We hear how a contracting firm has utilised job management software to cut down on a mountain of paperwork.

From humble beginnings in a garden shed, Waterlip Electrical Contracting (WEC) has grown into a busy family-run business with 13 staff and a full schedule of commercial, industrial and domestic electrical work.

Outdated

Founder Connor started the company six years ago and has built the team around trusted family and friends. But as the business grew, so did the paperwork – and it soon became clear the old systems weren’t going to keep up.

“We were keeping up with the work, but we were just filling up our office with filing cabinets. Everything was on paper – testing, job sheets, materials. It became a nightmare to manage,” he said. To help manage the growth, the company adopted Fergus – and halved its admin load.

Before Fergus, WEC was handling everything manually. Job details were typed up in the office, printed out for the team, and returned at the end of the week in a stack of handwritten job sheets. Those job sheets were then entered into Excel for costing, cross-checked with supplier pricing, marked up, and eventually entered into accounting software for invoicing.

“We had someone in the office all week just copying up paperwork. Then we’d print it out again if we needed it. It was just a massive time waste,” explained Connor.

This manual workflow became harder to manage as the team expanded and job volume increased.

“It’s been really hard trying to grow the business when you’re relying on spreadsheets and paperwork. There was no easy way to manage everything in one place.”

Since implementing Fergus, WEC has been able to streamline operations and free up key admin time.

“Now the lads get to site and everything they need is on their phones. Job sheets, materials, notes – it’s all there. And they’re filling it in properly every time, which never used to happen,” Connor continued.

Connor estimates that just from automating job sheets alone, the business has saved four days a week of admin time – freeing up one team member to get back on the tools and another to focus on higher-value office work.

“I can invoice a customer before the lads have even left site. That used to take hours, now it takes minutes. Also, the lads would take photos on their phones and we’d spend hours uploading everything to Dropbox. Now they use the Fergus app and it’s instantly in the system, even if we’re 150 miles away.”

Having everything in one place has been a game-changer for Connor, who now has time to focus on developing the business.

The results

By moving away from paper-based processes and bringing the team onto Fergus, WEC has:

• Freed up around four days of admin time every week
• Reduced manual data entry and duplicated work
• Improved visibility across all jobs
• Accelerated invoicing and improved cash flow
• Given the team more time to focus on customers and growth

“It’s completely changed everything we do. Fergus has saved us so much time and stress,” said Connor.

For further details, click here

Find more industry features here

The post Contracting firm utilises job management software to cut down admin load appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

It’s been a busy few months in the electrical industry, with new appointments and shake-ups across different sectors. Keep up to date with the latest movements here, as we details who has gone where…

Mike Hills

KLIPBOARD 

Klipboard has announced the appointment of Mike Hills as General Manager for the UK & Ireland. With nearly 20 years of SaaS leadership, Mike brings a powerhouse of experience in scaling software businesses, driving customer success and delivering operational excellence. His appointment signals Klipboard’s intent to deepen its footprint in the UK & Ireland and unlock new growth opportunities.

Most recently, Mike served as Chief Customer Officer at Phocas Software, a Klipboard partner, where he led global teams across professional services, customer success, support and operations.

Matthew Allen

FERGUS

Fergus has appointed Matthew Allen as its new Senior Account Executive. Allen brings extensive experience in software sales for trades businesses, having previously achieved top sales performance at Tradify.

Based in Manchester, Matthew joins Fergus at a pivotal time as the company continues its rapid expansion across the UK trades market. His appointment reinforces Fergus’s commitment to providing exceptional support and service to tradespeople looking to streamline their operations and reduce administrative burden.

Dave Dawkins

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Knightsbridge has announced the appointment of Dave Dawkins as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Dave joins the business with over 30 years of industry experience, primarily in lighting manufacture, as well as in rail infrastructure and distribution. His career spans senior roles in international markets and leading organisations, with a proven track record in business development, strategic planning, and supply chain management.

Jennifer Walters

SAMAC FIXINGS

Samac Fixings has announced the appointment of Jennifer Walters as its West Midlands Area Sales Manager. Jennifer joins Samac Fixings with proven business development credentials and experience of managing and nurturing long-term relationships.

