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Matty Birch

Gas Engineer
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Been basically doing jobs on the side but now want to have a crack at it full time, a few things I need to help on firstly, advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

1. do you know of any government grants to help with start up cost registering gas safe, van, pli etc? I can get some of these with my own funds but extra help would be a massive help.

2. would you recommend starting up self employed or ltd? is there any reasons for this?

im only a young lad and have been 'in the game' for nearly 7 years inc apprentiship so advice from been there and done that's would be of massive help.
 
There's no money to help Matty! It's your risk I'm afraid . Just stay as a sole trader in the beginning.
get the best tools and van you can afford.
 
Depends how old you are, but if you're under 25 check out the Princess Trust mate, they do loads for the younger folk who want to build a business...
 
Advice - if you are in employment on a plumber's wage you had better be damn amazing at running a business. That's the only way you are going to earn more per hour than you do now!

Most plumbers running their own business don't really earn much more than they would if they were employed but they have all the extra stress/hassle that goes with it.

Expect to earn nothing in year 1, sod all in year 2 and perhaps minimum wage in year 3.

Learn a related trade. Qualify as a sparky. You will be hated I know, but you will get so much extra work from being able to do both trades. I really struggled to earn a decent living just doing plumbing work.

After all that though, good luck!
 
thanks very much for all replies, yes I'm 23 so il definitely look into princes trust, iv looked into multi trades but don't think I could handle going back to college just yet, want to have a crack at the real world first if that makes sense. iv been in full time employment for firms and the money was getting worse and worse, I was finding most money was by going through the agencies but there very unrealiable at keeping you in work, iv worked for quite a few tossers in my short time and really want to make this work by myself now.
 
worked for a lot of not so nice employers, at the minute I'm in and out of agencies which im sure you'd agree is no good, I'm not after making millions I just want a reasonable steady income, even if that's averaging ÂŁ300 pound a week, at least then I know what I can and can't afford lol not too sure I'm ready to go back into college yet if like to have a crack at the real world first and see how I get on, would you have any tips on marketing, should I be signing up to websites to generate work, ratedpeople for instance or would it be more worthwhile an advert in a local paper do you think? thanks for your response
 
I'm also just starting out, but with a lot less plumbing experience than you and unfortunately a lot more grey hair lol but from the advice I was given, word of mouth won over any other form of advertising - I'm about to start leaflet dropping in my local areas - get some business cards - apparently Yell.com aren't bad and can generate a fair bit of trade. The checkatrade type websites all seem to charge money for not much return - but I've never used them so don't quote me on that.
 
Matty, out of curiosity what agencies are you signed up with and what qualifications / paperwork do you need?
 
there's a site called agencycentral you can sign up to most agencies in the country from there I think, as for paperwork iv only ever been asked for my cv never certificates or anything like that. I do get jobs through word of mouth but not enough yet to just rely on that, I signed up to yell and all iv had of it is sales calls about people wanting to advertise for me, let me know on how the leaflet dropping is going for you if possible, what you you have on the leaflet just your basic info or have you put prices on and stuff?
 
worked for a lot of not so nice employers, at the minute I'm in and out of agencies which im sure you'd agree is no good, I'm not after making millions I just want a reasonable steady income, even if that's averaging ÂŁ300 pound a week, at least then I know what I can and can't afford lol not too sure I'm ready to go back into college yet if like to have a crack at the real world first and see how I get on, would you have any tips on marketing, should I be signing up to websites to generate work, ratedpeople for instance or would it be more worthwhile an advert in a local paper do you think? thanks for your response

Have a look at Checkatrade and check if there's any competition in your area. If there is it's not worth it to be honest but if there isn't anyone on there for your city then it will be a gold mine once you get 20 or so reviews on there. Local magazines (parish mags etc) can be worth it but I wouldn't spend my marketing money elsewhere. I think Rated People is a waste of time.

Dropping leaflets yourself (if well written and professional looking) will yield 1 job in every 100 leaflets you drop. It also stops you going stir crazy waiting for the phone to ring when you start up and it keeps you fit too :)
 
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Same hear I am going back in the trade after a 7 year gap, basically the credit crunch well and truly screwed me as I ran a bathroom fitting company and the work stopped over night. I am starting up again February next year, I got most the cash for my gas safe course. I am trying to get a power flush and do bathrooms or anything to keep me ticking over till a am on the gas register
 
Sounds familiar. I also ran a small general building company specialising sympathetic refurbs of older property plus kitchens and bathrooms. We managed to keep going until this year and have now decided to call it a day due to low turnover and profits. There is too much competition in my area ( North Herts) from local trades and immigrant Easter European so called skilled workers working for ÂŁ50 a day. Even good local trades struggle to get more than ÂŁ150 pd self employed.

Also we had a major issue with our other company which was 50% of the turnover. For 15 years I ran a DIY rescue company called "Tim'll Fix It" with a turnover in excess of ÂŁ60,000. No prizes for guessing why we had to close that down!
We now have 4 dedicated bathroom stores and 5 kitchen stores within a 10 mile radius. Plus the sheds plus Tom Dick and Ali.
If I was to carry on if would be as a subby or sign up to Magnets or similar or go Gas Safe. If I was young enough (i am 63) I would try for a full time job with BG as the benefits are very good.
 
