Solitaire Plumbing and Heating
Solitaire Plumbing and Heating, led by husband-and-wife team Paul and Caroline Corrigan, has been keeping Essex homes and businesses running smoothly for over a decade. Founded in 2013, the company has grown from Paul working solo as an independent trader to a thriving business with 10 multi-skilled teams, offering plumbing, heating, electrical, air conditioning, renewables, bathrooms, kitchens, and carpentry services.
From day one, Solitaire has put customers at the heart of its work, delivering high standards, reliable service, and expert advice for sustainable, comfortable living. Paul’s decade of experience with major boiler manufacturers gave the business a strong technical foundation, while Caroline’s early role in administration and later full-time leadership helped drive growth and structure.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Like many small businesses, Solitaire has faced its share of challenges. The economic slowdown and the loss of two long-serving engineers to their own ventures were significant tests. But rather than dwell on setbacks, Paul and Caroline saw them as opportunities to train new talent and strengthen the team.
“We realised that training to such a high standard means people will naturally move on to start their own businesses. That’s why we focus on creating a vibrant, exciting place to work that retains our outstanding engineers and attracts new ones.”
Keen to keep moving forward, they sought support to work on the business, and to develop strategies that would ensure long-term success.
Finding Strength in Expert Support
Backing Essex Business is a fully funded business support service provided by Essex County Council, which offers expert advice to Essex businesses. Through Backing Essex Business, Solitaire connected with Robert Laurie, who helped them improve their understanding of the company’s financial position and put systems in place to use that insight for decision-making.
“It has been a pleasure working with Caroline across several months in reviewing their financial planning and monitoring to help provide the management team the information they required to fully understand how the business is performing and the areas that needed addressing. We jointly built a solution that works for the client and will be a valuable tool going forward as the business continues to grow and succeed.”
In the Group2Grow Peer Networking Programme, Graham Broughton supported them in creating structure, focus, and accountability. The Group2Grow program, delivered by expert business coaches on behalf of Backing Essex Business, was specifically created to bring together business owners from across the county to help them to solve issues their business is facing and find solutions. The cohorts of likeminded businesspeople come together once every fortnight to attend a session guided by their business coach, where they will discuss common problems faced in running a business and discuss how they can overcome it together. In addition to the group sessions, each participant benefits from 3 hours of 1:2:1 mentoring to discuss their individual problems and goals.
Through the sessions, the cohorts select specific topics to discuss, which can range from sales, marketing, leadership skills and more, and are then able to speak about any barriers or issues their business is currently facing, benefitting from the knowledge and experience of their peers to work together and find solutions.
“Taking a step back and talking with other business owners gave us new ideas and fresh perspectives. The support helped us gain a better self-reflection of how we present ourselves, and that’s cascaded through the whole team.”
The company has also outsourced certain tasks, such as social media, website management, and SEO, to free up time for growth, and continues to work closely with their accountant as a valued resource.
What’s Next for Solitaire?
Solitaire has big plans for the future. They’re taking on a new apprentice in September, recruiting high-quality gas boiler diagnostic engineers, and expanding their electrical division from two teams to ten. They’re also engaging more with the community, with events such as the Maldon Car Show, the Maldon Fireworks Night, and their newly launched “Engineers’ Choice” charity day, where staff can volunteer their skills to a charity of their choice.
Their Home Heat Plan, offering peace of mind for boiler cover, remains a key focus for customer care.
As they head into their 10th anniversary year in 2025, Solitaire Plumbing and Heating is proof that with the right mindset, a commitment to excellence, and the right business support, local companies can not only survive but thrive.
The Group2Grow Peer Networking Programme has now closed. If you’re an Essex-based business looking for expert guidance, fresh perspectives, and practical support to help your company grow, Backing Essex Business is here to help. With fully funded mentoring, advice, and resources tailored to your needs, you can gain the clarity and confidence to move your business forward. Find out more and access support by contacting us today!