Operating nationwide from the heart of London’s bustling cityscape, Mike Charalambous, owner of TF Gas & Heating and TF Energy, has carved out a niche for himself in the competitive world of energy services. But his journey to the top was anything but conventional.
“I started out in the banking sector, but I wanted a change,” Charalambous recalls, reflecting on his decision to leave a career in finance. His quest for change led him to British Gas, where he embarked on a modern apprenticeship. “It was a qualification programme” he explains. In less than a year, he was fully trained as a gas engineer—a stark contrast to the traditional three-year apprenticeship.
Charalambous’s passion for the trade was immediate: “I loved it straight away.” His tenure with British Gas was a whirlwind of learning and growth, but it wasn’t long before he felt the pull of independence. “I had the urge to work for myself from the start,” he says. Starting as a contractor, he quickly built a reputation for quality work, which led to his first clients in 2008. This led to work with Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward (KFH), the largest independent estate agents in London. Charalambous’s commitment to excellence saw his services expand across KFH’s 40 branches, particularly in North and West London.
As demand for his services grew, so did his team, marking the beginning of TradeForce Gas & Heating’s expansion. With his accreditation in hand, Charalambous was not content to rest on his laurels. He foresaw the potential in renewable energy and retrained in heat pumps, leading to the creation of TF Energy, “it’s a carbon-neutral way of doing central heating and hot water,” Mike says. His commitment to green technology extends beyond heating solutions, as TF Gas & Heating now provides a full spectrum of energy-efficient measures, including windows and solar panels.
Today, Charalambous manages both companies under one umbrella, ensuring that his commitment to sustainability and customer service remains unwavering. “It’s taken me three years,” he says with a hint of pride.
The TradeForce Approach
For Mike Charalambous, what are some of the biggest challenges of being a leader? “Managing people,” he admits, highlighting the complexities of staff management—a skill that comes through experience. His approach to overcoming this hurdle? Building emotional intelligence. “I’ve done a lot of self therapy and self education on emotional intelligence,” Charalambous shares, citing Stephen Peters’ The Chimp Paradox as a transformative read.
His commitment to personal development is mirrored in his management style. Charalambous believes in nurturing his staff to become managers themselves, rather than hiring externally. “I want to put this culture into the DNA of the company,” he explains. This philosophy extends to maintaining a personal touch with clients, a trait he ensures will stay. “We’re a nationwide operation, We’ve got operations in Bristol and Bradford in the north, and what’s important to me is keeping the personal touch. I have no problem getting involved in the work,” he asserts.
“That’s what sets us apart from the rest, and I want to instil that to my staff,” he says. This ethos has not only fostered loyalty among his clients but also facilitated the company’s expansion through word-of-mouth recommendations. Tradeforce’s reputation and Mike’s leadership style have led to exciting projects, like the installation of 600 solar panels in an Army hangar in Yeovil Town.
Leadership Insights and Legacy: The Charalambous Perspective
When it comes to advice for fellow leaders, Mike doesn’t shy away. “A leader has got to be open-minded,” he states emphatically. He believes that adaptability and forward-thinking are crucial, especially when it comes to environmental sustainability. “We are trying for a green and carbon-neutral world, and at some point it’s got to happen,” he asserts.
Charalambous also emphasises the importance of swift and effective problem-solving, particularly in the plumbing and heating industry where issues require immediate attention. “The best example of a leader is one who can deal with problems quickly and effectively,” he says, highlighting the urgency of providing essential services like heating and hot water, especially for the vulnerable.
Looking to the future, Charalambous envisions a legacy that reflects the positive impact of his company. He aspires to leave behind a company that people associate with comfort and positivity. “I want it to be a company where our clients feel comfortable and the name of the company comes with a sense of trust and quality service, that’s my goal,” he reflects. Moreover, he values the growth and familial environment he has fostered among his staff, considering it a crucial aspect of his legacy. “It’s really important,” he concludes, “how I’m affecting my staff, and how they’ve seen growth and have become a family.”
