For one reason or another, I was going to stay well clear of this one, but the point of the forum is to share views and experiences to try and help others, so here goes one more time.
The money thing, is a fair enough question for me. If you have a trade body willing to shout from the rooftops that you are a fit and proper company to take on a contract and fulfil it properly, a sound financial footing should form part of any decision making process and if this was extrapolated to other contracts and contractors I probably wouldn't have to write off so much bad debt year after year. I know I am a lone voice or pretty much on here, but the accusation of a big boys club just doesn't sit right with my experience, we all know I am as small as they come and when I joined my firm consisted of me, my father in law, a boy and a 7.5 ton truck. My reasons for wanting to join are simple enough, a desire to make sure I was up to date with all current guidance and any changes without having to rely on others to tell me or poorly informed contractors.
The audit process is also simple enough, we also get an audit every now and again from our insurance company and to be honest it's almost the same so obviously we are all capable of passing that or we wouldn't be trading. The site audit may well be simpler to pass for a small firm as I know all the boys are using the step and are suited and booted with all the gear no matter who or when the checks come, most of my jobs are fairly straightforward enough and haven't really found that too difficult to get through either.
I don't think my firm is better or worse than the next because I am flying a banner, but at least clients can take some comfort when trading in a strange area that I at least know what the rules and regulations are, I am insured and know how to right a risk assessment and method statement. I know we all do it but the client doesn't always until it's too late and we have all seen the RAMS needed for tomorrow start threads so it does happen.
Despite my size, I still get a say in the direction my trade goes. I also contribute to all these guidance notes and yes, whilst I don't want to carry the can for tg20 I did contribute to it as I have to the long awaited update. Those running their own small show will obviously be well used to doing their own thing and don't want anyone telling them how to do it, but for me, every man and his dog thinks they have a right to tell me how they want it done, and they got the shock of their lives when I come back armed to the back teeth with information and facts to destroy their so called beliefs. The NASC has been an invaluable tool when dealing with many contractors over the years, off the top of my head I can't remember what it costs, a fixed fee or percentage of T.O but I find it essential operating round here.
I have discussed this and other aspects of membership with a few through PM's, and have always been willing to share my views and experience to any interested party. Whilst it's only one mans experience and opinion, I think it's fair to say most members I meet and talk too find the same experience no matter how big or small they are.
