition, a panel of experts recognised him as the standout winner. I'm not familiar with his businessorsweepingskills,butIwouldbewilling tolaya wager that he isprobablyquite brilliant. ManycongratulationsKris.
The awards highlight the achievements of exmilitary personnel, their success since leaving the forces and the organisations that have supported them.
The organisers said:
Left: L to R, Kris McLernon, Wilkins Chimney Sweep Lanarkshire, Lt Col Lorne Campbell, Edinburgh Garrison Commander, JJ Chalmers, BBC presenter, Invictus Games Gold Medallist and ex Royal Marine
Right: Lorne Campbellgives aspeechattheawards
Kris bought his Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise on a ‘nomoneydown ’ special offer that the franchisor, Taylor Made Franchising, developed during the pandemic to help people looking for a new career.
After less than 12 months Kris has exceeded all expectations and has leapt to halfway up the franchisee’s leader board, beating many longestablished franchisees.
He has used creative marketing and advertising to boost his brand awareness and is a keen social media user, frequently posting videos of his day and the chimneys he is cleaning.
Corps Colonel, Colonel Jason Phillips ADC REME said:
“OnbehalfofallmembersoftheCorpsofRoyal ElectricalandMechanicalEngineers(REME)we are absolutely delighted to see Kris win the Scottish Ex-Forces Service Leaver of the Year Awardfor2022.
Krisepitomisesallthatisgreataboutformerand current REME people – bright, hard-working, honourableandwitha can-dospirittoeverything he takes on. Huge congratulations Kris. Well done. ”
Talking about his win Kris said:
“Igenuinelythoughtitwasjustgoingtobeanight off, to let off some steam and meet a fewgood people. Imanagednotonlytohaveagreatnight butIalsowontheawardinmycategory.
Massive congratulations to all the finalists and winners. If someone like me can achieve somethinglikethis,there’sabsolutelyno reason whynooneelseleavingthemilitarycan’tachieve thesameandIdiditallthroughapandemic.
Wilkins Chimney Sweep is owned by Taylor Made Franchising who also own or part own StumpBusters, PVC Vendo, Thomas Cleaning, Iconic Window Cleaning and Broadway Wine, Mister Tacho, Women In Business Network (WIBN) and Wagging Tails.
Discounts are available for ex-military personnel.
