Leading women into a world of plumbing

Kily Edwards has launched CK Plumbing: Biggleswade Plumbing Services.

She has just qualified as a plumber having completed a City and Guilds training course.

Kily, who was brought up in Biggleswade and now lives in Playfield Close with her husband and three sons, said: “My husband was facing redundancy at his full time job and he looked into plumbing for him originally.

“I said ‘wouldn’t it be a good idea if we both do it as a family business?’ He wasn’t made redundant but I said I would do it while we are waiting.

“It’s a long term plan as he will join me and there will always be apprenticeships for our three boys.”

Kily, 37, relishes the thought of breaking the traditional male plumber mould. She believes she is the first female plumber to set up a business in Biggleswade.

She said: “There are female plumbers about but it’s hardly any at all.

“We were hoping I’d have the edge on the market in that some people don’t like a man in the house. I hope they can call on me and feel a lot safer.

“I am one of five girls and we were always raised being told we can do anything and I’ve always liked the idea of doing what is stereotypically a man’s job.

“If people ask what I do for a living most people think I’m joking and I think ‘seriously it’s 2014’ but it’s still really rare. My middle son ‘mum you are making history!’”

The job is ideal for Kily as it enables her to work around her family life. She can fit most of her work into the school day, although she will book childcare when larger scale jobs arrive.

Kily will be known to regulars at Flutters Bingo in Biggleswade as she has been one of the callers for the last eight years. But she is now finishing off her final fortnight to take up plumbing full time.

Kily added: “It was never my dream to be a plumber but my grandad was years ago. He used to work for BSG unblocking toilets and drains.

“I joined in in overalls from a very young age so the messy side of plumbing has never bothered me.”

She will soon be qualified to work with electric showers as well. CK Plumbing stands for Chris (her husband’s name) and Kily.

Search for CK Plumbing on Facebook to find out more or call Kily on 07513 612957.

Visit www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk to see a video of Kily speaking about her job.