Jennifer is passionate about ensuring customers have access to the best solutions available and her previous role was at Harrison Wipes, where she was responsible for key distributors and end-users in the North of the UK – creating strategic business plans to deliver mutual growth.

Catch up on previous months ‘Movers and shakers’ articles here

The post Movers & Shakers | October 2025 appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

As more electricians turn to job management software to streamline their businesses, electrical wholesalers have an opportunity to enhance customer loyalty and increase sales says Katie Hall, UK Marketing Manager at Fergus.

The rise of job management software is transforming the way electrical contractors run their businesses. By automating tasks, reducing admin and streamlining everything from quoting to invoicing, these platforms help contractors focus on their trade while staying in control of their finances. But this shift isn’t just benefiting electricians – it’s creating new opportunities for electrical wholesalers to add value, improve customer loyalty and increase sales.

For electrical contractors, efficiency is everything. A typical day can involve juggling multiple jobs, sourcing materials, managing teams and keeping track of payments. Without a proper system in place, it’s easy for costs to spiral, invoices to go unpaid and jobs to become disorganised. But job management software, like Fergus, can really help.

Fergus allows contractors to log new jobs, track costs, schedule work and invoice customers – all in one place. It keeps everything running smoothly, making it easy to manage team workloads, send quotes quickly and ensure that every job remains profitable. One major advantage is automated payment processing, which allows electricians to accept contactless payments on-site via Apple Pay, Google Pay or credit card. Late payments can also be chased up automatically with SMS reminders, taking the hassle out of credit control.

By integrating scheduling and client communication, Fergus also helps businesses keep customers informed with appointment confirmations and job updates. Instead of manual diary entries and missed calls, the system provides a clear visual calendar, reducing the risk of overbookings and improving customer service.

The right stuff

While job management software is designed to help contractors, its impact extends much further, including for wholesalers. One of the biggest challenges for trade customers is ensuring they have the right materials, at the right time and at the right price. Fergus solves this problem by integrating directly with wholesalers, making it easier for electricians to place orders, manage stock and track material costs in real-time.

Fergus currently integrates with over 26 electrical wholesalers, including Yesss Electrical, Rexel, CEF and Edmundson Electrical. This means that electricians using Fergus can order materials straight from their preferred wholesaler without leaving the platform. Pricebooks are uploaded directly into the system, ensuring contractors always have access to the latest prices, reducing errors in quoting and improving pricing accuracy.

For wholesalers, this integration does more than just make it convenient for customers – it provides valuable insight into purchasing trends, stock levels and contractor buying behaviour.

One of the stand-out features of Fergus for wholesalers is the way it simplifies procurement. Instead of electricians having to manually check stock, call for prices or visit a branch, they can place purchase orders directly from Fergus. These orders go straight to the wholesaler for pricing, pickup or delivery.

Frustrations

One of the biggest frustrations for trade businesses is waiting to get paid so the automatic invoice-matching function is another major advantage. Supplier invoices are imported into Fergus and automatically assigned to the correct job, removing the need for manual data entry. For electricians, this means no more lost paperwork and no more confusion over material costs.

With Fergus, wholesalers can help their customers speed up the invoicing process, ensuring that contractors can bill their clients the moment a job is completed. Because material and labour costs are already logged in the system, invoices can be generated in minutes – whether from an initial quote or a quick final calculation.

The ability to pull in live supplier pricing also ensures that electricians apply the correct markups and discounts, helping them protect their margins while keeping costs transparent for customers.

The growing use of job management software presents a clear opportunity for wholesalers. Contractors are increasingly relying on digital solutions to improve efficiency, reduce errors and increase profitability and wholesalers who integrate with these platforms stand to benefit. By becoming a preferred supplier on Fergus, wholesalers can improve customer retention by offering seamless ordering and invoice integration and increase sales by making it easier for electricians to purchase materials directly from their platform. Wholesalers can also gain valuable sales insights on what products are in demand and when and enhance customer service by making procurement faster and more efficient.

As electricians continue to embrace job management software, wholesalers that integrate with these platforms will be in the best position to support their customers, streamline operations and drive sales growth.

