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Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:43 pm
by mickavalon
Don't know about everyone else, but I'm getting pretty busy, I've got a pile of quotes here in front of me, more booked in and a good few to call and make appointments. Whats going on??
I'm not complaining, but I laid off all but 2 of the lads in late November last year, and now I might be looking at finding some more as well as the old guys.
I thought we were in a recession, wasn't expecting this, this early anyway, must be the good weather.
Best thing is it's 95% recommendations, and I've got all the usual suspects queueing(?) up to get me to advertise with them, I like it when you can tell them you don't really need to advertise, it does your discount power the world of good.
Anyway, it's a nice feeling to be this busy, just got to be sure to turn it into cash!
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:49 pm
by local patios and driveway
Looking good here too. Booked up till may. Best for 2 years.
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:57 pm
by mickavalon
Yeah I'd say the same, I reckon a lot of people are saving up or borrowing from family, that seems to be what I'm getting from the clients. There seems to be a lot of people, especially around here, that are more into staying put, and changing things for the better around them rather than selling up and buying "Better" as was the case a few years back, which can only be good for small builders, maybe not so good for the big boys.
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:06 pm
by Pablo
Mick I'm in exactly the same boat as of 3 weeks ago my phone's gone mental and booked work until mid July at least now. Like you it's all recommendations even the work that I've put absolutely stupid money on because I don't want it is still coming in. I too laid guys off but I'm just sticking with the single squad for now this run won't last and can't be bothered with the extra stress this year. Not doing anymore quotes for now unless it's a big un so I'm passing everyone onto a friends company.
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:19 pm
by lutonlagerlout
keeping busy, but it isnt booked in a year ahead like it was in 2008
3 months lined up at present
LLL
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:29 pm
by Kuts
You guys are lucky. No work on, phones not ringing:(
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 11:47 pm
by Thepinkpavingco
I have worked for my dad for 15 years and we are busy at the mo but we just keep the gang small (3 of us ) booked out at least 3 months not been out of work now for long time touch wood
Must just show that us lot on here do good work and all seem to get recommended.
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 5:21 am
by mickavalon
I think your right, I'm nervous at pulling in more guys, probably better to keep it tight. I did spend most of last year running about panicking trying to find work, and then getting a guilt trip when I had to lay people off. It's hard, and at the moment I'm doing loads of getting up early(been up since 4.30) and running around quoting and sorting things, problem is that doesn't always turn into money, just everyone else earns wages, and not me.
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:10 am
by Dave_L
Good to hear Mick - it's good to be busy but make sure you get paid on time etc, no busy fools etc etc....
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 7:08 am
by parishpaver
Got a couple of months in and a few quotes to get out.
I think all the doom and gloom out there actually works in our favour.
People still working and with a mortgage are benefitting for record low interest rates. I think most are now far less wasteful and want to put their money into something lasting. So....a few citybreaks less and maybe spend more on the house.
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:29 am
by London Stone Paving
My father in law runs a plumbing business who work on new builds. Before the credit crunch he had a thriving business employing 30 blokes. After the big crunch he was down to 4 blokes. He reckons things are picking up a bit as for the first time in 3 years he's taking a few blokes on. Fingers crossed
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:38 am
by Kuts
Well things ain't really that bad I've got about 9 weeks booked in just waiting for some steel fixers to get out the way.
Ive had to turn small work away since Christmas (who will wait 6to7 month for a driveway) but now iv 2weeks empty I feel like I ain't worked for months
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 3:45 pm
by Carberry
Business picking up on all fronts. Got a new customer worth 60T of gas a year. Welding gas going strong, looking at setting up stockists in borders and somewhere in the west. Booked for the next 6 weekends for life modelling, with a few other bookings for later on in the year.
Landscaping, not done any advertising since last July and got a few small, a few medium and 1 big job booked in.
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:24 pm
by DNgroundworks
I wouldnt say im busy, ive got a month booked in at the most, but there must be hundreds of groundwork/paving/civils oufits within a 60 mile radius of me, fair bit of competition lol
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 7:15 pm
by Dave_L
Carberry wrote:Booked for the next 6 weekends for life modelling, with a few other bookings for later on in the year.
Whats that all about?? Are you a nude male model or summat??