How much experience needed to go freelance?

[treemeup]

I'm trying to set up as a freelance climber... but not too sure the best way to go about it. I've just returned from working away to an area I've never done treework in before(my first mistake?) I also have been climbing less than 3 years however I have had plenty of experience, in the private sector mostly (lots of rigging(when needed) with some clearance work. I am now living where I grew up and I have a couple of contacts in the area who are giving me work when they can (1-2days a week). But not enough. I have been sending my c.v off to no avail. Also should I have my own insurance? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Andy Collins]

Hi there treemeup, welcome to the forum. First off, do you have references from the companies you spent 3 years working for, future employers need to know of your capabilities. Secondly, I think it is necessary to carry your own public liability, it shows people that you are responsible, and many companies now insist on it from their free-lancers.

I think the fact that you have not heard back from anyone yet may be the timing. Hopefully, most companies are now getting busy, and will be looking for staff to carry out the workload. It has, in some areas, been a funny old year for work, many companies have been hard pushed to keep their regular staff working, so be patient. Good Luck anyway.

[Steve Bullman]

you'll find the insurance issue varies from company to company but i think by law you should have your own, at least that seems to be the way most the companies i freelance to are leaning.

experience......ideally you should be able to turn up to any job blind with the confdence to know you'll be able to tackle it. within a company you'll find the boss has priced the work, knows the level his climbers can climb at and designate tasks accordingly...as a higher paid contract climber you'll be expected to tackle anything(providing its possible)

i wouldnt waste my time with cv's, you're not looking for a job.....if you turn up for a day, and at the end of it they dont think you are worth what you're charging they wont have you again.....likewise, if you do a day for them and things dont gel, you're under no obligation to work for them again either.....one of the best things about being freelance IMO!

[Andy Collins]

you'll find the insurance issue varies from company to company but i think by law you should have your own, at least that seems to be the way !

 

Its not actually law in this country.... yet, but god help you if something goes wrong and you havent

[treemeup]

Yep, I'm referenced right up Big A.

What size public liability should I be getting quotes for? I think the minimum is a mill? The company I worked for in Cornwall used to use a subbie climber and he only had to have personal injury, but that was a while back. I would obviously like to have public liability, but as it stands I dont have much work on, and certainly nothing where (much) damage could be done. I will get a quote tho.

So I should be sending all my references off, I have only been including my most recent, although I've only worked for two co's, oops!

Hopefully it is just the timing though like Big A says.

I'm gonna hold out for a few more weeks!

nice one guys

[tockmal]

i wouldnt waste my time with cv's,

 

Not so sure about that Steve, cv's can be full of other relevant information about yourself, something might catch the prospective employers eye which could put you ahead of the competion. Also they contain basic stuff like what you have been doing workwise etc.

 

If your not great on the phone a cv can be a good start you need to convince the employer your the person they need.

 

However, you should always follow up a sent cv with a phonecall, you might get some information which could be crucial to finding a job somewhere else or with someone else.

[Steve Bullman]

i always told people over the phone my day rate...when they gasp i tell them i'll come do a day for them, at the end of the day if they dont think im worth what im asking they can pay me what they feel is fair and we'll call it a day.

 

not saying CV's are a waste of time, just that i have never bothered putting one together

[Andy Collins]

Yep, I'm referenced right up Big A.

What size public liability should I be getting quotes for? I think the minimum is a mill? The company I worked for in Cornwall used to use a subbie climber and he only had to have personal injury, but that was a while back. I would obviously like to have public liability, but as it stands I dont have much work on, and certainly nothing where (much) damage could be done. I will get a quote tho.

So I should be sending all my references off, I have only been including my most recent, although I've only worked for two co's, oops!

Hopefully it is just the timing though like Big A says.

I'm gonna hold out for a few more weeks!

nice one guys

Insurance wise, I would definitely get personal accident cover, believe me its worth it if something goes wrong and you end up unable to work. PLI, speak to the insurers, tell your turnover, and get cover appropriate, no sense in spending far more than you can afford, for now. Once you've been going a while, you can always up your cover. Some companies will settle fo £1m, others will insist on £5m, some wont care less.

Letting companies know of your availability is no ill store, you never know, they may get in touch in a couple of months time

[treediver]

In this business if you havent got public liability insurance then you should'nt be trading. Above all Pl ins is a must or you may find one day you loose everything .

plus if you ever have guys working with you (even if you dont pay them!) and its 'your job' and something goes wrong..without employers liability you are totally screwed and open to being sued for limit-less amounts.

How cheery.

[treemeup]

absolutly treediver, but at the mo i'm just working for companies who are covered and will cover anything i do under their PLI.(never had a claim, touch wood...lots!)

I hear you steve/tockmal, I shall follow up my c.v's with a phone call in the morning