We get asked these questions every week. Here are honest answers from Luke Holden, Jim’s Test & Tag franchisee for Wyong in New South Wales. This article covers nine of the most common questions about how to start a Test & Tag business using existing skills.
Watch the video above, or keep reading for the full Q&A.
What did you do prior to Jim’s?
Before Jim’s, Luke Holden worked as a fire sprinkler feeder by trade for 10 years. That matters because it shows a practical point many prospective franchisees want answered: you do not need to come from one narrow background to move into this kind of work.
Luke’s path was simple and real. He lost his previous position, moved into Jim’s Test & Tag, and now describes it as the best thing he has ever done. For anyone looking at how to start a Jim’s Test & Tag franchise, that is the key takeaway. Existing safety, trade, site, or compliance experience can transfer well when you apply it in a structured service business.
How have the 10 months been so far?
It has been really good. That is Luke’s direct answer, and he puts the support from Jim’s Group at the centre of it.
He says the help from the wider team is unreal, which is exactly what many people want to know before making a move. Jim’s Group, founded by Jim Penman, is not just a brand name. It is a system built around training, support, and repeatable service delivery. That support can make a big difference when you are learning the work, building routines, and settling into business ownership.
What are some big jobs you have done so far?
One of Luke’s biggest jobs so far was a K-12 school with multiple types of testing. That included leakage testing, RCD testing, fire extinguisher testing, and emergency exit light testing.
That answer tells you two useful things at once. First, the work can scale beyond small one-off visits. Second, one client may need several compliance services in the same job. That creates stronger value for the client and more scope for the operator. It also explains why Jim’s Group has a page for commercial clients, because schools, offices, and larger sites often need ongoing compliance work rather than a single isolated test.
What is involved in fire extinguisher testing?
Fire extinguisher testing has to be done every six months. Luke makes that answer plain, then explains what the check actually involves.
The work includes checking that the extinguisher pressure is correct, checking that it is in date, and checking that the canister is not damaged. The point is simple: if a fire happens, the extinguisher needs to work safely and properly. That is why regular servicing matters. For a broader breakdown of the process, Jim’s also has a guide on how to test and maintain a fire extinguisher.
What is involved in fire safety services?
Fire safety services cover the practical systems people rely on when something goes wrong. In Luke’s example, that includes extinguisher testing, fire hose reels, and emergency and exit light safety.
That matters because clients are not paying for a vague safety promise. They are paying to know that the site is ready if a fire starts. In real terms, that means the extinguisher is serviceable, the hose reel is available, and the lighting helps people get out safely. It is hands-on compliance work tied directly to risk reduction.
What is involved in emergency exit light testing?
Emergency exit light testing means doing a discharge test to make sure the lighting runs for the correct 90 minutes. Luke also points out that the exit path needs to be clearly lit for people to get out if there is a fire.
That makes this service easy to understand. It is not just about checking whether a light turns on. It is about checking whether it stays on long enough and whether it helps people move in the right direction under pressure. This is exactly the kind of routine safety work that business owners often overlook until someone explains the practical purpose.
What is RCD testing and what is involved in that?
RCD safety switch testing involves two types of testing. One is a push-button test, and the other makes the unit trip using the tester.
Luke says these checks should be done every 12 months. The reason is straightforward. If there is a sudden jolt in electricity through an appliance, the RCD needs to trip quickly so nobody gets injured. That makes RCD testing one of the clearest examples of why compliance services are valuable. You are not selling paperwork. You are helping reduce the chance of real harm.
What is Test & Tag, and what obligations must business operators adhere to concerning this procedure?
Test & Tag obligations depend on the type of work environment. Luke breaks it down clearly: tradesmen and construction sites are tested every three months, manufacturing and engineering sites every six months, and offices or small workplaces every 12 months.
The environment drives the frequency, and the frequency drives the compliance requirement. If you want more background on workplace readiness, Jim’s also covers broader office fire safety.
Do you believe that Test & Tag services are necessary for every business?
Yes, Luke believes every business should do it because every business has an obligation to protect employee safety. He backs that up with plain, practical examples that any operator can understand.
He talks about people grinding down a 15 amp plug to make it a 10 amp and duct taping over exposed cables. His point is blunt and accurate: duct tape will not save you if you touch exposed wiring. That is why these services matter. They catch unsafe fixes, poor habits, and overlooked risks before someone gets hurt. For prospective franchisees, that also explains the business case. You are offering a service that solves a genuine compliance and safety problem, not a nice-to-have extra.
If you want to explore the opportunity further, you can own a franchise with Jim’s Group or call 131 546 to ask for more information.