Additional accreditations, qualifications etc.

[martwizz]

Hey guys!

 

My first year of trading alongside my freelance work has gone really well, next year I plan to invest in a much larger stump grinder and start chasing down some commercial work, contracts, building sites, subcontracting for other firms. After the big stump grinder, I'd want to get a 1.5t digger.

 

I was hoping to get an idea on any additional things I can work towards that separates me from the average 'man and van' outfit.

 

Examples of what I am talking about might include: CPCS card, arb association approved, environmental policies, ISO numbers, things like that?

 

To give you an idea of what I already have set in place:

- NPTC quals

- FDSc + ND Arb

- Arb association Tech membership

- PL + Tools Insurance

- Generic risk assessment + method statement

- Website, FB, Twitter, adverts, networking + marketing strategy

- Local 'buy with confidence' scheme registered

 

 

What extra boxes have you taken the time to get ticked, and was it worth it? Thanks!

[Paul Jenks]

Chas, Constructionline, Safe contractor, cscs/rolo, sssts, Fors. Just keep doing them and eventually you'll be the only one allowed on site.

Work on your method statements and communicate with your clients/potential clients to see what they want. Then get it. Some of it is the same old same old, though if it has a different name on it they lap it up. Bits of it are useful too.

[ReubenHayes]

Depends on where you want to go in the future. By the sounds of it, you are probably looking more towards commercial contract work (risk assessments, ISO etc). The best thing would be to speak with the AA and see what else you will need to do to get on the approved contractor list. This is a long process but it sounds like you have made a start at it so that's all good. You will need CHAS, Constructionline etc if you want to look more on the building sites, and you may also need to think about moving out of your normal area as well. Have you thought about linking up with a Tree Consultant so you can offer more services?

[ReubenHayes]

Other part, I have just looked at your website. You don't offer any arb work but you do say you are a climber. I would certainly look at including that on the web site so that you can do more.