Owning a business

[Eli Hawkes]

Hi,

 

I was wondering, is becoming self employed after around 5 years climbing worth it when working full time ? Is there a lot of work etc etc. What sort of money can you expect to make (Asking any self employed climbers). 

[Steve Bullman]

Yes its worth it. If you can walk the walk you will never be short of work. Money varies depending what part of the country you're in but a top climber should be able to get £170 -£180 a day.

[Mark J]

I'd go a bit further Steve. I reckon that top climbers should be on 200+ a day.
When you factor in all the factors, a top climber will earn you much more than that.
I suppose it depends on the dynamics of the job.
I don't do much contracting anymore but I have a few numbers in my phone that would make the game easier, if I decide to play it again.

[difflock]

30 minutes ago, Mark J said:

I'd go a bit further Steve. I reckon that top climbers should be on 200+ a day.
When you factor in all the factors, a top climber will earn you much more than that.
I suppose it depends on the dynamics of the job.
I don't do much contracting anymore but I have a few numbers in my phone that would make the game easier, if I decide to play it again.

So set up a firm and pay your climbers £200.00 per day.

Simples, or is it?

[Steve Bullman]

40 minutes ago, Mark J said:

I'd go a bit further Steve. I reckon that top climbers should be on 200+ a day.
When you factor in all the factors, a top climber will earn you much more than that.
I suppose it depends on the dynamics of the job.
I don't do much contracting anymore but I have a few numbers in my phone that would make the game easier, if I decide to play it again.

I agree a good climbers worth that, but getting it is another matter. The amount of firms that are happy to pay this are few and far between. Even getting £180 a day can be a push but is a more realistic target on the whole 

[Mark J]

2 minutes ago, Steve Bullman said:

I agree a good climbers worth that, but getting it is another matter. The amount of firms that are happy to pay this are few and far between. Even getting £180 a day can be a push but is a more realistic target on the whole 

I agree with that.
£180 is easier on the eye than £200+.
I could carry out most tree works, a nifty climber lets me run the ropes and saves money, which I enjoy.
Sad thing is, 15 years ago a decent climber was on £150 ish a day.
 

[Mark J]

29 minutes ago, difflock said:

So set up a firm and pay your climbers £200.00 per day.

Simples, or is it?

If you know what you're doing then yes.

Few things are simple, you need to put time and effort into anything you want to be good at.

[oldwoodcutter]

Yes it’s possible of course, £170 - £200 if you’re on top of your game. And your reputation will grow along with offers of work.

But those rates are not for someone who can’t wait to grab the money and get gone by midday, leaving world war 1 behind that takes 5 on the ground til 6 o’clock to chip and clear.

 

[Mick Dempsey]

44 minutes ago, oldwoodcutter said:

Yes it’s possible of course, £170 - £200 if you’re on top of your game. And your reputation will grow along with offers of work.

But those rates are not for someone who can’t wait to grab the money and get gone by midday, leaving world war 1 behind that takes 5 on the ground til 6 o’clock to chip and clear.

 

Me when I climb for other companies and they want me to help clear up.

 

 

Edited May 1, 2020 by Mick Dempsey

[benedmonds]

Rates vary and in my opinion £180-£200 would be very optimistic in the East midlands.  There are teams around here of 2 guys with truck and chipper who work for £450 a day. It is also very dependant on your ability. I have had climbers who claimed 5 years experience who were rubbish.