SCOTLAND: FREE 'ARB Approved Contractor' Workshop - 8th Jan.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Dear 'Scottish / Scotland based' contractors I will be delivering a FoC, 'no obligation', workshop on how to become arb approved on Tuesday 8th Jan @ The Royal Highland Showground, near Edinburgh Airport.

 

I apologise for the short notice but we've only just had confirmation of the min. nos. we need to ensure it runs, but there's definately room for more!

 

The workshop is aimed principally at small business contractors, i.e. "less than 5 staff", and if you can secure a Local Authority Tree Officer nomination beforehand (essentially supporting you and confirming you undertake good quality tree work) then with your attendnace you could 'enter the draw' at the end of the day for a free assessment (saving £495 +VAT), or 2x half-price (saving £247.50 +VAT) assessments (to be undertaken 26-28 Feb. 2013)

 

If you wish to join us we need to know by Fri. 4th Jan. 2013 at the absolute latest and ideally ASAP.

 

Please reply to this post, or 'pm' me, if you wish to know more.

 

Thanks for your time.

Paul

[Matt GT]

Very cool! I would love to but I am just a 1 man freelancer trying to get started and set up.

[Robert_S]

How many approved are in scotland paul?

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Very cool! I would love to but I am just a 1 man freelancer trying to get started and set up.

 

It may still be useful in that setting a business up following a recognised model, which in part is what 'ARB Approved' is about, can help (particularly if you think 'ARB Approved' may be the way forward for the business in the future.)

 

On pre-requisite that would, unfortunately, exclude you from applying now is that you need to have been 'trading' for min. 2 year period (and the nominated manager needs to have 5 years expereince.)

 

Still, you're welcomed to join us.

 

Paul

[Matt GT]

Yes Paul it would all be good I agree! I am going to give this some thought to see if I can wangle a trip to Edin

 

Many thanks!

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

How many approved are in scotland paul?

 

Oooow, let me see, how long have you got Robert, err 3 currently:

 

1. Arboretum Internationale in Perth (Paul Hanson)

2. Cut Above Specialist Tree Services in Newton (Chris White)

3. QTS Group in Strathaven (Barry McLeish)

 

To be honest it's a little bit "chicken and egg" scenario and hence there is much opportunity.

 

We've done some recent 'marketing' with the Scottish Tree Officers Group (STOG) to raise awareness and had some good responses.

 

Interested..?

 

Paul

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Yes Paul it would all be good I agree! I am going to give this some thought to see if I can wangle a trip to Edin

 

Many thanks!

 

 

POST- Christmas shopping in Princess Street too maybe? :-)

 

Hope to see you there.

 

Paul

[Robert_S]

Always interested Paul

 

Would i do it, mmm probably not, i am more interested in why some become aaac for a year or two then don't renew it, for me that rings alarm bells that it has not been that beneficial to there business ( i may be 100% wrong on that). i know chris and paul have been aaac for many years but they have ties to the aa outwith there aaac status.

i do think its a bench mark for an arb company but my clients would not know or care infact only yesterday i was asked if i needed an extension cable for the saw!! so knowing if I'm aaac is a mute point

 

If you have tea and biscuits i may come along for a nosey

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Always interested Paul

 

Would i do it, mmm probably not, i am more interested in why some become aaac for a year or two then don't renew it, for me that rings alarm bells that it has not been that beneficial to there business ( i may be 100% wrong on that). i know chris and paul have been aaac for many years but they have ties to the aa outwith there aaac status.

i do think its a bench mark for an arb company but my clients would not know or care infact only yesterday i was asked if i needed an extension cable for the saw!! so knowing if I'm aaac is a mute point

 

If you have tea and biscuits i may come along for a nosey

 

Robert,

 

Tea n biccies = :, 3 course lunch (or even 1 course) = ...coz FoC day.

 

You raise an interesting point, and indeed their may be a 'previous' ArbAC in attendance so you can ask him directly.

 

In practice I acknowledge that ArbAC has greater potential value in the commercial / LA sector rather than domestic but there are, I beleive, opportunities here where someone is looking to 'stand out from the crowd'. I also acknowledge that, in the main, 'price is King' and the cheapest man wins...but with more discerning clients who like their trees they may be willing to pay a little more for the contractor with an industry 'quality mark'.

 

Ideally I acknowledge that awareness of the quality mark beforehand would be great but, in reality, other than CORGI/GAS SAFE and maybe NICEIC (for electricians), and perhaps Guild of Master Craftsmen (???), 99% of 'Joe Public' wont have heard of any trade associations / industry accreditations let alone 'ARB Approved Contractor.' What we aim to do is assist the contractor to promote themsleves as an ArbAC and explain what's involved to their clients and of course remind them of the complaints procedure if their unhappy and can't resolve it with you.

 

Sorry, I'm doubtless 'over-staying' my welcome now.

 

Hope to see you there.

 

Cheers..

Paul

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

LAST CALL...almost, for the workshop next Tues. 8th at Royal Highland Showground, nr. Edinburgh Airport.

 

Certainly 5pm tomorrow (Friday 5th Jan.)

 

PLEASE let me know ASAP if you're gonna come along for the 'tea n biccies' or as an active delegate with a supporting Tree Officer nomination.

 

Cheers, n hoping to see you there

 

Paul