Evening all, I remembered that during my spraying course the tutor mentioned we should all look at joining the NRoSO as it would benefit us all. So today some 2,5 years later I decdied to pay the fee and join. The requirements are that you need obtain 30 cpd points over a 3 year period, this seems a little daunting to stay within the membership guidlines but its also great at the same as we all forget stuff. My reasoning for taking the plunge is that I've fallen out of love with some aspects of ground maintenance due to constantly being undercut or the jobs such as hand weeding become tiresome.
I've also found that the money is also much better spraying and is less stress on the body, it seems the perfect way to increase revenue and gain commercial work sub contracting.
Im wondering how many of you are also NRoSO members and how do find gaining the cpd points, plus has it brought you any extra work.
Thanks Rich
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I just Googled an event on the list that looked like it might be relevant, I was surprised to find it is an online test, so maybe some of the others are as well making them quite doable.
But I cannot see the relevance for landscaping and grounds maintenance.
I would plan the CPD for three years in advance before joining up.
http://www.jksenior.co.uk/nroso-questionnaire.php
I was reading through this discussion and unintentionally deleted my first post.
It would be more productive to put your energy and money into marketing and seeking out work more directly, than joining a miltitude of paid-for bodies that promise the world but have no guarantees or backup. There's no point in being the most-qualified gardener north of the equator if the people buying the services don't know about you.
Well said Dan
The membership to some of the schemes is good marketing. You go on their register and you can attend multiple events to keep you update. The cost is minimal and when two companies are going head to head it may give you the edge. I know many of you dont agree with my annual training but it has gained me some work and opened a few doors.
NRoSO is geared towards Agriculture - its a pre-requisite for many subsidy schemes (Farm Assured) that pesticide spraying is done by a NRoSO member. For amenity (public) spraying, I'd think you'd be better off joining Amenity Assured scheme - LINK HERE
At l;east you'll be able to attend SALTEX and other relevant updates/ shows and still get points for it. Its run by BASIS - whereas NRoSO is run by City & Guilds...
Thank you Progreen, I've spoken with BASIS today and NRoSO and by joining BASIS I can transfer the cpd points each year to the NRoSO scheme. As my business plan is to reduce basic garden maintenance and concentrate on invasive weed control and tradional skills due to living in a rural village, becoming a member of the scheme will be beneficial as it will allow tenders for some jobs and get my details on the register for very little cost. Its all about being visible and being able to attend events.
Whilst some may not understand for their business, I hope it helps open some doors.
Thank you for the advice, its been very helpful.