Local council work....

[sythai]

Hi Chaps...

Just seeing if any of you carry out works for your local council ?

There only seems ever to be a couple of firms that carry out council maintenance work in our area.

So wondering how do you actually get a contract like that in the first place, suppose its a case of knowing the right people. Or is there some approved contractor list maybe :rolleyes2:

Not expecting a great deal on replies as its asking trade secrets, but worth a go.

Presuming I will need full NICEIC as opposed to DI, upgrading this year anyhow.

Cheers Sy

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Local councils just started using us for maintenance and small installs some years ago...never been a contract as such. They expect full NIC and have minimum PL insurance requirements.......I'd say we are used because we are a well known,long established local contractor......you could contact your local town hall I suppose and enquire.
Local authority...now thats a different matter....came off their list years ago,almost impossible for a small contractor to meet their requirements.

 

[sythai]

I'd say we are used because we are a well known,long established local contractor

that sounds about right then the 2 firms being used round here (only a small town) are probably the longest established I know - I see now:yesnod:

......you could contact your local town hall I suppose and enquire.

think I will give it a try, maintenance department maybe ? (first hurdle is always getting passed the secretary/switchboard and through to the right person/department)


Not expecting you quote any figures but just curious what local councils are generally like to work for : are their rates/terms of pay fair, are you expected to be on call 24/7 ?

Thanks again Sy

 

[Deleted member 9648]

The two we work for are small town councils....they just call for repairs/callouts and have never queried any invoices. Any quotes we do for them usually come in. They dont dictate to us rates and hours of work etc....but they know we dont take the **** and give a prompt service....pretty good working relationship with them all in all,other councils may be less amenable no doubt.

 

[Des 56]

If you go for tendering contracts,you will need to be on their list,some have a long list where the winner of a contract goes to the back of the queue
they will ask for construction line or such and approved Niceic
The profit margins will be abysmal

Possibly the better route is via the housing departments maintenance section for domestic work,they give out seperate contracts for one off things such as re letts and fire damaged property and generally without tendering,so getting to know the inspectors may pay dividends,because they hold a lot of clout with issuing these small contracts

Do you really want council work though ?

 

[sythai]

Possibly the better route is via the housing departments maintenance section for domestic work,they give out seperate contracts for one off things such as re letts and fire damaged property and generally without tendering,so getting to know the inspectors may pay dividends,because they hold a lot of clout with issuing these small contracts

Was just thinking along the lines of smaller stuff for the moment. Not geared up for the bigger tender stuff yet there's only 2.5 of us.

Do you really want council work though ?

Fair question really, for many years whilst working on the books for different firms that was (and I am sure still is) the dreaded job - an occupied council house rewire (many of different stories there to tell... :leaving::furious3: ) thought it would have scared me for life. But I'm thinking along the lines of the council seem like a steady organisation to get in with. I'm gradually trying to build my up my regular customer base. The odd CU upgrade here and there, EICR would be good.... any more extreme stuff like occupied rewires, then thats when my mate comes in handy.

Thanks Chaps,

Sy

 

[mogga]

my wifes work provide services to 4 local councils around us invoicing 2 is nice and easy Invoice in 20 days later Bacs In
other 2 its chase chase chase quiery quiery quiery then another 30 days She nearly had to go down the court route once as they took so long and quieried things when the misstake was their side
If yours is a small council and 2 firms doing all the work You mayt find the propertry manager goes on holiday to places "above his station" or plays golf at places he wouldnt normaly go to ect ect

 

[sythai]

If yours is a small council and 2 firms doing all the work You may find the property manager goes on holiday to places "above his station" or plays golf at places he wouldnt normaly go to ect ect

Wouldnt surprise me :bucktooth: Bet he's driving round in a nice range rover sport.....

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Our local council work is mostly repairs,faults,PIR's and pat tests,small installations etc on council premises such as town halls,sports facilities,youth clubs etc.....NOT council housing. I'ts regular work....small stuff,yes,but it all adds up to keep you going.....and we wouldnt bother if it didnt pay.