We quizzed Britain’s most successful plumber, Pimlico Plumber founder Charlie Mullins, about what it takes to set-up in business, how to succeed and what mistakes to avoid.

Established in 1979, Pimlico Plumbers are the largest firm of plumbers in the Capital, servicing celebs such as Gordon Ramsey, Eric Clapton, Hugh Grant, Jonathan Ross, John Cleese and more.

Over 100 dedicated service vans and engineers serve London from their own premises in South London, operating a 24 hour service, 365 days a year. The company has a reputation for providing excellent service, with no hidden extras, and, in an industry where cowboy tradesmen flourish, its refreshing to hear that the company offer a standard 1 year guarantee on all work undertaken. But an excellent service and peace of mind don’t come cheap: prices start from £80 an hour during regular office hours, to an eye-watering £120 an hour outside regular office hours and on weekends.

We asked Charlie Mullins – who started plumbing after completing an apprenticeship when he left school - for his small business tips and advice, and found out how he turned a small plumbing business into a business empire.

What advice would you give to any aspiring millionaires who want to set-up in business?

You need to be focused and ambitious. You need to be a leader rather than a follower. Preferably offer a quality service in your particular industry and also rely on common sense. Keep things as simple as possible and be 110% dedicated.

Do you think the business environment is more favourable for small businesses now than it was when you started Pimlico Plumbers in 1979?

I think it’s easier to become a millionaire now than it was when I first started out. There’s a lot more help about now, practical advice people can use to help them on their way that wasn’t there when I first started.

What was the hardest part for you when you launched your business?

Getting recognition was difficult to begin with. With marketing you now have specialist people who can advice in these situations but back then I was doing it myself, which was probably a mistake.

What other mistakes?

I think we should have put a better business structure in place earlier. I didn’t set out to be as successful as we are now, it was never my intention but quite often once the ball starts rolling its difficult to stop. So you may as well head for goal.

Are you a fan of old-style apprenticeships for school leavers?

Yes, undoubtedly. The problem has been there a long time and they are only just realising that something needs to be done about it. There should be a return to the old fashioned apprenticeships. There used to be a saying that you must get a trade when you leave school and I think more should be done to promote this. School leavers shouldn’t be allowed to leave school unless they have a job to go to or university.

Are you in favour of immigration to the UK to help fill gaps in our labour markets?

I’m not against immigration. If people have the necessary qualifications and can do a job then it’s a level playing field and we should work on that basis. If I’m honest I’m not against anyone who goes to work.

If you were to launch a new business today, what industry would it be in?

Plumbing of course. There are so many opportunities out there. If I’m being honest, possibly communications. I think it’s such an important part of our lives now.

Where do you see the UK economy in 10 years time?

I think we will be a lot better off. I think the government will wake up and realise where they’ve been wasting money, plough more money into apprenticeships and we’ll go forward and become a more positive nation.

Do you think the tax system in the UK is fair?

No. I think the government should do everything possible to encourage successful businesses.

Were you a fan of the anti-ageist legislation the government introduced in 2006?

It was long overdue everybody should be treated equally and given the opportunity to flourish. One of my employees, Buster Martin, is 101 years old [Britain’s oldest employee]. Buster’s been with us four years and he’s a prime example that people shouldn’t be put on the scrap heap at 65. If you can do the job and are up to the job then you should be encouraged to keep at it.

You’re based in London, how has the congestion charge affected your business?

It’s another additional cost that we obviously can’t pass on to the customer. Unfortunately, the only way around it for us is that we have to work harder and longer hours. For some businesses though there’s only so much you can do and they could suffer as a result. It comes back to square one really and the fact that the government should be doing more to encourage business.

This interview coincided with the launch of the 'How I made my first million' series of podcasts on the Orange Business Service website: a series of podcasts designed to help budding entrepreneurs overcome the emotional and practical barriers to setting up a successful business, we've launched a series of podcasts offering expert advice, hints and tips from those who have already made the leap - and survived. Listen to these now at: www.business.orange.co.uk