Cornwall, a big move, help needed!

This is why I've been reviewing costs, hence the post on the other thread!

My 18 year relationship ended unexpectedly this New Year. I'm not after sympathy, crap happens, but without enough of planning ahead I can't afford to rent where I am in Buckinghamshire. I have no real ties here except work now anyway. My Mum's in Cornwall, and can put me up for a while so I can start up from scratch down there.

I've spoken to a maintenance chap there already who's given me the confidence that it's viable, the internet groups are such a massive support resource.

What I'd appreciate is any contacts down that way. I'll be in Truro, so apologies if that's someone's "patch". Please let me know and we can avoid me poaching work: I want friends down there, not to make enemies!

I'll need a reliable tree surgeon, and a landscaper or two. I only do light maintenance, so need to be able to pass work like trees or big hedges over, and any fencing or hard landscaping I will need to be able to put forward my "trusted colleagues".

In return, if anyone has any basic maintenance work they don't want, or contacts down that way for rentals etc., any help is appreciated. Probably 30 mile radius from Truro to start with, although not in the sea.....

It's daunting, but also an adventure. It's a lesson to us all that life sometimes throws things at you and you hadn't planned for it. That's why I bang on about charging more than minimum wage! :-)

Replies

This reply was deleted.
- Paul McNulty January 12, 2016 at 4:20pm
  
  It's funny, Tom. After 30 years I'm the one who's banged on at new starters about not taking on any old cheap job, but now I have to put it in to practise!
  
  :-)
PRO

Mic Talbot January 12, 2016 at 6:34pm

Hi Paul,

Maintenance work is a bit thin on the ground this time of year and the constant wet has made anything to do with lawns including walking across them pretty much impossible. I run a small landscape design, build, trees care and grounds maintenance company from Scorrier. let us know if you need any help with your bigger jobs, landscaping or tree work. I can pass on maintenance to you if we get stacked...
Welcome to gods country!!!

Mic
- Paul McNulty > Mic Talbot January 13, 2016 at 10:45pm
  
  Mic, you're right on my new patch. I'll be in Threemilestone, so I'd appreciate meeting up for a beer, or at least you message me who you would appreciate me not approaching.
  
  I'm keen to build up some new friends and contacts, and the last thing I need is to put in a pitch that treads on someone's toes. I only do the smaller maintenance side, but will be hitting the area with calls and adverts.
  
  Let's talk when I'm down there so I don't accidentally call on your clients. :-)
PRO

Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd January 12, 2016 at 6:39pm

Hi Paul

It was good to chat to you earlier - I do hope it all works out well for you. Always happy to help where I can.

Best regards

Nick
PRO

Richard Gadsby January 12, 2016 at 6:47pm

Bad news!

I suppose starting fresh estate/ letting agents would be a good place to start with holiday homes down that way.

Pubs may be one to try as they should have descents sized beer gardens.

Parish councils for some of thier one off jobs.

To start with being more of a jack of all trades (odd jobs etc) to start with until you get you client base up and running
(I know that sounds bad but needs must)
Website and post office boards etc.
Good luck
Andrew Midgley January 12, 2016 at 6:50pm

Good Luck Paul, I live in South Devon so I can't provide any jobs down there but one thing to bear in mind is that the mild climate down in the SW means that there is a longer season and that you can grow a wider variety of tender plants. Truro, you will pleased to know, is a relatively wealthy area with lots of retired incomers and second homes. Might be worth getting in touch with companies managing holiday cottages down there.
Geoff Norfolk January 12, 2016 at 7:39pm

Of course the other option is to find yourself a nice young lady where you are..... preferably rich and with her own house.............. and move in with her. Problem solved..... hopefully!!:)
- Paul McNulty > Geoff Norfolk January 12, 2016 at 8:44pm
  
  Geoff, the irony is that I found a wealthy lady with her own house, built it up to sell from £350K to £650K I think. Then built up this house bought for £400K that's been valued this week at £650K minimum, and I get only a small amount out of it.
  
  Trouble is my legal contract is percentage of money invested, not time put in or lost business. After 9 or 10 years of working part time working on the houses, and project managing, and you lose every penny, you learn you needed a different contract!
  
  Onwards and upwards :-)
  - PRO
    
    Richard Gadsby > Paul McNulty January 12, 2016 at 9:27pm
    
    Do you have a written contract regarding this?
    If you do I would be going to citizens advice and making sure it is enforceable.
    I think a judge would take a dim view of it.
    A friend of mine had a girlfriend move in with him, cheat on him with mutual friend and it cost him £7k to get her out his house after 2 years living together.
    Worth looking into.
    - Paul McNulty > Richard Gadsby January 13, 2016 at 10:00am
      
      Thanks, Richard, I did speak to the CAB about it.
      
      Trouble is the lawyers are going to make it so expensive I'd probably end up with less than I've been offered as a "goodwill" gesture!
      
      Never mind, I'm not bitter about it and I'm up for a new adventure. :-)