Advice about insurance

[snowfinn]

Hi,

 

To start off here's a bit of context:

 

I am currently setting myself up as a self employed arborist during my studies with an aim to mainly subcontract to larger businesses for the time being. I am starting off very small (got my CS30 and CS31 course next week and only have my own PPE to my name at the moment) but I aim to further my practical skills and attein more equipment through being self employed while I gain more theoretical knowledge during my arboriculture FdSc course at Pershore.

 

Here are my questions:

 

I am unsure about what insurances are recommended for being self employed and have found little information about this subject other than companies simply trying to sell me theirs. What sort of insurance do you have?

Which insurance provider have you gone with?

 

Thanks in advance for your help and advice,

 

Finn

[AHPP]

Learn about the differences between being a bona fide contractor, a labour only contractor and an employee. Broadly speaking, the last two don’t need public liability insurance.

[snowfinn]

I'll have a look into that then, thanks for your help.

[snowfinn]

Hi Chessa,

 

Thanks for your response, I'll be sure to go and check them out.

[benedmonds]

If you are working as a groundie or even a climber you are probably classed by the HMRC as an employee, even if you call yourself a sub contractor..  You would therefore not need Public Liability insurance as you would be covered by your employers.

The HMRC used to have a handy web site where you could put in your details and it told you if you could be classed as a sub contractor.  

 

If you do your own work you should have PL insurance.  There are a few specialist brokers who insure tree work, most advertise here..

 

If you want personal injury or income protection then there are many firms who will cover you at a cost..

 

Edited May 3, 2018 by benedmonds

[jfc]

Hi finn, this is a bit off topic but I think you would be better just working for someone else. You will gain loads of real arb knowledge/experience, get paid, not have to pay insurance, not need loads of equipment and learn a bit about pricing jobs etc. Once you have a couple of years experience you will be in a much better position to set up on your own.
A newbie arb with tickets but no experience is unlikely to get work as a subbie climber as you are too slow and know nowt. Work for someone get paid a pittance initially but you will gain skills knowledge and make yourself more employable and higher paid.
All the best.
Jan.

[snowfinn]

Hi finn, this is a bit off topic but I think you would be better just working for someone else. You will gain loads of real arb knowledge/experience, get paid, not have to pay insurance, not need loads of equipment and learn a bit about pricing jobs etc. Once you have a couple of years experience you will be in a much better position to set up on your own.
A newbie arb with tickets but no experience is unlikely to get work as a subbie climber as you are too slow and know nowt. Work for someone get paid a pittance initially but you will gain skills knowledge and make yourself more employable and higher paid.
All the best.
Jan.

Hi Jan,
That was my original plan and would have loved to work hard for a single company to gain experience.
However I have soon noticed that there aren't too many people willing to hire a newbie who will be attending college 2-3 days a week starting September.
I am hoping that through subcontracting to companies one of them will offer me a more "permanent" contract in order for me to train up properly.
I'm aware that it's not the "best" path but for now can only hope that joined with my level 4 and 5 Arb course it'll work out.
Cheers,
Finn

[snowfinn]

That is really good advice actually. Perhaps, I’ve gotten too old, been stuck in my ways too long to remember the “starting out” phase. 

It is good advice indeed. That's what I did for my carpentry apprenticeship in Switzerland before I joined the army for a year.

I'm making the most of my move to England to do a career change and have the "theoretical" side of the job all planned out with my Arboriculture Foundation Degree course starting in September but I'm realising that finding experience on the practical side is proving to be difficult. (Unprofessional businesses, false promises etc...)

That's why I've just decided to grafually pay for my practical training myself (CS30 and 31 lined up![emoji106]) and atteign experience from small subcontracts.

[benedmonds]

1 hour ago, snowfinn said:

It is good advice indeed. That's what I did for my carpentry apprenticeship in Switzerland before I joined the army for a year.

I'm making the most of my move to England to do a career change and have the "theoretical" side of the job all planned out with my Arboriculture Foundation Degree course starting in September but I'm realising that finding experience on the practical side is proving to be difficult. (Unprofessional businesses, false promises etc...)

That's why I've just decided to grafually pay for my practical training myself (CS30 and 31 lined up!) and atteign experience from small subcontracts.

I would work out what you want to do. The Foundation degree is not going to much value at this stage of your tree career if you want to be a climber or do proper tree work with a chainsaw. Far better to do a 12 week tree surgery qualification, get the tickets and get experience..

 

If you want to be a Tree Officer or consultant then the degree might be the route to go. . 

[snowfinn]

Thank you all for your advice, it really is much appreciated! You have given me a lot to think about..

I wish you all the best in your own careers.

All the best,

Finn

 

 

Edited May 4, 2018 by snowfinn