Starting Up

[fen01]

I am thinking of changing my career to tree work. I am looking at about 4 years to sort myself out and gain the required qualifications (I currently have CS 30 & 31 and will be doing CS 38 & 39 in the summer) and some experience. I currently 'manage' some woodland to keep me firewood and ensure that new trees are planted, but it is very ad hoc. I will be offering some time when i can get away from work with local tree surgeons to gain some experience (any interest?).

 

My preference is to work in forestry, but understand that there isn't that much work near where i live, so am really planning to concentrate on tree surgery and fenching (domestic and agricultural).

 

I am asking for any advice from your experiences both practical and in terms of managing a small business.

 

Many thanks

 

Fen

[Peter]

Whereabouts are you?

[Arborlord]

Trying to start up right now are you serious ?. The arb market is going to be very crap for quiet some time a new start has very little chance since established companies are now going cut throat.

[fen01]

Forest of Dean, just below the snow line...

[renewablejohn]

Business wise I would have a word with your local Business Link. At the moment their seems to be more incentives by the government to reduce the number of unemployed so getting money for a business start up is becoming easier.

[fen01]

I agree now is not the time to start up, but the economy will eventually pick up. The critical thing is to make sure i am in the best position possible for when downturn bottoms out to make the best of any incentives available without having to delay training, studying etc. I knew it wasn't going to be easy...

[Yorkshireman]

Oh No not again !

 

here we go

 

basics

 

Watch lots

Listen to all

Learn not to believe all

Buy only what you can afford,

Debt is a killer !!!

Paperwork will rob you of your soul

just because it shines doesnt mean its not a turd in the sunlight.

 

there is a cavern of difference from being a good craftsman to running a business

[Simon Rotheram]

QUOTE=Yorkshireman;110481]Oh No not again !

 

here we go

 

basics

 

Watch lots

Listen to all

Learn not to believe all

Buy only what you can afford,

Debt is a killer !!!

Paperwork will rob you of your soul

just because it shines doesnt mean its not a turd in the sunlight.

 

there is a cavern of difference from being a good craftsman to running a business

 

:dito:

[Mr Ed]

I am thinking of changing my career to tree work. I am looking at about 4 years to sort myself out and gain the required qualifications (I currently have CS 30 & 31 and will be doing CS 38 & 39 in the summer) and some experience. I currently 'manage' some woodland to keep me firewood and ensure that new trees are planted, but it is very ad hoc. I will be offering some time when i can get away from work with local tree surgeons to gain some experience (any interest?).

 

My preference is to work in forestry, but understand that there isn't that much work near where i live, so am really planning to concentrate on tree surgery and fenching (domestic and agricultural).

 

I am asking for any advice from your experiences both practical and in terms of managing a small business.

 

Many thanks

 

Fen

 

Hmm. Good luck with that!

[woodsmanBSc]

I know that part of the world has lots of forestry operations going on!

Forest of Dean has many FC hardwood/softwood plantations. Most contracted out (1st thinings/weavil spraying etc) or sold as standing lots.

Speak to your local FC area manager and see if he will give up contractors names/details.

If your keen/hard working and cheap you might be able to get some experiance with them.

Voluntary work on your CV always looks good. Try the local BTCV or Woodland trust. Failing that contact your local council who will have a scheme going on in SSSI's or comparative locations.

 

Good luck bud