Going Self- employed

[deano88]

Hi,
im new to the forum and it has some cracking info.

Im a 22 year old time served Electrician and have completed my 17th Ed Regs, however I have been away from the trade for 2 years as I am now in the police. I do occasional work in my days off but my real ambition is to go self employed as a domestic electrician.

Has anyone got any advice for doing this, ie registering with a governing body, insurance and most importantly advertising and getting work, at the moment without any advertising I have only been getting 1-2 small jobs a month, however I dont want to make the transition to self employed from my current occupation without knowing I'l still be able to afford my mortgage.

Cheers

Deano

 

[jon jordan]

hi mate just started myself now fully up and running
i have advertised in my local paper
got my liability insurance sorted
joined elecsa
got my van sign written business cards done ( all basics as you would expect )

just got to grin n bear the next few weeks savings make all the difference when you start out.. just to pay the dreaded mortgage.

if you need to know owt else pm me atb jon

 

[Doomed]

Your in a job with a good salary and a cracking pension - are you mad?
My eldest has been attempting to get into the police for sometime and is stuck in a dead end job - mate, at the present time I would stick with the police until the economy picks up.

 

[J@mes]

Your in a job with a good salary and a cracking pension - are you mad?
My eldest has been attempting to get into the police for sometime and is stuck in a dead end job - mate, at the present time I would stick with the police until the economy picks up.

with the cuts on there way he may not have a choice as to whether he stays or not!!

 

[GrannySmiff]

I think he means on his days off as he is prob working 4 days on 4 days off. What force are you wtih?

 

[Ponty Massive]

Funny old thing, I'm in the same boat.....4 on with the police then 4 days with the electrics!!!

Is it the same with you then Granny?

 

[deano88]

Cheers guys, the job im in is in some mess, job cuts, pensions getting taxed, public holidays and annual leave being reduced and pension wise we pay alot more per month than most and dont get all tht much back, I would would love to work for myself and that way I can make the rules. My plan is to get the business up and running whilst Im still working and then if and when im making enough I can take the plunge.

 

[GrannySmiff]

No I am not Ponty but hopefully one day. Surprised to hear this guy wanting to swap though, there maybe cuts but they wont chop jobs they just won't recruit as much so I believe once your in you in. Would be nice to do that and do a little domestic work as well. Get that cake and it right up.

 

[accordfire]

Cheers guys, the job im in is in some mess, job cuts, pensions getting taxed, public holidays and annual leave being reduced and pension wise we pay alot more per month than most and dont get all tht much back, I would would love to work for myself and that way I can make the rules. My plan is to get the business up and running whilst Im still working and then if and when im making enough I can take the plunge.

Well.......nah, not gonna do all the copper jokes. Too many of you here!

Seems to me, that you've a way of perhaps getting a bit of a march on the competition, as you have an income already.

You don't say what type of electrical work you want to do (or the broad area you're in)......but.

Why not offer to do half a dozen jobs around for "cost" - or a little over so you make something.

The idea is to get the work and showcase it.

Build a folder or portfolio of some kind, and hawk it round - or be ready to use it on your sales pitches.

One way of generating customers is to get the lists from the local planning - any approvals for house extensions (or even applications) - write them or leaflet them making clear you have references and examples - use a standard letter, and back it up with some way they can check you out on the net - a website, and that with links to something like Trust my Trades Hammer Man.

Aim to take a year building it up, while you've still got an income.

Start hammering your colleagues too - not sure if you're allowed to do it openly, but word of mouth is your best bet, and if they can get the word round other nicks too.

Just a few thoughts.

 

[Amp David]

If you are doing 4 on 4 off then i'd keep with the police and on the days of fit in any electrical jobs you get. This way you'll be able to guage how much work there is around your area, before jumping right into self employment 100%