Starting Up

[TPEDEVON]

Hiya,

I'm new to this forum so treat me gently. Believe it or not I'm actually an apprentice for a very big fire & security company in UK based all over. I'll be qualified in July and hopefully start a fire and security company mid to end of his year.

I've worked in the industry for nearly 5 years doing mainly fire but have installed dozens of intruder, cctv and access control. I'm after some advice on how to start up? What do I need etc such as tools, van.

What's the best way of getting customers to start off with? Ads on websites, leaflets around estates?

I don't want to be messed around with or lead off the subject, I'd like some proper advice if possible. I am very eager and willing to commit myself to long days and wanting a successful business.

For the moment I am going to run this business on a part time basis on an evening and weekends, just to see how I cope with it, whilst still having a daytime job. Do I register self employed whilst still working for another company?

I have a logo all ready, company name will be TPE Fire & Security and have all literature and sales literature ready.

I've seen forum on here which have been very successful like Wolf Fire & Security. They look great and I'd hopefully want to do something like that; start small, build big!

Open to suggestions on how I should start?

[MrHappy]

My advice on starting an electronic security company is - don't.

 

However is your silly enough -

 

a) form a ltd; co.

b) inform your current employer

c) advertising - lettered van + website is all we do

 

The problem is, you need to be established & approved to get the work worth doing.

[TPEDEVON]

Why limited instead of sole trader?

Why limited instead of sole trader?

[james.wilson]

can you work for your current employer while competeing them?

[datadiffusion]

I'd hopefully want to do something like that; start small, build big!

 

Unfortunately - in this industry - I'd the only real 'way in' left is start big already (i.e aquisition), get even bigger...

Edited January 7, 2016 by datadiffusion

[MrHappy]

Why limited instead of sole trader?

 

prudence 

[TPEDEVON]

Any advice on how to start up? What bare essentials do I need?

[datadiffusion]

Quite a bit which will be the same if you are part time (like me) or not.

 

Efficiency Insurance

Public Liability Insurance

Business type car/van insurance

At least some stock as spares against call outs

Ideally a separate landline or at least the appearance of one that directs to a mobile

Book-keeper (or DIY)

Accountant (DIY can be done, but not always the best way)

Vetting if your hoping to be approved

Ltd. status if you're hoping to be approved

 

That's just off the top of my head.

[ElecTech]

My advice would be to read up on all the above and make sure you have a full understanding of everything you are doing or going to do. Knowledge is critical when used in the correct format!

 

You can never learn enough, you have two ears and one mouth. Take in all information available and act accordingly!

 

My honest opinion if you need to ask such basic questions i.e. what do I need tools, van etc. Then you aren't ready and you need to learn a lot more. But i'm just one opinion so go for it if you feel it's right! Good luck!

[PeterJames]

My advise would be start off as a subbie this way you will have work while you are doing your own thing, as a one man band you will never earn enough to pay your way otherwise