tendering for local authority work..third party.

[Czlowiek Drzewo]

I would like some advice on business choice here.

 

I quote and undertake all tree work as a third party company for local authority. e.g i hand my quotes into another company who then hand them to council whith there percentage on top.

 

I undertake all the work.- quoting the work, doing the work and giving my advice. The company who receive my quotes have nothing at all to do with arboriculture work as the are a security business and they do not have any qualifications, exp or tickets to undetake any tree work legally..thats why they use me. I have also called and asked them if they have relevant insurance as i am classed as a sub-contractor for them and they keep telling me that they will get back to me on this.

 

what i don't understand is why they can tender for tree works for local authorities if they do not have any background in tree work or any insurances for arb work??

 

It annoys me as they really don't care about the work / trees and are just trying to make money any old way...but why does the council let them tender?? I have written a letter today to ask to tender myself and have made it clear that it will benefit the council to have insured and certified tree workers working for them rather than a company that isn't.

 

Whats even stranger is that 2 off the other companies i have quoted against are even worse - one is a cleaning company!!! ...WHY DO THEY USE JACK OF ALL TRADES ( ROGUE TRADERS ) TO UNDERTAKE TREE WORK FOR THEM.?????

Do they not care about british standards?

[WorcsWuss]

They will be acting as a main contractor and will be on the council list. If you want to cut them out approach the council and ask to get on their approved list. You'll need to get past the PQQ process first but assuming you have all the insurances there's no reason why you shouldn't work direct. You might make a friend at the council and get the peachy negotiated jobs which occasionally come up....

Just bear in mind that on the other hand, if you cut them out, you won't necessarily get any more work from the council and it may do you damage if you work with them, or other contractors outside of this....

 

And incidentally, as a sub contractor to them, the tree work you do is covered by your insurance anyway...

[Czlowiek Drzewo]

Hi Worcswuss.

 

Yeah, thats exactly what i have been thinking.

 

I have typed up letter to executive director and the situation. e.g it would be far more cost effective to deal directly with me.

 

What about insurance bonds? i have been advised that i should take one out.

Is this really needed.

 

If it was another tree surgery comonay who i was subbing for it would be fine...its the fact that this company have nothing to do with arb work and taking my quotes and cut and pasting them as there own.

[WorcsWuss]

Presumably these are straight arb tenders, not for arb work as part of a larger project, for instance CCTV installation and maintenance?

[Rupe]

As an arb contractor to the council I also get notified of other contracts that I might be interested in, electrical, cleaning etc. etc.

 

Not that I would do it, but I guess that is whats happening. If the security company have the business skills and set up to over see the tree work then it is above board (no matter how strange it seems) and they must have some insurance to cover themselves as they would be the person that the council would claim against first.

 

A third party passer by would probably claim directly to you, but if they claimed from the council it would go to the security company before you.

[Czlowiek Drzewo]

As an arb contractor to the council I also get notified of other contracts that I might be interested in, electrical, cleaning etc. etc.

 

Not that I would do it, but I guess that is whats happening. If the security company have the business skills and set up to over see the tree work then it is above board (no matter how strange it seems) and they must have some insurance to cover themselves as they would be the person that the council would claim against first.

 

A third party passer by would probably claim directly to you, but if they claimed from the council it would go to the security company before you.

 

thanks for advice rupe.

 

Is there insurance companies that insure for tree works for non qualifed or does it just come under landscaping?

 

Does having insurance bonds make a big difference when they choose who can tender?

[Czlowiek Drzewo]

Presumably these are straight arb tenders, not for arb work as part of a larger project, for instance CCTV installation and maintenance?

 

the work is undertaken for housing assocations..but i have done couple decent size site clearance contracts.

[easy-lift guy]

thanks for advice rupe.

 

Is there insurance companies that insure for tree works for non qualifed or does it just come under landscaping?

 

Does having insurance bonds make a big difference when they choose who can tender?

 

It can make a difference if it is required and you don't have it:sneaky2:

easy-lift guy

[skyhuck]

Talk about biting the hand that feeds.

 

If you are quoting the amount you want, getting the work and getting paid, whats the problem????

 

You may just find you end up with nothing.

[Mozza]

Talk about biting the hand that feeds.

 

If you are quoting the amount you want, getting the work and getting paid, whats the problem????

 

.

 

My thoughts too!