[ronnie paton]

well got my second van and second employee now after starting my business only 3 and a half years ago i think iv come on no end.

I now need to continue my growth to fill my empty slots that i know have........cant wait for the challenge.

how are other people going in these times???(this is not a topic of me showing of im just felling proud and hoping to motivate others)

[martinsadie]

lost a few same as every year,but picked even more up 

[LWC]

lost a few same as every year,but picked even more up 

Yeh i could say that to...alot more

[andyatkinson]

i agree kev, my friend works for aggreco who are a huge company and there stratergy is to keep spending and improving the business and keep moving forward as most of theyre competitors are selling equipment etc to rally funds, theyre plan is when the work comes they are ready there competitors have to make up for lost time and start buying machinery etc whilst there primed and ready

[Clive McDonald]

kev and ronnie,

I believe what you are expanding into is a fairly new service(sounds daft wc's been around a while), with a new era of professionalism that will become the norm.

I'm trying to pluck up courage for my first employee but i'm scared of...

not only paying someone but vat at 11%
having to pay for another van- i have two vans and a car on my drive as it is, how can i have three, what about the neighbours?
losing work because it's not done properly.
not being a good or effective boss.
going from slogging my guts out for a lot of money, to slogging my guts out for less money.
teaching someone who may one day steal my business

Everything else i've got sorted.

[Window Washers]

kev and ronnie,

I believe what you are expanding into is a fairly new service(sounds daft wc's been around a while), with a new era of professionalism that will become the norm.

I'm trying to pluck up courage for my first employee but i'm scared of...

not only paying someone but vat at 11%
having to pay for another van- i have two vans and a car on my drive as it is, how can i have three, what about the neighbours?
losing work because it's not done properly.
not being a good or effective boss.
going from slogging my guts out for a lot of money, to slogging my guts out for less money.
teaching someone who may one day steal my business

Everything else i've got sorted.

It is called risk calculated. paying vat is only a problem if you do not do the sums to include it, many get caught short not doing so. Why would you slog your guts out to earn less if you did this you would be doing something wrong, as for staff if they do something wrong penaslise them they soon learn not to as it costs them money

[ftp]

Get yourself a cattle prod from ebay.

[ronnie paton]

firstly find the right staff that is the hardist thing iv found, but when you do look after them.

Expanding doesnt come cheap and doesnt mean instantly earning more, look at the bigger picture and getting to were you want to be.

Pass on the vat, if you cant pass it all on then you may have to take an hit, but it will all even its self out.

[Window Washers]

Get yourself a cattle prod from ebay.

thats a good idea 

[gary evans]

Its good to hear some good news for a change, Ronnie & Kev.

I was that company who tighten to breaking selling of everything, but, still had van to sell , but, always to busy.

Well i have help on paperwork in office now & keeping the van. Have been slowly taking on houses, to fill gaps, & looking to take more on soon. Commercial is very slack, but, i have a few quotes out at the minute.

We lost a lot on our commercial side, 10,s of thousands & bad debts to boot. I have now secured most of my work, over 60 - 70% was up for renewal & kept most. I have run around like the preverbial, but, i am now looking forward to work & expanding the business.

Gary