Finding companies to subcontract to

[mbrankie]

Hello there, first time posting here

Last year we launched an air conditioning company in Market Drayton, Shropshire, offering services like design, installation, maintenance, and repairs. Using Bark.com and Checkatrade we are quite busy at the moment with small, domestic jobs. However, we know it's temporary and are looking to expand the business by subcontracting labour to other companies. I have tried e-mail marketing, our website is complete, with ongoing SEO work, and we have great reviews on Google. I'm seeking advice and ideas from fellow entrepreneurs or marketing experts to help guide me in the right direction.

I would love to hear from those of you who have experience in this area. What is the best way to find reliable companies to subcontract to? I'm looking for a bit of help and ideas from either people in the same boat or guys with marketing experience who can point me in the right direction.

Thank you, Mary

 

[fisicx]

Hi @mbrankie and welcome to UKBF

The website may be complete but it’s lacking in so many ways. SEO is pointless until all the issues are fixed. Which includes not using Wix.

However, to answer your question if you are looking for subcontracting work then just google for all the local AC companies and talk to them. The more important question is: how can you be sure they want to work with you?

Would you trust a business with no address on their website, only a mobile number and an anonymous 'about us' page. Where are all the pictures of your staff?

 

[mbrankie]

Thank you for pointing out the issues with our website, I'll make some changes.

Corrected the post, I was actually thinking about the idea of becoming subcontractors for other companies.

 

[fisicx]

Corrected the post, I was actually thinking about the idea of becoming subcontractors for other companies.

Realised that. Why would they want to subcontract to you?

Maybe they are also struggling to find work for their staff.

 

[mbrankie]

Realised that. Why would they want to subcontract to you?

Maybe they are also struggling to find work for their staff.

I didn't specifically mean AC companies, we're interested in other construction (e.g. building) companies that are in need in HVAC subcontractors. Sorry for any confusion!

 

[Mark T Jones]

I think @fisicx 's point is one of perception- are you looking to sub-contract as a company capable of taking on whole projects or as an individual looking to be part of a team?

The approaches and expectations are very different. Your website kind of leans to the latter.

If you want to be perceived as a solid company it is important that you clearly show company details, qualifications/accreditations, reference sites (or project details etc)


Either way, getting yourself known in located trade/building communities is a start point.

 

[fisicx]

Ah. That’s different. In which you need to start frequenting the pubs and cafes the local builders use. Get yourself known.

And then start advertising. But fix the site first.

 

[WaveJumper]

Well according to something I was watching on the tv yesterday most builders seem to be in the pub by lunch time so maybe @fisicx is correct

Seriously though websites are great BUT you need to pick up the phone and talk to local companies, or better still get networking and pay their offices a list and introduce yourself

Welcome to the UKBF and wish you all the best