Does any one know how good (or otherwise) these people:-http://www.buildingcentreofexcellence.co.uk/
are?
Or has anyone signed up with them?
My daughter's partner is a plasterer (also does other bits of building work) in his first year of business and has been really struggling since July. Only a few little jobs here and there.
He's a good plasterer - he's got the 'knack' (can do rendering too), and a background of various building trade jobs, plus 2 years with a shopfitting firm, during which he did (off his own bat) a C&G plastering course (did well - had some work from his tutor).
Just before last Christmas he was made redundant, so took the plunge and set up on his own.
The first part of the year was fine, couple of whole house renovations, quite a bit of insurance flood repair work, plus the usual odds'n'ends type of jobs.
The main problem is that he hasn't had time build up a big enough network of customers and contacts. He's a grafter and not having enough to do is driving him nuts, he's tried for full time jobs but the only firm hiring plasterers were paying £7.50 an hour.
Always leaves cards, van is liveried, sign outside the house, spent money on 8 week series of decent, professionally designed ads in the local papers, from which there were 3 responses, all of which he converted into jobs; some leafleting, called all the local contractors etc., and the nearest firm of loss adjusters.
He's CIS registered, and has liability insurance.
Now wondering whether to sign up with this trade agency, £675 for a years contract.
It seems legit, well worked out and professional, he's been to see them, and is tempted, anyone any feedback/experience?
TIA
are?
Or has anyone signed up with them?
My daughter's partner is a plasterer (also does other bits of building work) in his first year of business and has been really struggling since July. Only a few little jobs here and there.
He's a good plasterer - he's got the 'knack' (can do rendering too), and a background of various building trade jobs, plus 2 years with a shopfitting firm, during which he did (off his own bat) a C&G plastering course (did well - had some work from his tutor).
Just before last Christmas he was made redundant, so took the plunge and set up on his own.
The first part of the year was fine, couple of whole house renovations, quite a bit of insurance flood repair work, plus the usual odds'n'ends type of jobs.
The main problem is that he hasn't had time build up a big enough network of customers and contacts. He's a grafter and not having enough to do is driving him nuts, he's tried for full time jobs but the only firm hiring plasterers were paying £7.50 an hour.
Always leaves cards, van is liveried, sign outside the house, spent money on 8 week series of decent, professionally designed ads in the local papers, from which there were 3 responses, all of which he converted into jobs; some leafleting, called all the local contractors etc., and the nearest firm of loss adjusters.
He's CIS registered, and has liability insurance.
Now wondering whether to sign up with this trade agency, £675 for a years contract.
It seems legit, well worked out and professional, he's been to see them, and is tempted, anyone any feedback/experience?
TIA