For further details, click here

Find more industry features here

The post How can job management software enhance customer loyalty and increase sales? appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

The UK construction industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, reaching £476.6 billion in revenue by 2027. This growth presents an incredible opportunity for trade businesses to capitalise – but only if they’re prepared.

To help you seize the moment, Fergus is offering an exclusive 25% discount this January, giving you the tools you need to run a lean, profitable operation. Don’t let outdated processes hold you back – by starting the new year with Fergus, you’ll be setting your business up for long-term success.

Trade businesses face countless daily challenges, from managing cashflow to scheduling jobs efficiently. Job management software (JMS) like Fergus can transform how your business operates by automating repetitive tasks, consolidating your data and providing insights that drive growth. Fergus also empowers trade businesses to:

• Get paid faster: Fergus automates invoicing and payment reminders so you don’t have to chase. It also includes a Tap-to-Pay feature in its mobile app so clients can pay on the spot.
• Manage jobs seamlessly: From quoting to job scheduling, all your key tasks are handled in one intuitive platform.
• Improve cashflow: Fergus’s analytics help you identify your high-margin jobs and forecast revenue so it’s easy to make decisions about which jobs to take.

With Fergus, you will spend less time on admin and more time growing your business. And if you’re concerned about switching from your current provider, you don’t need to be – Fergus has made it incredibly easy for new customers to migrate.

“Many tradespeople feel stuck with their current software, fearing a time-consuming and complicated switch – that’s why we’ve made it as straightforward as possible to join Fergus,” explained Katie Hall, Marketing Manager at Fergus UK. “The team takes care of the heavy lifting, including data transfer and onboarding, so your business faces minimal disruption during the transition.”

The offer is available for new sign-ups only and applies to the first payment upon checkout. The 25% discount is valid until January 31, 2025. Full terms and conditions are available on the Fergus website.

Visit www.fergus.com to learn more about how Fergus can transform your business.

Find more industry features here

The post Start your business year with Fergus appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

Fergus founder Dan Pollard highlights the issue of mental health in the workplace and offers some tips on how tradespeople can support each other’s wellbeing as well as their own.

At Fergus we are calling for greater attention to mental health in the workplace. Fergus believes that efficient workload management and transparent communication are key factors in reducing stress and anxiety, both of which are often precursors to mental health issues. This year, Fergus has been using its platform to highlight how job management tools can contribute to creating healthier, more supportive work environments.

World Suicide Prevention Day, held every year on September 10th, aims to raise awareness about suicide and the steps that can be taken to reduce its occurrence globally. While the conversation about mental health has gained momentum in recent years, workplaces continue to be a significant source of stress for many individuals.

At Fergus, we understand that the pressures of work can take a toll on mental health. We’re committed not only to helping businesses manage their operations more efficiently but also to creating environments where employees feel supported, reducing the risks of burnout and mental strain.

A constant state of urgency

The physical exhaustion and chronic pain associated with physically demanding work also affects mental wellbeing and we need to be talking about it. Time pressures add another layer of stress, as tradespeople often find themselves meeting tight deadlines and managing emergency callouts, which makes them feel like they are living in a constant state of urgency. Those that own their own business or are sole traders have the added stress of keeping admin at bay, cash flowing and jobs coming in, so it’s just a pipe ready to burst without an outlet.

Fergus’s job management software offers solutions that address some of the key stressors in the workplace. Features such as efficient workload distribution, clear task tracking and enhanced communication tools help alleviate anxiety, foster transparency and prevent feelings of isolation among employees. By automating and streamlining processes, Fergus enables teams to maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Job management isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about ensuring that teams are not overwhelmed and that communication is clear and consistent. These are essential for creating a mentally healthy workplace.

Healthier work environments

Fergus is encouraging businesses across the UK to prioritise mental health by utilising job management software to create safer, healthier work environments. The company is also exploring partnerships with mental health organisations to provide direct access to professional resources through its platform. Integrating features like mental health break reminders, anonymous feedback tools and easy access to counselling services can further promote a supportive culture within organisations.

Fergus has come up with a few suggestions on how tradespeople – and their mates – can better look after their mental health.