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there's a site called agencycentral you can sign up to most agencies in the country from there I think, as for paperwork iv only ever been asked for my cv never certificates or anything like that. I do get jobs through word of mouth but not enough yet to just rely on that, I signed up to yell and all iv had of it is sales calls about people wanting to advertise for me, let me know on how the leaflet dropping is going for you if possible, what you you have on the leaflet just your basic info or have you put prices on and stuff?

I haven't put prices on my leaflet, just incase I'm in a position I can up the price at some point and still have leaflets left. I just put the my rates are competitive. And just my website address, contact details and company name. Also a discount code for a 10% off for first time customers ;)
 
yep will look into that, is that a heavy up front fee though? did you mean you would spend your marketing money else where, if so can I ask where exactly? yeah I'm going getting some leaflets done today and gonna get a few hundred out so il see what comes of that, I take it professionally made will be a lot better than making them myself?
 
Why would you discount first time customers?

It basically states your rates are open for discretion.

I would think it better for you to state that all your jobs are formally quoted.
 
It's just an incentive to use my services - if they're happy with my work from the first time they'll then get normal rates
 
Work out all your outgoings first then work out your prices. Double what you expect for advertising as you will need to advertise more than companies that have been running more and not a lot of them will return what you pay out. Leaflet dropping is good (the last ones I did payed for them selves and more!)

I have steady money coming in at the moment but I'm still having to buy tools etc so on 1 job I may earn x amount but have to spend y on tools.

I set up end of May up to October I was looking at turning over just ÂŁ21k in the year but I have had a good 5-6 weeks so it may be closer to ÂŁ40k which I am happy with for my first year.

It's not easy as you never actually stop when you get home you have your tea then do quotes, make phone calls etc.

There are days like this week that you just want to pack it in and go back on the books but most the time I love it.
 
the door drop leaflets are a good idea but do it right. Look at the junk mail you get from takeaways etc. which ones to you look at and which ones go straight in the bin? i.e. Colours / material etc.
Try to promote that you are local, people like local. i.e. use terminology like the nick name for the area you are dropping in, like you grew up there.
Try to get a local phone number on the leaflet, not just a mobile.
Not keen on promoting a discount, just be competitive, on time and well presented.
Also, try to leave them a reminder of who you are. I think a good option is a sticker with a logo, name, trade and number that you stick to the underside of a kitchen sink bowl or next to the incoming stop tap and then say to them if there is ever an emergency they have the number to hand. Who looks for a leaflet a second time? maybe offer a discount if they show you that sticker on return visits?
Andy
 
Love the sticker idea Andy!! Might have to pinch that one haha ;)
 
Don't put leaflets through doors, use A6 cards instead. People will keep them rather than chuck them away with the rest of the junk mail. I've had calls from people where I stuck a card through the door 2 years ago.
 
I had to sign up after reading this. The best advise I can give you is, don't do it!

I did a similar thing when I was 23, I'm now 29 and have never made any money to speak of. The only time I did OK was when I got on a site. House bashing have never been worth it, you go to jobs twice before you actually do the job because people want many quotes. Then you have other tradesmen under cutting your costs by so much that it's not worth your time and effort to do the jobs.

Advertising is a complete waste of time, word of mouth is the only way, I struggle with this as I'm not originally from the area I live in. I spent ÂŁ180 on brilliant looking, A6 leaflets. 1000 delivered - 1 call! I spent ÂŁ70 to advertise in 3 newspapers, for 3 weeks, I got 1 call again and didn't get the job. A proffessional website cost me ÂŁ250, I would be suprised if I got 3 jobs so far. I am also on 'Google Maps' which has generated nothing. One bit of positive advise would be set up a business account on Twitter, hashtag the areas you will be working in and do 3 or 4 posts a day, mainly of the evening as this is when people are on there.

In 2012 I went to Aus and made an absolute killing working for a builder doing his plumbing work. Once my girlfriend has finished her NQT year I will be on that plane straight away. I hope it works for you, but trust me it's harder than you will ever imagine. I forgot to mention I am Gas Safe registered too which has made no difference. I am currently working the odd shift for a mate as a van driver, crap or what!
 
I had to sign up after reading this. The best advise I can give you is, don't do it!

I did a similar thing when I was 23, I'm now 29 and have never made any money to speak of. The only time I did OK was when I got on a site. House bashing have never been worth it, you go to jobs twice before you actually do the job because people want many quotes. Then you have other tradesmen under cutting your costs by so much that it's not worth your time and effort to do the jobs.

Advertising is a complete waste of time, word of mouth is the only way, I struggle with this as I'm not originally from the area I live in. I spent ÂŁ180 on brilliant looking, A6 leaflets. 1000 delivered - 1 call! I spent ÂŁ70 to advertise in 3 newspapers, for 3 weeks, I got 1 call again and didn't get the job. A proffessional website cost me ÂŁ250, I would be suprised if I got 3 jobs so far. I am also on 'Google Maps' which has generated nothing. One bit of positive advise would be set up a business account on Twitter, hashtag the areas you will be working in and do 3 or 4 posts a day, mainly of the evening as this is when people are on there.

