Industrial Electrical Work

[tjam]

Hi all,

I am looking into going self employed within the next two years but I just need to ensure I have enough capital to cover my outgoings for the transition from PAYE to receiving payment from my prospect clients etc, van, tools..etc etc.

I would be doing all the work with the assistance of an electricians mate and I have other contacts if anything larger was to crop up which would be best suited to a qualified sparks, but I was wondering if there is enough work for a self employed sparks to soley work in Indsustrial electrical work as that is where all my experience is. usual, 3 phase, conduit, motors, inverters etc etc.

I would be covering London/South East area aswell as completing my Irata course's, not to work offshore ( spent quite some time offshore and I dont fancy doing it no more ) but if there was much Rope access work onshore.

Although I would have no problems working within the domestic enviroment in terms of actual electrical work, but Im lacking the experience of lifting floorboards, cutting out of walls and the other joys of carrying out electrical work in domestic properties that is my main worry.


Thanks for reading

 

[Darkwood]

Well hope it goes well, only advice for a newby self employed is cash flow is a must and put all your efforts in to predict it and keep ahead of it, a company breaking even or making a slight loss may take years to go under, but a cash flow problem can take you down within a month. If you have a customer base already have a meeting with them, express your plans and ask if they can pay a little quicker on any invoices you get in until you have built up your little empire a bit, i found most of my customer were happy to do this for me without question as they value my experience and quality of work. A 28day payment term should be fine for you and them as your money should come in as the wholesalers ask you to settle your monthly bill.

 

[Hendo]

Yes, cash flow is a big issue especially during the first 3-6 months. Once you get up and running the recommendations of clients will be a great source of work, and these leads go on to lead to others. It's hard work but the end results are good. Good luck buddy.

 

[tjam]

cheers guys,

Is it viable, to soley work within the industrial industry?

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

 

[Arnold Layne]

tjam the viability of only doing industrial/commercial work will depend on where you are located geographically. Every Region of the county has different ratios of domestic/industrial work available. So think about where you are. Secondly who do you know and what sectors do they work in? Are there any local builders who do small industrial jobs that would be happy to employ you. What End User clients do you have access to? There are pros and cons to working through builders, they can provide the work but their payment terms can be harsh. Just a few things you may wish to consider. Best of luck!

 

[danzor]

cheers guys,

Is it viable, to soley work within the industrial industry?

Why would it not be? You say you have only ever done it...

 

[Hendo]

Why would it not be? You say you have only ever done it...

It's all I've mainly done, of course you are going to get the odd domestic job now and again, it pays the bills, and in this climate who are we to turn it down. Don't put all your eggs in one basket either. If you sub contract from one major client and they go ---- up, it can prove very costly.

 

[supasparxs]

Hi all,

I am looking into going self employed within the next two years but I just need to ensure I have enough capital to cover my outgoings for the transition from PAYE to receiving payment from my prospect clients etc, van, tools..etc etc.

I would be doing all the work with the assistance of an electricians mate and I have other contacts if anything larger was to crop up which would be best suited to a qualified sparks, but I was wondering if there is enough work for a self employed sparks to soley work in Indsustrial electrical work as that is where all my experience is. usual, 3 phase, conduit, motors, inverters etc etc.

I would be covering London/South East area aswell as completing my Irata course's, not to work offshore ( spent quite some time offshore and I dont fancy doing it no more ) but if there was much Rope access work onshore.

Although I would have no problems working within the domestic enviroment in terms of actual electrical work, but Im lacking the experience of lifting floorboards, cutting out of walls and the other joys of carrying out electrical work in domestic properties that is my main worry.


Thanks for reading

When I worked on the Dome, I got an interview for the company that was carrying out the maintenance work.
They were going to put me through the IRATA level 1, but the shifts they wanted me to work were very long and the rates of pay were about 70% of the industry standard.
(my background is as a mountaineer and I have climbed routes like the big overhang on Anglesey, and spent a month climbing walls in Yosemite)
I have friends who are level 1,2 and 3 IRATA and the amount of work for an electrician is limited.

coming back to your business plan, with 2 of you on the books is that enough to carry out the works?
doesn't a level 1 need to be supervised by a level 3, and only level 2's can work unsupervised?
(I don't know what level IRATA you hold)
Doesn't there have to be someone on the ground at all times to carry out a rescue if required.

admittedly there are some works that can only accessed by a rope, but in most instances a MEWP, maybe easier
have you written risk assessments and method statements for these kind of works?

I don't mean to put a dampener on you but the costs for the IRATA, the equipment needed and the potential returns as you are limiting yourself to the South London area. to do this work I feel you will have to open yourself to doing works offshore aswell

BTW welcome to the forum

Richard