when to consider employing staff.

I been running a business for 9 years or so am 37 soon and always put off employing staff, maybe i feel i make more money on my own.

I did try a staff member one year but it was when i had lots of small 2 hours residential jobs and it was in and out drive job to job to try get them all done in the day.

Most of them jobs I dont do any more as they laid me off in winter. Anyhow i have more larger contract type work and it does make more money for myself but really these are big sites that require 2 men , quite alot of mowing , and hedges.

I did lose one contract as you do have 200 eyes on you so complaints can come in easily. I have been very busy with my clients this year but to be honest it wore me out, i got a bit fed up with doing it,not taking proper lunch breaks and rushing worried to take a holiday.

The growing season i felt was at one stage was not enjoyable, felt lonely and not as motivated, and with new baby at home felt i was on hand to help. I couldnt take on any work either this year as so busy and dont really advertise so feel my business is drifting along.

I get a lot of inquiries but most waste my time asking for 15 per hour work which i could not take on, maybe charging that each man is do-able.?

At the end of the year i make only a average amount of money after all my expenses.

If i was to take on staff next spring what sort of rate i need to charge new clients in order to make a profit and make it worthwhile id prob have to take on more work too. Any feedback welcome.

Replies

Colin Lamond November 30, 2016 at 5:45pm

I know the feeling mate. I really can't work out how most gardeners I see have 2 men minimum !! You have to be really busy and have a good money coming in to sustain a man, especially with all the government conditions.
I agree there as so many time wasters looking for jobs to be done for around £10 ph but that's the industry we're in.
I'm sure it'll work out mate.
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  Gary RK > Colin Lamond November 30, 2016 at 6:03pm
  
  Have either of you sat down and done a mini business plan and costings to see if your views are, in fact, reality ? What do you perceive to be the 'government conditions' stopping you employing ?
  
  There's a huge amount on LJN regarding this subject matter - some in the open forum and a lot in the BOG.
  - PRO
    
    Gary RK > Gary RK November 30, 2016 at 6:08pm
    
    There's also more than just numbers involved in employment, the social side, the support, being able to have two minds look at and discuss problems, challenges etc....and importantly it becomes less lonely. You can then schedule days 'off' or holidays and still be earming and servicing clients (albeit restricted)...
  - PRO
    
    Andy > Gary RK November 30, 2016 at 6:10pm
    
    Have to agree with Gary here, there is nothing stopping you expanding. Yes there are new employee rights out there but you need to take these into account when pkanning your business. Check your overheads, check your profit margin, check out the availability of work. All put together you should be able to expand.......if you want to.
Tony @SM November 30, 2016 at 6:27pm

To be honest, I prefer being on my own. I employed staff a while ago (in a different trade, while taking a break from outdoor work), and didn't really enjoy the experience. I believe if you want to earn big money, then you need to focus on building a business with employees. But if you are quite content , get job satisfaction, enjoy being alone, don't want the hastle of dealing with wages etc. and still earn enough to satisfy yourself. ( and I'm not talking about the aforementioned £10 p.h. rubbish), then what is wrong with that?

There's nothing wrong with NOT wanting to be Richard Branston!
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  Gary RK > Tony @SM November 30, 2016 at 7:00pm
  
  I don't think anyone was saying there is anything wrong with wanting to stay a real sole trader, but both the front page threads tonight indicate people wanting to expand/employ - one to gain / keep business, the other person feeling exhausted and occasionally lonely ( I can remember this in my early days) - so employing is a valid, potential solution.
  
  How you run a your business is very often an extension of your personality and associated traits.
  - Tony @SM > Gary RK November 30, 2016 at 7:38pm
    
    Totally agree on the exhaustion and loneliness. But by and large the loneliness goes and I'm not sure supervising and looking for extra work, dealing with wages and holidays etc will help with exhaustion. I really do think it's the only real way to build a business, but becoming an employer is not for everyone. It is a whole trade in itself and doesn't suit everyone.
Busy Bee Garden Services Limited November 30, 2016 at 6:31pm

We have employed but the quality of the local workforce is not there, it seems to be better to sub contract in our experience.
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  Gary RK > Busy Bee Garden Services Limited November 30, 2016 at 7:04pm
  
  Certainly 'kissed' a few frogs over the years...and it's funny to see the same guys going around the circuit. We even had an ex-employee re-apply to a generic job we advertised once.
  
  His CV was really, really interesting ;)
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  - Ian Parkes November 30, 2016 at 9:59pm
    
    thanks for your comments. I suppose i must like to work alone, feels more of a hobby to me than actual work most of the time....Most of my work id say im left to be in charge to me own devices without customers interfering which is a real bonus.