John Williams

John Williams, co-founder of John Williams Heating Services

John set up John Williams Heating Services in 2004 after a successful career working as an employed heating engineer.

John had joined his previous employer after becoming an apprentice out of school and worked there for 19 happy years.

However, he made the momentous decision at the age of 36 to ‘go it alone’ and start a business of his own.

Working from the conservatory of his Wiltshire home, the fledgling business grew far quicker than he could have anticipated, with his wife Debbie carrying out essential administration and telephone answering tasks. After 15 months, he had to take on another engineer as he was being run ragged.

Soon another engineer followed, and the company moved into their first premises in 2011.

Today John works on the coalface with a team of engineers, including several apprentices at different stages of learning as well as important support staff. The business works out of the Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate in Chippenham where it’s had a base for many years. John’s ethos of not growing too big still holds true today and the team all offer excellent service to customers.

As a businessman, John is a passionate advocate of apprenticeships, feeling strongly that this vocational avenue to a career should be supported more widely, particularly in schools.

He also believes governments and politicians should value more the contribution small businesses make to the wider economy – and should be more supportive through tax breaks and grants to encourage further growth and employment opportunities.

Being part of the local community is very important to John and the company. They sponsor several community events in Chippenham throughout the year and raise money for several charities of their choice which support the local community.

At home John spends time with Debbie and their daughters Georgina and Katie and their partners. The family also welcomed a new member in 2018, their first grandchild Millie.

John is a keen runner, and is also a rugby fan and follows the fortunes of Chippenham Rugby Club as well as being a season ticket holder for Bath Rugby Club.