Independent engineering, not product pricing
Occasionally, when we speak to a potential new client for the first time, we are asked to justify charging for our designs when ‘xxxx will come in and quote for free’.
At Vent-Tech, we charge for our LEV design service because we provide an independent engineering solution, not a product-led quotation.
Many companies offer “free design” as part of an installation quote. In most cases, this is not a true design — it is a price built around the equipment they manufacture or want to install.
Vent-Tech does not manufacture hoods, fans, filters, ductwork or anything else.
That independence is deliberate — and it is why our designs are different and, more importantly, work.
The very simple answer is that designing and quoting are two very different things.
What we mean by “design”
Our design service is a compliance-led engineering study, carried out before any equipment is selected.
It typically includes:
- Analysis of the hazardous substance and process risk
- Benchmarking in line with HSG258, COSHH, DSEAR and any other relevant principles
- Selection of the appropriate type of LEV control hoods, enclosures, and capture strategy. If the correct solution is not available on the market, we will design a bespoke solution to suit your processes.
- Capture, face and transport velocity calculations
- Duct sizing and routing based on performance, not convenience. We also factor in the restraints of your workspace, such as existing machinery, pipework, walkways, cranes, etc.
- Fan duty and pressure calculations based on the whole system
- Identification of process and user constraints, risks and future-proofing considerations
- A documented, defensible design that stands up to audit or enforcement
This work takes time, experience, and professional judgement — and it has value regardless of who installs the system.
The solution will consist of 3rd parties’ products that are suitable for your application, not what we have in our program.
Why “free design” is not the same thing
A free quote is usually product-led, not process-led. It would be foolish to believe that a professional, fully qualified design engineer with years of experience is going to put 40+ hours of work into designing a proper system for no remuneration.
A free design normally means:
- Equipment is selected first
- The “design” is adapted to fit what’s being sold
- Performance is justified retrospectively
- Compromises are often hidden until installation or testing
This approach can work — but it is a gamble and driven by sales incentives, not independent engineering and doing the right thing.
If a design is free, the client is rarely the process or the operator — the client is the product.
Why independent design matters
LEV systems exist to control exposure and protect people.
The Health & Safety Executive does not assess systems based on intent or cost — they assess them on effectiveness and justification.
An independent design:
- Reduces the risk of underperforming systems
- Avoids costly changes during or after installation
- Provides confidence & clarity before committing to a large capital spend
- Creates a documented compliance trail that can be defended years later
In practice, a few thousand pounds spent on design often prevents tens of thousands of pounds in rework, upgrades, or non-compliance risk.
So What?
Knowledge = Power
By having an independent design, complete with specifications, drawings and all the calculations, you are in the driving seat of your LEV project. You can
- decide if you want to change anything at the cheap stage of the project,
- Go to multiple contractors and obtain like-for-like quotations
- Do the work yourself (we are happy to support in-house installations)
Or you can come back to us, and we can take care of the whole project for you.
Whichever you choose, you are in control, and there are no surprises either with time, budget or system performance.
What happens after the design is complete
Our designs are suitable for a competitive tender. Many clients still choose Vent-Tech to install the system — but that decision comes after the engineering is agreed, not before.
Of course, our installation prices must be competitive, but by this point in the journey, we have built up trust with our clients.
Where we install, the design fee is credited against the final installation cost, and if we are not selected to install the system, the relationship remains intact, as we have been paid for our design time and can feel positive that the client will be getting the correct solution, and our competitors will all be quoting against the same correct solution.
Ultimately, whichever way the client decides to go, they will be getting a system that keeps people safe.
In simple terms
- We charge for design because it is real engineering work
- Our design team have a long list of qualifications, including the Certificate of Competence in Control of the Working Environment (CoC Control). This is the highest qualification in the industry and takes years to achieve, and proves a deep knowledge of the subject.
- We are independent because we do not sell products; we sell solutions
- Our designs protect your people, your process, and your investment
If you are comparing a chargeable design created by a highly qualified engineer to a free quote, you are not comparing like with like, and you need to ask yourself why they are doing this for ‘free’?
We have the utmost confidence that our designs, if installed correctly, will work; they will protect your colleagues and your business. Our 25 years of history have proven this time and time again.
Look, what our clients have to say
“From the initial consultation to the final installation, the entire process was smooth and efficient. What stood out to us was the level of expertise and attention to detail that the Vent Tech team brought to the table. They were always available to answer our questions and provided clear explanations about the design and implementation phases.
A particular highlight was the collaborative approach the team took. For instance, during the large system installation, our colleague Gunther was able to analyse and critique the design beforehand. This not only ensured that all our requirements were met but also gave us confidence in the system’s efficacy before the actual installation.
Overall, working with Vent Tech has been a positive experience, and we are extremely satisfied with the outcome. The systems have proven to be reliable and effective, and we genuinely appreciate the support and professionalism of the Vent Tech team.”
Georgia Bentley
Environmental, Health and Safety Manager
EHS & Quality Assurance