new business start up

[Arbadam1995]

Hi all, 

 

im seeking advice on starting up a new tree surgery business for myself and the family. when some of you started on your own what did you start out with? hows did you go about starting the business? what are the legalities i may need to know? ofcourse i will be doing my research before getting setup up but im seeking additional advice on top.

 

Thanks 

Edited November 1, 2021 by Arbadam1995

[Cuttup]

What sort of business?

 

[Arbadam1995]

tree surgery

[Cuttup]

There are a number of considerations perhaps first would be how you plan to trade e.g. sole trader, partnership, limited company.

 

Are you going to work for yoursel full-time?

How much are you planning to pay yourself?

How much time can you devote to the business (support from family/friends?)

Have you got a market/enough work?

Have you got capital (money to start the business) e.g for a vehicle, saws etc?

Do you need to borrow?

Are you going to register for VAT?

 

As far as the tree surgery goes...

 

Qualifications

Somebody to work with

Health and safety documents/policies depending on your clients

 

Then many (many) overheads like...

 

Insurance(s)

PPE

Tools

Marketing/phone/stationery

Fuel 

 

These are just a few considerations. Lots of people start small and grow organically, but you will need to invest a few bob to at least get started. Anyway, just a few things for you to consider (or ignore!) as you see fit.

 

[Arbadam1995]

what sort of insurance would you reccomend

[Dbikeguy]

what sort of insurance would you reccomend

Tree surgery insurance i find is best for carrying out the art of cutting trees

[benedmonds]

On 01/11/2021 at 20:51, Arbadam1995 said:

Hi all, 

 

im seeking advice on starting up a new tree surgery business for myself and the family. when some of you started on your own what did you start out with? hows did you go about starting the business? what are the legalities i may need to know? ofcourse i will be doing my research before getting setup up but im seeking additional advice on top.

 

Thanks 

Do you know anything about tree surgery? It's not rocket science, but not a business I would go into without at least a bit of experience.

[briscoe]

Get cs30,31,38,39 , buy PPE, ladders, climbing saw, ground saw, hedge cutters, rake and a pickup. Get public liability, advertise flyers or website, quote , go and do the job, get paid, reflect, have a pasty and a pint repeat. 

[Cuttup]

14 hours ago, Arbadam1995 said:

what sort of insurance would you recommend

You will require Public Liability Insurance ( I would recommend min. £5 million) and if you are employing somebody, Employers Indemnity Insurance, which I believe is normally offered starting at £10 million. If you are doing surveys/reports etc, you would be wise to get Professional Indemnity Insurance. Some insurers will cover verbal free advice under PLI. 

 

Note that an 'employee' is anybody who you direct or pay so would include sub-contractors, volunteers etc.

 

There are specialist firms like Trust who do tree surgery insurance.

[Mark Bolam]

You don’t actually require Public Liability, just Employers if you have anyone working for you.

You’d be mad not to have it though.

 

As Ben says, your best starting asset is a thorough knowledge of the business.