Residential and light commercial HVAC installers and contractors finally have a one-stop shop for everything they need to make their working lives easier.
Known as the Split Club, it was created as an online hub for Australia's younger generation of independent installers to go to get information about all aspects of running their HVAC business, from keeping up to speed with latest compliance, tools, installation practices and to network with their mates in the industry.
This couldn’t come at a better time given that contractors and installers are needing to keep up to speed on the rapid evolution of both legislation and technological advancements in HVAC installation.
Specifically, the Split Club education program covers everything from installation tips, real world business advice including HR and invoicing issues right through to the latest regulatory updates, licensing changes and information on new low GWP refrigerants. It will also be the place where installers will be able to share real-life experience and challenges with each other.
CCN believes it will provide a very handy central hub of information for those who want to protect and grow their installation business. And yes there is more but bringing together so much information and resources didn't happen overnight.
The concept began with the realisation that under the current regime installers and contractors had to go to the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) website for licensing and compliance updates, the CCN website for news headlines or manufacturers’ websites for product information.
Moreover, business advice for small operators can be invaluable but isn't always easy to find and consultants are only affordable to the big end of town.
At the same time, most small business operators are busy people with not a lot of time on their hands to source information that might help their business, according to David Staker, the group marketing manager at Temperzone. "Smaller installers of residential and light commercial split systems are usually so busy in their business they don't get much of a chance to work on their business,” Staker said.
“We have set the Split Club up as a hub where smaller HVAC operators can go to get ongoing information to help with running their businesses in a way that is as streamlined, compliant and profitable as possible.
“Ultimately, the goal is make life easier for the people at the coalface of our industry."
As one of the original creators of the Split Club, Staker said it was important to get a broad cross-section of partners on board to ensure members had access to the right information and resources.
“An education campaign requires a media partner, that's where CCN comes in and we have also partnered with Reece, a grass roots company with huge reach across the country,” he said.
“Today's RAC workforce has had to adapt to an ever-changing regulatory environment so its important to always be a step ahead,” he said. “In a nutshell, the Split Club is a place for smaller installers to go to get ongoing support across a number of areas, from quoting, workflow, HR, sales and marketing and of course compliance and licensing. And we want it to be the place they can go to share experiences, war stories if you like, and help each other.”
To introduce the RAC trade to the Split Club, a series of events will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Townsville in coming months.
“The events will be a great chance for installers and small contractors to relax, have a drink and learn new ways to make life easier for installers and contractors, a One stop shop for themselves,” he said.
“Not to mention the chance to win an all expenses paid overseas trip and there will also be a heap of tools up for grabs. To join go to thesplitclub.com.au.
“The entertainment will be great too, we don't want it to be all work, networking does require a relaxed environment.”
As the publisher of CCN which is Australia's only daily news site for the climate control industry, Helen Davies, said it is clear that the Split Club is long overdue.
“There is clearly a need for a more holistic resource that is a one-stop-shop for smaller operators,” she said. “There are always benefits that come with club membership but those benefits are even better when its free to join.”
Watch this space for details about how to join the Split Club.