From Engineer to Entrepreneur – How Calvin Bannan Has Built his Reputation as Scotland’s Premier Plumbing Service

What prompted you to start your own business in your early 20s?

I always knew from a young age that I wanted to be a businessman, but I never really knew how I was going to get there. After spending nearly a decade learning my trade, I hit a ceiling. I found myself going through the motions, unsure of what the next step was. Then COVID happened, and with more spare time to reflect, I took a step back to evaluate everything—what I was doing and what I truly wanted to achieve.

Once things returned to normal, I made the decision to go out on my own. Everyone advised against it, pointing out that I had no safety net or a large customer base, but I didn’t care. I knew I was all in and ready to give it my absolute best. The worst-case scenario? I’d have to get a job again and end up right where I already was. That was a risk I was willing to take.

Has your leadership style evolved since starting and if so, how?

My leadership style has definitely evolved over time. The challenge is that I’m a gas engineer by trade—I was never taught how to run a business or manage people. Because of that, I feel like I’m constantly learning and evolving, and I always will be. Have I made mistakes? Absolutely. But I make sure I never make the same mistake twice, especially when it comes to my team.

What are your non-negotiables for running a successful team?

My non-negotiables for running a successful team start with appearance. All our staff must look professional in their branded workwear every day. A clean uniform and a well-maintained van are essential.

Attitude is just as important—specifically, a willingness to learn. In this industry, no one knows everything, and that’s okay, as long as you stay open-minded, eager to learn, and receptive to advice.

Quality control is another key factor. That’s why all our engineers provide evidence of every stage of their installations, ensuring we uphold the high standards we promise our customers.

Running a successful business comes with many challenges, but with the right team, those challenges become much easier to handle. That’s why I’m proud of the team we’ve built at CB Services.

Owning a business can be hectic and stressful, what principles do you set for yourself to balance your work and personal life?

At this stage, I don’t think balance truly exists. This journey consumes you—it becomes an obsession. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. To keep myself sharp despite the long hours, I focus on maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise. I also make it a priority to spend time at home whenever I can. However, success requires sacrifices. You have to be willing to give up what others won’t in order to achieve what others don’t.

Do your hobbies influence your business decisions at all, does staying active help make you a better CEO?

Staying active is crucial to being a better CEO. You need to be sharp in this role, and a lazy lifestyle filled with unhealthy habits will inevitably reflect in your work. I can’t expect my team to operate at the highest level if I’m not willing to perform at my best. It’s my responsibility to set the standard and lead by example.

What advice would you give to people similar to you who are thinking about starting their own business?

The best advice I can give to anyone starting out—or thinking about it—is to just go for it.

People tend to overthink decisions, but success comes from taking action and making decisions quickly. You won’t always get it right, but the more mistakes you make, the faster you’ll learn. The worst-case scenario? You end up right where you are now.

I’d also recommend finding someone who has already achieved what you’re aiming for and learning from them. Success leaves clues, so do whatever you can to surround yourself with the right people and take note of what they do.

What do you think needs to change in your industry, are you doing anything that goes against the norm?

I think our industry has been set in its ways for too long—it’s time for a reset. We’re not claiming to do anything revolutionary; we’re simply focusing on the details and taking pride in our work.

Customer satisfaction is everything in any industry, and at CB Services, we make it our priority. The days of the local plumber showing up in an old white van are over. Customers now expect reliability, professionalism, and a brand they can trust—and that’s exactly what we strive to deliver.

What do you wish someone told you before founding CB Services?

If there’s one piece of advice that I wish I had been given, it’s that no matter how tough things get, the hard times never last. Persistence is key with anything.

What is next for you? Future plans personal/business?

I have big plans for CB Services. We’re aiming to break into the contract side of the industry alongside our private work. Our goal is to become a household name in the sector and replace British Gas as the go-to heating company.

Calvin Bannan

Founder & Director, CB Services

https://www.cbplumbingandheatingservices.com

Calvin Bannan is the founder and Director of CB Heating & Plumbing Services, a fast-growing Glasgow-based company specialising in radiators, heating, plumbing, and drainage for both residential and commercial clients. Inspired by his stepfather, an engineer, Calvin pursued his own qualifications and built a career in the trade, starting as a call centre agent before stepping into the world of plumbing and heating at 17 years old.

Following years of hands-on experience as a fully qualified and gas safe heating and plumbing engineer, Calvin launched CB Heating & Plumbing Services in 2022 with a vision to deliver high-quality service and expertise. What began as a one-man operation quickly expanded to a team of 3 employed heating and plumbing engineers, reaching a first-year turnover of £135,359. By year two, revenue had more than doubled to £348,841, and today, with a team of seven, including his stepfather and stepbrother, Calvin is now leading the company into its next phase—scaling operations and moving into the commercial sector with the ambition of trebling turnover once again.

Beyond the business, Calvin brings the same drive and determination to his personal life. A passionate athlete, he travels worldwide to compete in Hyrox fitness events, constantly pushing his limits. His ability to combine strategic leadership with relentless ambition continues to shape CB Heating & Plumbing Services into one of Scotland’s most dynamic emerging businesses.