Doug Blease

Hi SWB, Never in an overdraft. Making a profit but not 25K, but have only been on a three day week since 2007. I guessed the accountant would give me a bigger bill for kmore work, but thats fair enough. Are you still LTD?

Oh god dillsue your losing me a bit. Sounds good though. I have written that down in my notes to ask about a Flat Rate Scheme.

Matt, thanks. Seems to be some confusion here about whether or not I could claim VAT on previous purchases. But I will find out asap from the accountant. I was going to go voluntary VAT registered if that makes any difference. Thanks Dave also. Starting to get the picture now.

Thanks, Not world domination. Whats has happened is that I downscaled from small business owner, to employee four/five years ago. (Wanted to move back to Scotland/got a senior arborist job to facilitate the move). Then decided to complete some education which the full time job wouldnt support. Therefore I left and became "Mr Freelance Aberdeen 2007". This has worked out really well with the help of my wonderful arb colleagues. Now I am nearing the end of my degree and there is nothing I would like more than to use my new range of skills alongside my Arb exp and interest in sustainable forestry. Demand for my services is increasing with no advertising, so I am planning to go for it at the moment. I certainly dont want to dominate anything, but more partnership working with forward thinking companies/organisations. It makes sense to me that if I become a larger business, then LTD should be the way forward. Scheduling another meeting with the accountant soon. Thanks a million guys. Any other advice is readily accepted.

Thanks guys, this is all good info. Keep it coming.

Beg your pardon Skyhuck?

I claim those already against my taxable income, or are you describing a different system? I think that its my NI that spurred the bean counter to mention it.

My accountant this year said that maybe I should consider becoming Doug Blease Ltd. I understand the concept of Limited liability. Are there any other benefits to be gained in this transfer? I am sure many of you guys started out as Sole Traders in the beginning, maybe you have some wisdom to share. Thanks in advance Doug Blease

Great pictures! If you didnt eat so much you would have done it in a day.

By thinning some of the larger limbs from the crown, you can often achieve a neat reduction without losing natural shape. If the spec is for increased light into an area, I will almost always sell the customer a crown thin/clean with the understanding that the tree will probably need the same treatment after a certain period of time. This way light travels through the crown, not "around" it. More light, less disruption to the tree. I have been asked to top many many Scots as a contract climber. I try to be as sympathetic as possible, but if its the customers spec, and if the company who has asked me to work on the job is paying. Then thats what gets done. I am always thinking, that if it was my job and my customer, then I would have approached the job differently.

Sorry to hear of your accident. But i now have to show my kids the picture of your finger to see what happens!

Its called wishful thinking or hallucinations!! Nice job in this weather.

Gotta watch the bounce, or kiss the tree!

660 ! No oil problems. I have run a 36" bar all summer felling big elm and crosscutting it all. Its a little nose heavy with the 36 but it runs well when cross cutting. Plenty of power. Great build quality. Shop around for the best deal.

Try JasPWilson.

WOW! A friendly bank manager! Congratulations on your new baby!

441? Its a decent saw? Or the retailer should try and source one from another Stihl dealer.

What horrible bendy logs, no good for sawmilling. I will take them off your hands for free!

I enjoy essential arb. I read every page. I then file it and keep it in good condition. Some of the articles in it and FJ, I have referenced in my degree work. Therefore to me it is worth my reduced subscription (student). I understand £25 for four issues is pretty steep. And you do get more for less with other publications. But I honestly believe they put together as much as they can in four months. Quality not quantity. Equipment and technique should be a more regular article.

After a while you get an eye for it. Also after your first weighbridge ticket, you roughly know how many tonnes you are cutting per tank of fuel.

Remember your first question is about a day rate for cutters. Not piece rates. If its varied work, why not price up the whole job, time allowed and number of cutters. New guy starts from the bottom up. Carrying fuel/saws/levers/wedges/hammers, gets to fell a few trees under supervision when things are going well. From the price and time allowed you can figure out your day rate plus profits for your business.

Sorry, I miss read that. I thought you said ten tonnes. Again though, 7 tonnes of what? Is it even production cutting or maybe just clearing?

10 tonnes of what Andy? If its Ash re-gen, you will have to go like hellfire to cut and stack ten tonnes. Beech thinnings? 10 tonnes is more realistic. Why not measure out forestry chains and pay them per chain thinned/cleared plus a few quid per cord of wood stacked?

It seems that from reading everyones posts that there is a demand for freelance groundsman who can climb, effecively carry out aerial rescue, have full ground operations qualifications (e.g. Chipper/Saw/Traffic Management/First Aid/MEWP) Plus you need a fair bit of experience in differnet work techniques in order to carry out an efficient groundwork system for different employers (who will all require different things) If you are going to offer aerial rescue, you ought to have your own kit which you feel confident with. Of course with LOLER records. I am a freelance climber. I aim to be as qualified as possible and able to tick a lot of boxes required for Local Authority/Contract work etc. I carry my own insurance (for my own jobs but also as piece of mind for myself on other contracts). In order to attract a higher wage, you should try and offer something different than the other groundsmen out there. Some of whom will attract the higher wage with experience alone. The more you spend on kit, means that you have a higher maintenance overhead for running your freelance business. Thats why I suggested a committed full time employer where you can gain day to day experience and training.

You will progess far quicker with a decent employer willing to invest in good staff.