How long to get a business up and running

[hamdogg]

It's difficult to say when exactly I started trying to form my own business as such as I've always been self employed and liked to buy things and have a deal etc. but I'd say probably took about 2 years to have full time work, however if I knew what advertising worked and didn't before this could have been achieved a lot quicker. Now probably about 4 years in have one full time employee a few subbies that I use regularly and all the usual kit plus an O license. Finding what advertising works is key IMO some magazines and sites are just like throwing your money away but others are a gold mine!

 

 

It's finding out which is the best advertising!? I'm just trying different things month by month! See what works?

[richy_B]

1 year is really hard, 2nd a little easier, 3rd you just start ticking over really, and progression from there.

My advice would be don't turn away any work, price anything and then figure it out afterwards. Don't hang around saving up for a chipper, bang one on finance. I bought a brand new timberwolf 125 that cost me £185 pm. That's 2 days hiring a chipper!

You get all the reliability of a new machine when your struggling at the beginning. It's a great way to build up your kit and tax efficient too. You also look a lot more professional turning up with the right kit. Make sure you've got a least 3 saws, blower, sthil combi long reach trimmer, pole pruner, Strimmer etc, clearing kit and a good set of ladders. Your ready to roll. Not forgetting your climbing and rigging kit. Don't go alone until you can manage that setup is my advice.

 

I agree. One of the biggest thing retrospect teaches is buy the right kit to start with. Obviously there are major financial constraints in the early days but in the long run it is much more efficient. If you are tree surgeon a chipper, saws and climbing kit are your stable diet so spend the money. A brand new van isn't essential but I'd avoid going beyond 7 years/100k miles.

 

I work with a forestry contractor and he rekcons he needs around £100k worth of kit to run his operation but has spent £200k to get it over 3 years - Buying an older tractor, spending some money on repairs and breakdowns, losing a bit when trading up. Repeat for a timber trailer, flail, winches, so on & so on.

[hamdogg]

It's getting that name about and pulling the work in!?? Which leads to which advertising?