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Can anyone help me??

Hi Everyone.

A long time visitor who has used this site for some great advice over the years. But I need some help please.

I cant go in too much specific detail due to job related sensitivity/security.

I am currently a Head Groundsman/Team Leader for a very large national company. I work at a fixed location. The contract has come up and we are being taking over by a new Facilities Management Company who have a very limited background of the stuff we do. We run Grounds Maintenance/ Soft Landscaping Projects/ Tree Work/ Fine Sports Turf which includes a well known Sports Team.

Having spent along time helping the new company who are coming in to plan their Machine Plan (They are not inheriting any of the current kit) and also giving them a good head start in knowing the contract I was told on several occasions that I would be well looked after as far as pay increase and terms and conditions go. I had my one to one meeting last week and it became apparent this had all been forgotten!!!

It is safe to say I am pretty hacked off...I give over and beyond my time effort into the job. Staying late and early most days, taking on work load from my colleagues to ensure the place ticks along and looks better and better over what is required. I have turned down positions with my current employer thinking I would be better of staying put.

So the thoughts that are never too far away is to go out and start on my own.....can I do it?? I have a small amount of money available, a possibility to buy some tools from my current employer. A potential help/worker with a current team mate who is equally looking to get out.. A relevant Hort NVQ Qualification. PA1 PA6 Good experience. Is this a sign for me to take the plunge???????

All things worry me to some extent but I believe in my ability......ie enough work load to keep at least the same money coming in/gaining contract work/winter work?

Cheers in advance..........please give me some ideas help.

Thanks 

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  • PRO

    It's a tough one Ben, being TUPE'd over is never an easy process, and of course the new company will always promise the earth but then rarely deliver.  It's not uncommon of course for them to 'restructure' once the handover is completed as well.

    Finance was my biggest problem when I started out.  To get kitted out from scratch, van, tools, insurances, advertising etc took ££££ it never seemed to end !

    There's plenty of work out there right now, but of course things die down come winter and that's when you need a reserve of cash/winter jobs to keep you going.

    I guess you need to decide just how bad it is in your current job right now - can you hang onto the end of the year and save up and plan the launch of your new business for the new year ?  Or if it's really that bad at the moment, maybe get in touch with other local gardeners - most will have a backlog of work this time of year and may welcome a helping hand.

    The upsides of going alone are great - but it will be slow getting going at the start so you will need to be prepared for that.  I would say go for it, but plan first.  Best of luck to you !

    • Thanks Russ.............

  • 100% agree with Russ. Timing isn't ideal, as realistically we've perhaps three or four months before the work slows right down. That's quite tight to build enough reserve cash, enough winter work if you do that sort of thing, or enough contract work if you put your feet up when it begins to drizzle. Like me!

    Personally, I'd be thinking that the new company won't initially give a stuff for all your extra work and commitment, but to be fair they don't know you yet. You're starting from scratch with them, but that doesn't mean they won't soon learn how important to the team you are. Is it worth trying 6 months with them, and if you aren't getting any further then you start to build a business after Christmas, in time for the next busy season?

    • Thanks Paul, the trouble is with not noticing me is that they have been thanking me for all the hard work and that I would be rewarded for the last year as they have been on site having taking over Plumbers Electricians Carpenters Cleaners Handymen and have had a Grounds Manager in place for that time!!!!!!!!

  • looks like they have been dangling carrots ? how many years service have you got in  and is it carried on to the new company you may be in line for redundancy. also do not tell them everything as they will end up knowing more than you and then you are expendable. remind the person whom dangled the carrot what was said 

    as others have said we are half way through the season and the start up costs, accountant fees, insurance and other costs.

    maybe start thinking and planning for a start early next year and you said your co worker is in the same frame of mind are you going to employ them or go as a partnership, self employed, ltd com etc. lot to think about plus when you finish the work at night you do not put your feet up you have the paper work to do plus the phone messages to reply to work quotes out. run to the bank to put the cheques in, ten minutes on this forum then hit the sack

    good look whatever you decide to do but you will never be a millionaire unless you win the lottery      

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