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Hi Steve,
I have just relocated from the SE to Shropshire 6 weeks ago.
Decided to take first month off for holiday, family time and exploring for work.
It's a big deal because we chose an area where we know no one. We took a holiday beforehand to explore and through conversations with locals decided it would be the right move at the right time.
The biggest con for me is starting again after 14yrs building up a business that traded on recommendation. I have to find out everything from scratch again which is not as fun as the first time around. In time i know it will be the best thing for us but i have days where i do wonder what we have done despite knowing we did it for many and varied right reasons. Got to stay positive.
Where i have moved to i keep hearing there is plenty of money for services and have met some traders earning at the level i want. There seems to be plenty of work going on from what i can see.
Take time to go see the area and check out the gardens. See how they are kept. We chose our location based on where we thought we could see a potential for work. We have started off renting so if need be i can move location if i find work ends up being a long way away.
I am starting to quote a couple of jobs now for neighbours so hopefully they will come off and recommendations will follow. Key thing is to network with everyone you meet and i mean everyone, and to maybe broaden your horizons on what you are willing to do to get going. I have not had to yet, but would also consider working for someone else to bring money in and meet people in the trade and also to hopefully find out tips for supplies.
Remember the internet is your friend these days.
Pick your spot...don't move to a depressed area of the country. We looked west of the Lakes but couldn't see any real opportunity there...not unless all the residents won the lottery.
We are near 2 towns which i think will be a help. One is affluent, the other less so but you never know.
Look out for local trader recommened sites. Check-a-trade seems to hardly have a hold in my area and the local trader site does not have too much competition for me on it so i will be signing up there.
I've still got lots to do to get established but like me if you do it i am sure you will make a go of it.
Lots of pros for me. Lots of cons too, but i am trying to see it all as one big new opportunity.
Change is good :-)
Hope that's of help.
Ed
I don't know what you do but there should be maintenance with second homes and tourist lets though you may like i said have to broaden your horizons.
Could look at property maintenance, clearing gutters, painting, looking after keys etc.
Just seen your avatar...looks like it could be right up your street.
Good luck
I have not done this myself but been told that Facebook and other social media sites is a good way to get business. Type in the name of a town near to where you live and there might be people looking for gardeners, painters, builders etc...
Good luck to you both.