In 2012 I went to Aus and made an absolute killing working for a builder doing his plumbing work. Once my girlfriend has finished her NQT year I will be on that plane straight away. I hope it works for you, but trust me it's harder than you will ever imagine. I forgot to mention I am Gas Safe registered too which has made no difference. I am currently working the odd shift for a mate as a van driver, crap or what!

I sent out 3000 in May and got my money back off of them. I then had 5000 sent out start of October of those I have probably been out and quoted ÂŁ30k of work I have also got quite a few of them. I'm not the cheapest about as I have been told but still get them.

I found that the papers don't work but 3 weeks isn't very long to give them to work I tried it in the summer and it was rubbish it may be better now but spending more money elsewhere 1st.
 
Advice - if you are in employment on a plumber's wage you had better be damn amazing at running a business. That's the only way you are going to earn more per hour than you do now!

Most plumbers running their own business don't really earn much more than they would if they were employed but they have all the extra stress/hassle that goes with it.

Expect to earn nothing in year 1, sod all in year 2 and perhaps minimum wage in year 3.

Learn a related trade. Qualify as a sparky. You will be hated I know, but you will get so much extra work from being able to do both trades. I really struggled to earn a decent living just doing plumbing work.

After all that though, good luck!

View point from a sparky - don't even consider it - every man and his dog thinks they are a spark and, you will have to deal with numpty bathroom fitters who install electrics, without a dam clue about BS 7671 or Part P and leave home owners in the shxte.

I'm writing a report right now for one such customer!

Try plastering!
 
My advice, don't do it! The stress levels are sky high when busy, saying that there is good points aswell and I couldn't work for someone,

stay small, stay a sole trader, don't be VAT registered unless you need to be.
 
Hi Matty,

If you have got it in you to be your own boss and have the drive, passion and determination to succeed then go for it!
I have been running my business as a sole trader for 15 months now and I will be honest, it has been bloody hard work, but the rewards when you get happy customers and recommendations is a great buzz!

Get yourself a van and get it sign written, I have had numerous calls and work from local customers who have simply walked passed or seen my van in the supermarket car park and jotted the number down!

Also magnet business cards are great, I put one on every boiler I service/install (generally over previous heat engineers stickers!), if it's general plumbing I leave one on there fridge!

Set up a Facebook page and keep on top of it, lots of pics and get customers to give reviews!
Do yourself a website (Godaddy are ok and easy to use but there are lots more out there), this gives potential customers somewhere to check you and your work out before contacting you.

I signed up to Rated People when I started and TBH the best thing I got out of them was the note pad and pen!!

My area (Croydon) is saturated with plumbing and heating companies so it has been tough competing, but if you're good, punctual, reliable and reasonably priced then you gain respect and then the famous word of mouth wild fire starts.......I would say 90% of my work comes from reccomendations and that means you are doing something right!
Don't be a stereo type plumber who turns up late, charges to much and doesn't consider the customer or there needs! Mud sticks and in an already tough trade it would be suicidal!

Get GSR and put your GS number on your cards/van, I've had customers say they checked me out on gas safe website before they called me, which is great to know that there are some safety conscious people out there!!

Liability insurance is a must and I think mine is around ÂŁ700 - ÂŁ800pa

Contact local building companies, letting agents, tilers, and anyone that may need the number of a good plumber incase they need to call on you at the drop of a hat.....that will be your foot in the door!

Most importantly save some money for the lovely TAX MAN!!

Save some dosh:

Van - Tax and Insurance, running costs, fuel, servicing etc.
Company - Liability insurance, Mobile, Email and Website costs, Accountant fees, Advertising, T-shirts overalls, Tools etc.
Rainy day, remember no work no money, I had an op recently and put me out for 3 1/2 weeks, massive blow financially!!

The hardest part is getting your name out there, but when it is you will reap the rewards!!


Sorry for waffling on a bit

Good luck

Also keep an eye on this site, lots of great advice and has been a great help for me if ever I have been unsure of something.......and the banter is brilliant!!
 
View point from a sparky - don't even consider it - every man and his dog thinks they are a spark and, you will have to deal with numpty bathroom fitters who install electrics, without a dam clue about BS 7671 or Part P and leave home owners in the shxte.

I'm writing a report right now for one such customer!

Try plastering!

That's the same for all trades now though and I think plumbing work is worse as there are so many builders, handymen etc advertising plumbing. Even companies advertise for multi trades including plumbing.

Electrics is more like gas I would say that you do get people dabble in it but most won't.
 
Yeh from a sparks point of view thats a good thing as before everyone who could change a fuse thought they were a sparky !
 
My part p is out of date now 16th edition. I got a few sparks I no so just let them do there thing, I'll run the cable ect but let them do the rest. It's the same as I am capable of doing gas but I WONT touch it I won't even take the front or a boiler till I get my GR
 
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