Starting up on your own

[Service Engineer]

Ok their all added... :moe_thumbs_up:

Have Fun.

[Guest RICHL]

:thumbs_up:

Cool!

[Guest RICHL]

:doub_thum_up:

It's life Pete, but not as we know it.

[Brian c]

Another little update;

Ok, still moving pretty slowly, but I have been to see a business adviser at my local buisiness link ( http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home )

Very basic advice offered on first visit, but I didn't have a business plan. Most of my questions were answered instantly, and others seem to be covered by the literature supplied.(all FOC)

Also received application pack for CSCS card ( http://www.cscs.uk.com/ )

After registering my company name I received a letter from the Inland Revenue! I was a little concerned but advised to just fill it in as 'not trading yet' and everything should be fine. I've been pricing vans and the new one's are just to pricey, so it looks like a half decent used one for me! Leasing doesn't really seem to be a good option for someone at my stage.

So, next stages are to create a 'plan of action' for the things I need to do and a list of setup costs and decide how to finance it!

Back to the website for now though!

[Mister_Dave]

If buying a van . stay away from the 2.0ltr engines as they have a habit of blowing at 100 000 miles . go for the 1.7 cdti astravan.

Just so you know.

[Brian c]

Thanks Rich, but I was looking more like 4k max for a van. Also wanted something a bit bigger than an astravan. Thinking of a volkswagen transporter. I know it's a bit big and something more like the transit connect would be more suitable, but from my experience, you can't have enough room, especially if your doing fire, access and cctv aswell as alarms.(hopefully I will be!)

Thanks Dave, I'll bear that in mind when choosing when the time comes.

what do guys reckon to a transporter sized van...is it overkill? I think it would be handy to have enough room to rack out for screws, plugs, etc.

or do you think being on my own, I won't carry much stock?

[BUSTER]

We bought a new Transporter last year. It was an 888 Special with 2.5 diesel engine. Superb bit of kit. Had it racked out and can even put 2.4m triple ladder inside (Saves getting them nicked again)

[Guest Adrian]

B) I,ve got a ford escort 55d van the ladders are always locked and the roof rack locked as well.

Find you dont need to keep loads of stock on the van, keep it in my garage and refill the van as needed. most of the wholsalers can also provide replacments the next day. besides you try and get some form of insurance for the stock you keep on the van over night. £££££££ and then some.

Adrian

Have you started subing yet? B)

[Brian c]

Good point about insuring stock.

No. I've not started subbying yet, I'm still sorting out my ECA cards etc.

I reckon it won't be 'till early next year

[Smokie]

Hi

A few points to make, I have trading for 13 years, and last year went Limited (what a game) however a few things to consider, you said your girlfriend was company sectary, no dought with 1 share, same as you. purchase 100 shares and give her between 25-40 max, this makes you a majority share holder if it goes tits up.

on the van side, we have Astra and Combo vans but have just got a Vivaro an carry a set of triple 4.1 meters and triple 3.6 meters without bother.

OK when you are starting out it is expensive, but remember, Buy Cheap Buy Twice.

Tools, if they are cheap they are ****, by good tools that will not let you down then you wont go far wrong.

just remember if you equipment lets you down (oh er missus) then how much will you loose in earnings

and good luck

Smokie