Whats the current state of the industry workwise?

[Pete Mctree]

Poor since January - back working in the woods. There seems a definite downturn, especially in the domestic market

[Leyburn Lad]

Do you not set your own rates???

 

On the private side of things yes, But utility wise no. Sound a bit of a winge bag but its not to bad, but could always be better.

 

Problem we have found is the amount of "we wouldn't touch line work" that have come onto utility work after the recession is now pushing the rates down to what they were or could be as there is a glut of people qualified for the work.

[eggsarascal]

Busy here, not enough hours in the day, days in the week.

 

Put ya rate up.

[Mortimer Firewood]

There's defiantly been a downturn lots of gangs are slow locally. I've not noticed it but were advertising more than we have before and as we other things it would not be as obvious.

[bumble B]

When I started on my own four years ago the diary was chocka I worked my arse off for a year squeezing work in where I could. Now I am never more than two weeks ahead of myself. This month has been very quite for me so re designed my logo, website and had a go at Google ad words and Facebook advertising.

[Mortimer Firewood]

Put ya rate up.

 

Exactly what I do seams to get rid of the awkward ones:thumbup:

[Stephen Blair]

I relocated last September.

I haven't advertised and have been busy from January until mid May.

Only working locally.

Last 3-4 weeks have been quiet.

I am just working myself and doing more digger and ground work lately.

[arbormonkey]

slowed down drastically here on Merseyside on the tree side mainly my grounds matience contracts on housing estates etc keeping me going

[TIMON]

Flat out here, did 10 quotes on Saturday and booked in 8 jobs.

2 teams booked up nearly through July.

[JimM]

Mad busy from last Dec. We were booking 10 weeks ahead for a while. February was just stupid and did a few 6 day weeks. It eased a bit over the last month, but still about 4 weeks ahead. Looks like it will be a quieter August.

We've put our rates up again too.

Didn't stop advertising in the local papers. That's working best for us.