Jim's Test & Tag has signed a national contract to service Telstra exchanges and vehicles, providing guaranteed and ongoing work for many of the 155 Jim's Test & Tag franchisees.

Neil Welsh, divisional franchisor for Jim's Test & Tag in Australia and New Zealand, said the Telstra contract is lucrative and a great endorsement of Jim's Test & Tag's reputation in the marketplace.

The business regularly bids for large company contracts on behalf of their franchisees, he said. "Competing for industry tenders is part of our strategy. Basically my role as divisional franchisor is to identify and obtain tenders for the franchisees. It's what makes this franchise system so successful because we do the tendering and other work generation projects in the background so the franchisees can get out there and do the work."  

The tender process is often complex and time-consuming so many single-operator type businesses don't have the time, knowledge or support to compete, Welsh added.

"We don't try and compete on price. What we offer is highly skilled operators with Quality ISO certification who carry out a wide range of services to ensure the electrical safety of all workplace appliances and equipment."   

Welsh expects to have 300 franchisees in Australia and New Zealand in the next couple of years, and is looking to take the business to the UK within five years.  

Proposed changes to OHS legislation may see more stringent workplace compliance requirements in the industry. 

"What Jims Test & Tag franchisees do is really important. OHS legislation imposes a duty of care to provide a safe workplace. Failure to ensure the safety of electrical equipment may result in the death or injury of yourself, your employees or others," said Welsh.

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