We catch up with Ant Provan, founder of Gas App Uk, to find out all about the latest updates and new features for users.
How’s the last 12 months been for you and the app?
It’s been great. We’ve seen a big increase in the number of gas engineers using the app, from around 25,000 last year to 40,000 this year. That means we’ve seen more manuals downloaded and more traffic across all areas of the app. This is particularly good for the social areas, such as Break Time, because engineers have an opportunity to connect with an even bigger pool of likeminded professionals.
In April, we bagged an industry award for the second year running, which we’re obviously chuffed about. It’s a seal of approval that we’re achieving what we set out to do, which is to deliver a one-stop shop for engineers, featuring all the help and resources that they need for their day-to-day work. The award is recognition for all the hard work we have put into it.
We have also been actively working with our partners, Adey, Grundfos, Intergas Heating and Delta Dore, attending shows and training events with them, and pushing their content out to our engineers so they are fully informed about how to install and use their products.
But ultimately the last 12 months have been about being there for our engineers and making changes in response to what they tell us they need.
What’s been the biggest change?
The biggest change has probably been making Gas App available as a web portal since July. This change, which comes at no extra cost, means that engineers can access a carbon copy of the app from their computer or laptop, which makes everything that bit more user friendly. It’s great for engineers who prefer to use their laptop for admin tasks like viewing their quotes or forms, or for those of us who are office based.
We also continue to make more subtle changes to make things slicker and easier to use. For example, we have added postcode lookups to our forms so engineers can quickly find their customers’ addresses. We have also added notifications to the Break Time section, so engineers don’t miss feedback on something they have posted.
What’s the response been like from subscribers?
We always try and listen to our users, which is why I think the app has gone from strength to strength. Our engineers are extremely supportive of the product and we don’t often get criticism. But if we do, we take it as constructive feedback and change things accordingly.
Because I worked as a heating engineer, I have a good sense of what our users want and what changes will be helpful. Features are there for a reason because they’re useful, not just for the sake of being there. For this reason, subscribers are generally really positive about changes. I think they know that we are genuinely trying to meet their needs.
Why did you decide to introduce a quoting tool to the app? How does it work, and what are the benefits it offers installers that don’t currently use it?
The quoting tool was introduced because there are so many engineers out there who want to be able to send their quote straight away. They don’t want to get home at the end of the day and have to open up their computer and start doing their admin, or risk forgetting to send the quote completely.
If they use the quoting tool in the app, all they have to do is visit the Office section and fill in some details. Then a quote containing their logo, if they have one, gets emailed automatically to their customer. The quote itself looks good and the customer gets the impression that the engineer is organised and professional. Plus, the engineer saves themselves some time and hopefully earns money when they win the job. It’s a win-win!
And what’s the Gas App loyalty scheme all about?
The scheme enables engineers to build up referral points, which they can then use on gifts in the app’s store. An engineer just has to use the share button inside the app to refer a friend or colleague to us. Then, as soon as that person signs up, the referrer’s account gets credited with 100 points, which they can redeem against gifts in the store, such as experience days, getaway breaks and games consoles. The best item in there is of course the Gas App golf umbrella!
Members can also access these gifts by entering the free competition. Each month we give away fantastic prizes like Adey MagnaCleanse units, Intergas boilers and Grundfos beach bags, as well as others.
Sounds like you’ve been busy! What’s next for Gas App?
We’ll continue to attend various events and shows around the country to keep an ear to the ground. In this way, we can find out what installers are talking about and continue to hone Gas App to meet their needs.
We’ve also just taken on a new addition to the team, Olivia, to help us continue to build our community. You can usually find her in the Break Time section or on our social channels, talking with and engaging with engineers. She’s also working on adding more manuals.
Personally, what really excites me about Gas App is continuing to grow the community and bring everyone together. As an innovator and someone who embraces new technology, if I can find a better and nicer way of delivering Gas App, then I will always try and do that. But what I find most rewarding is connecting with our community and listening to users’ feedback. I think doing so is why we’ve gone from strength to strength over the last three and a half years since launching.
