Arb approved contractors

[conkers]

Just wondering what people thought about becoming an approved contractor.

We do not have any in our area and I was wondering why?

Is this the same in most rural areas?

 

Some other posts on similar topics have turned into Arb assosiation bashing.

Looking for constructive feedback

Cheers

[timtree81]

The infustructure that has to be in place for a tree busines to be aa aproved is alot for most to have to deal with ,and small busines almost impossibe to justify . there are exceptions but to be aa aproved takes alot of hoop jumping imo ,and would not benifit you if you just worked for the private sector alone ,

[Amelanchier]

The AA are just about to publish details of a revised scheme which includes proportional criteria for smaller companies (<5 employees). See Paul's threads below;

 

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/aa/24609-arb-approved-chas-less-than-500-per-year.html

 

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/aa/24944-new-arbac-pack-now-available.html

[skyhuck]

Just wondering what people thought about becoming an approved contractor.

We do not have any in our area and I was wondering why?Is this the same in most rural areas?

 

Some other posts on similar topics have turned into Arb assosiation bashing.

Looking for constructive feedback

Cheers

 

The fact that there are no others in your area makes it less worth while, as being AAAC will add too your costs and a customer cannot get three quotes from three AAAC contractors.

 

Its a "chicken and egg situation" unfortunately.

[conkers]

I think it used to be less accessible, but have been told that the criterea for being accepted relates to health and safety so is a requirement for the industry anyway.

I realise that aa approved means nothing to the average garden owner.

 

Have you considered it Skyhuck? Commercial contracts better than domestic??? Wait longer for money and no tea! Downer but the domestic market is maybe going to shrink this year so any work is good work

[skyhuck]

I agree that the market will shrink this year, but also price is becoming even more important.

 

To be honest I think a good word of mouth recommendation beats any scheme membership.

[timtree81]

I agree that the market will shrink this year, but also price is becoming even more important.

 

To be honest I think a good word of mouth recommendation beats any scheme membership.

 

oh yes ,will second that

its only a guess but what would the total man hours be from start to finish to become aa aproved ? all the paper work ,etc etc ? its got to be a good few days in the office

[arbutus]

Just thought I would add that although most seem to think that the AAAC's is a lot of "just" H&S paperwork etc.. I also add that the AA's main assessment criteria is Tree Work standards....

[Frank]

I strongly believe that the AA approved contractors scheme is a fantastic path to go down. The revised smaller contractors scheme will make it even more accessible.

In years to come I think it will become a must.

[jpbeaver]

Aspen tree management were aa approved, they are about 15 miles from you. He said it did absolutely nothing to help his business.