FAQ
Why you should partner with The Trades Brigade.
Working for yourself is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have, but also one of the most difficult. You know you have the skills to do the job, but what about everything else that comes with it. There are lots of questions that you probably have. Here are some of the ones we have typically come across (this is not an exhaustive list).
- How do I get sales, what about marketing?
- How do I do accounts?
- Tax !!?
- Money?
- Do I need a website?
- What about transport, who will sign write my van?
- What tools do I require? How will I get them?
- What about insurance?
- Do I need a computer?
- How will people get hold of me?
We at the Trades Brigade believe that you should work for yourself, but not by yourself. So let’s tackle the questions above (we have used a plumber as an example only).
Answer 1. “I want to be a plumber, I’m not a salesman!” – Everyone can sell if you have a belief in your abilities. Your skills and the recommendations you get from clients help you sell yourself. There is nothing better than a happy customer. When you sign up with the Trades Brigade we will support you by advertising in the area where you want to work, getting your leaflets and brochures sorted. Because we have done all the work, sorting the branding and name out then you can hit the ground running. You will also be assigned a mentor to help you promote your business in your area.
Answer 2. “I want to be a plumber, I don’t want to be an accountant!” – You don’t need to be an accountant (unless you want to be!) we have them, so you don’t have to be one. The compliance package from The Trades Brigade covers you for all eventualities, you will have an online accounting software package that can help you with quotations, bills, invoices you receive, paying bills, getting payments, projects (for the big jobs!) payroll to name but a few. We have teamed up with one of the best providers in the field. You can even take a picture of a receipt with your mobile and send it to the system that way!
Answer 3. “I want to be a plumber, I don’t want to be a taxman!” – The HMRC says tax doesn’t have to be taxing! With the compliance package from The Trades Brigade we have made it as simple to understand as possible. We have teamed up with lawyers, accountants and tax experts to make sure you are on the right side of the revenue. We will conduct regular reviews to make sure all the paperwork is in order. All your submissions are done on time and that you are free to do what you are good at! You will be kept informed every step of the way after all it’s your business and it’s your money!
Answer 4. Speaking of money “I want to be a plumber, I don’t want to be a banker!” – There are a number of different sources of finance available. Ranging from The Princes Trust, Start Up Britain, High Street Banks to the Bank of Friends & Family. We have a great relationship with the HSBC and recommend them, but will work with you to get the best deal for you from whichever provider.
Answer 5. “I want to be a plumber not a web-designer!” – Once again with the Trades Brigade it’s all sorted. When you join we will give you a dedicated web page to promote your business which will link to our website so that people can find you by searching in the area you are working e.g. “Plumbers in Aldershot”. For you it means most of the hard work is done and for us it means that the consistent message of the brand is put across to the general public.
Answer 6. “I want to be a plumber, I’m not a sign writer” – To make this easy for you we have the sign writing all sorted for the vehicles. Also to protect ours and your image we want the vehicles you use to be as smart as possible so we have negotiated a cracking set of deals with Vauxhall Vans. Because they are big supporters of Help for Heroes they have gone above and beyond and given you discounts that you wouldn’t be able to get yourself.
Answer 7. “Tools and Kit” – We have again worked with some of the leading names in the building industry to secure preferential rates on all the tools you need. Within the initial package price there is a £2,000 tooling credit which will allow you to buy all the kit you need. Typically a plumber will need;
Screwdrivers, Hammers, Chisels, Grips, Wrenches, Spanners, Spirit levels, Manual pipe threader, Pipe cutters, Hand saws, Pliers, Bending tools, Power drills, Drill bits, Circular saws, Jig saws, Portable pipe threading machines, Hydraulic machine benders, Portable pipe freezing kits. That’s just to start with! But we have comprehensive kit lists for all trades!
Answer 8. “Insurance” – Hopefully you’ll take the direct line! We have teamed up with Direct Line traders insurance who can sort out your public liability insurance as well as your van insurance. When you are all set up there will be a special link on the website to let you buy your insurance at Trades Brigade rates. Direct Line have been very helpful while we have set up the Trades Brigade so we hope you will support them for your domestic insurance needs.
Answer 9. “Computers” – When you join the Trades Brigade you will be given a Trades Brigade ruggedized laptop. While you may have your own computer at the moment, we feel it is best if you have one that you use for the business. It helps keeps things separate and it means that being ruggedized you can take it out with you on jobs and get the information you need on location. And because it is a business asset you can offset the cost against your tax bill, our clever accountants will help you with that!
Answer 10. “Getting in touch – I can’t afford a receptionist!” – we have teamed up with Vodafone who once again have given us cracking support to offer a telecoms package that is best suited to you. Their Vodafone One net service means that not only do you get an up to date mobile; you get a virtual landline number with your local dialling code. This means people can give you a call on a local number and not direct to a mobile. It also means that when you are busy you can divert the call to us at the office and we will act as your receptionist! Also we have a 0800 number that customers can ring us on and then we will divert the call to the appropriate person i.e. you!