New business venture

[Rekkovitch]

Hi all

So after 16 years I have decided to close down my current business in the service industry as I am moving away to another area of the UK.

I am thinking of setting up a gardening / decking / patio cleaning service as a sole trader.

My question is really for anyone in those service industries ; is it a good industry to be in ? What are the pros and cons ?

I currently own a white van , 2 chainsaws , tree loppers , lawnmowers etc etc so the initial set up costs would be very low


Thoughts and feedback greatfully received


Dave

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Dave you have been in this business game for a long time so you already know the score

It would depend on your area IMHO Here in Devon there are some big gardens and the owners dont look after most of them so demand for it is high

 

[Rekkovitch]

Dave you have been in this business game for a long time so you already know the score

It would depend on your area IMHO Here in Devon there are some big gardens and the owners dont look after most of them so demand for it is high

 

[bodgitt&scarperLTD]

Dave you have been in this business game for a long time so you already know the score

It would depend on your area IMHO Here in Devon there are some big gardens and the owners dont look after most of them so demand for it is high

Exactly as Jeremy said. I would add that in harder economic times, those trades are the first trades that low-skilled workers being made redundant gravitate to, so you would face a lot more
competition starting up in a new area.

 

[MikeJ]

I'd look to set that up in an area where there's a lot of holiday lets. Going in twice a year to give the garden a good tidy up.

 

[UKSBD]

It's one of those really strange sectors where it really depends on who your customer is.

Where I am you have companies who charge £250 to cut a hedge and guys who will do the same job for £50

Need a bit of tree work doing?
I know guys who will come and do it for £100

Others in same village as me will happily pay £400 for a tree surgeon to come out and do it.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

What experience do you have in gardening?

Also remember that there is seasonality, so look at what you will do in the winter.

 

[HFE Signs]

If you do your research I'm sure you will get plenty of work, just remember it's hard physical graft and the work will change with the seasons. Have a long term plan for the future

 

[Rekkovitch]

Thanks for all the information, plenty to think on

 

[Jimmy24]

I say if you have the gear then why not give it a go! obviously with things like this its going to be seasonal but they'll still be work all year round I would think

 

[fantheflames]

A garden decorating is a great business to get into and it's the perfect time of year to get setup. Do a quick search online to see what others are offering, charging, and so on. Write up what you find and create a business plan based on your location and offer.

Get a basic three page website setup as soon as you can. In the meantime, advertise your services and get your name out there on Facebook, Google, and other directories. Or you can do the reverse and get your logo sorted and get flyers out before focusing on your digital presence...

Did I mention it's the perfect time of year to advertise your business?