Recent content by farmerswife

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    How to get public sector work?

    also you would need very good control of cash flow as you wont get paid until the end plus some work up to 60 days. All contractors would have to pass CRB checks, be uniformed, carry ID and be able to cope with the demands of working with the public. Most of the bigger contractors have...
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    How to get public sector work?

    mostly its based on H&S. You would need to be a member of constructionline as a pre qual. You are usually put on a preferred contractors list which may cost in QS fees to get as far as quoting. To be able to fill in PQQ you would need to gain points such as being members of institutions such...
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    Its very quiet and times are definitely tough out there

    Thanks Carl - some of those I have already done. We are well known and have an excellent reputation. Farmers are def not paying our prices too many of them are fighting for survival at the moment and much can be done themselves. There are many farmers lads that have machines too offering a...
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    Its very quiet and times are definitely tough out there

    Where???? The south East? there hasnt been much happening around here for a number of years - the Hilti shop was telling us a few years ago. Yes housing is going up but these arent jobs that help bonifide small companies they want to put subbies on for minimum wage and machines on site that...
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    Its very quiet and times are definitely tough out there

    Well it depends the area of the country doesnt it here in Wales is no comparison to the SE. I met an Estate agent yesterday who is thinking of leaving the industry as nothing much is happening in Cardiff and this morning met a reclamation guy and he said its the quietest he's ever seen...
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    Biggest frustration for Tradespeople?

    In the last year we have had two customers who refuse to pay for a number of items, tell us that they are willing to meet in the middle because they are not happy with x and y. Even with contracts. Taken legal advise been told to let them go as the costs with court/QS/small claims is not worth...
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    Its dead, dead, dead - construction

    Building industry - Groundworks/planthire. We do a mix of private and commercial. There is nothing commercial what is available involves going to a QS (£££) and tendering - for the last year I would say we have won less than 25% taking into account the QS fees, time and effort at least one job...
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    Its dead, dead, dead - construction

    there are HGV drivers working SE for £10ph!!!! People are def being squeezed.
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    Its very quiet and times are definitely tough out there

    Groundworks - Quietest its been for a very long time (ever). Yes we have calls but when we price up some muppet is doing the job for £200 cash. QS costs arent justifiable. Phone is quiet, some of the bigger blue chips havent called and work it very limited they are def cutting back. Just...
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    Its dead, dead, dead - construction

    Groundworks - Quietest its been for a very long time (ever). Yes we have calls but when we price up some muppet is doing the job for £200 cash. QS costs arent justifiable, just laid off one employee. Lots of new housing going up but not worth the bother - with their ridiculously low rates...
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    cowboy customers

    T&Cs should be drawn up specific for your type of business and read over by a solicitor as they could be worth naught if not legal or checked. I would rather pay for these to be drawn up by a commercial solicitor than copied and pasted.
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    Rogue customers

    agree agree agree! Some of the nicest customers have turned overnight in the tightest, nastiest and then turn around and disagree with our valuation. You work your guts out but the law seems to work on their side and you could end up being paid £1 for month for 20 years! What concerns me is...
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    Customer from hell

    In hindsight get a fully listed quote, terms and conditions specific to your work, a signature and weekly/interim installments (never finish the job and ask for payment) A couple of times we have been shafted and the law seems to be on their side, if the customer has no money then you have...
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    What's your view on Check a Trade and similar sites?

    waste of time - similar to My Builder. You pay for a lead and the customer may be a dreamer. The customer is usually looking for the cheapest quote. All they do is check your insurance its nothing to do with quality of work. We are registered with the Trust Mark we get no work from it but...
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    Advertising

    The biggest mistake we did was spend loads on advertising. Yellow Pages, BT, etc. Leaflet drop very disappointing think there is a 1% return (if I remember correctly) worked out expensive waste of time and effort. A local community booklet is pretty good as they charge us £10, the local...
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