Tip 1: Speak up, mate

Here’s a hard fact: according to Mates in Construction, construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work. Don’t bottle it up. If something’s weighing you down, don’t keep it to yourself.

Tip 2: Keep an eye out for your mates

Safety is teamwork, and so is mental wellbeing. If you see a mate struggling, don’t turn a blind eye. Asking a simple “You alright?” can be the first step in making a big difference.

Tip 3: Limit alcohol and substance use

We all enjoy a cold one, but moderation is key and a clear mind is better than a foggy buzz. Try swapping out a beer for a book or a movie night with friends or family. If you are really struggling to steer away from alcohol in a social setting, give a zero-alcohol option a go.

Tip 4: Take a break

We often think pushing through the pain is the answer, but that’s a quick ticket to burnout city. We all need a breather, whether it’s a weekend off or even a longer break, and stepping away gives your mind a chance to reset.

Tip 5: Get physical and eat right

After a long day, the last thing you want to do is exercise. But physical activity releases endorphins, your body’s natural mood lifters. Even a simple 30-minute walk after work can help clear your head. It’s tempting to grab fast food for lunch, but your body – and mind – need better fuel. Poor diet contributes to poor mental health, and a balanced meal with fruits, veggies and lean protein can boost your mood and energy.

Further details are available here

Find more industry features here

The post Fergus offers some tips on how tradespeople can support each other’s wellbeing | Soapbox appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

Andrew Macdonald and Kevin Durkin
OVIA

Ovia is delighted to announce two new appointments to the sales team, Kevin Durkin as Regional Sales Manager covering Scotland and Northern England, and Andrew Macdonald as Regional Sales Manager for the south of England.

Kevin joins having spent 12 years in the industry, working within a sales role for some of the sector’s leading brands. Over the past 8 years he has worked with Scolmore Group across group companies, Click, ESP and Unicrimp. Before his move to Ovia, Kevin took up the position of Area Sales Manager.

Andrew joins Ovia with more than 16 years’ experience within a sales environment, including almost 10 years with a number of key operators in the lighting sector.

In their new roles, Kevin and Andrew will be responsible for managing the activity of the Area Sales Managers in their respective regions against the strategic requirements of the business. They will help develop and maintain strong working relationships with key personnel in the relevant customer groups to ensure that all sales opportunities are maximised.

Matt Burton
AURORA LIGHTING

Aurora Lighting is excited to announce the appointment of Matt Burton as its new Managing Director. With an extensive background and proven expertise in the lighting sector, Burton’s appointment heralds a new era of strategic direction and innovation for the company.

In his new role, Burton brings a dynamic vision that aligns seamlessly with Aurora’s core goals and values. His wealth of experience and forward-thinking approach are poised to drive the company towards new heights of success.

Sébastien Bonneville, CEO of GALAED Group, expressed his enthusiasm for Burton’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled that Matt has accepted his new role. His strategic insight and leadership skills will be invaluable as we continue our journey of growth and expansion.”

In a message from Matt Burton himself, he expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I am delighted to accept this new challenge with Aurora. It’s an honour to lead such a talented and passionate team, I am eager to build on the strong foundations we’ve rebuilt.”

Peter Hunter, Sarah Kennedy, Patrick Giller, Sam Buck
FERGUS

Fergus has announced a strategic expansion of its team to support its rapid growth and commitment to providing exceptional customer service. Joining the Fergus team are Peter Hunter as Account Executive, Sarah Kennedy as Customer Success Specialist, Patrick Giller as Content Manager, and Sam Buck as Partnerships Manager.

Peter Hunter brings a wealth of experience in sales and a deep understanding of the construction industry, making him perfectly positioned to help trades businesses discover the transformative power of Fergus. Sarah Kennedy’s expertise in customer success will ensure users receive tailored support, maximising their software benefits. Patrick Giller’s content management skills will drive Fergus’s messaging, educating the market on the value of job management software. Lastly, Sam Buck’s strategic vision for partnerships will open new avenues for growth and collaboration within the industry.

For related articles, click here

The post Movers and Shakers: Ovia, Aurora Lighting and Fergus appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.