Setting-up Business Queries

Whats a reasonable rate for installation / maintenace? (domestic / business)

Just a query to why all the companies I see trader as a LTD and not sole trader? Is there a reason behind this (other than capital liability)

Hey people, im just wondering what free software (or really cheap lol) is out there to help with managing customers (maybe some type of database) and or flaging up manintenance's due etc.. Im unfamiliar with this type of stuff so any help is appreciated Thanks

Probably going to be attacked for asking but thought I would do anyway! As I am quiet at the moment I thought I would see what the more established company does for advertisement. All our work comes from our website and word of mouth that I know of as I ask when the customer calls if I am not expecting a phone call from a previous customer who calls to say such should call you. Have just signed up with the local council lists and sent information to some big pub groups in the South East area also done some adverts in little mags that get sent to posh area's in my neck of the woods. This year I decided to stop doing printed business directories, trade magazines, tompson…

Hi all, this seems to be the most apporpriate place to post this so I hope it is! I'm looking for some advice after having a good search around and being unable to find any recent information. I'm looking to start work as a sub contractor but have come a bit stuck on where to find the work (which is a problem). I have been away from the industry for 5 years and have just finished 2 months regular work for a customer who has multiple sites around sussex where I have been installing/ upgrading the existing CCTV and intruder alarms which has got me back into the swing of things. Now this contract is coming to an end I am a bit stuck for work. I used to work for a medium…

Hi Everyone, I'm not sure if this is the right forum to be posting this so let me know if it isn't but it's about employing an apprentice. We have not done it before and would be interested in taking one one but not sure how we would pay them. Is there somewhere to go to get some guidance or is anyone prepared to give me some ideas of what you pay your apprentices and what you offer? Obviously they would need time off for study so do you pay them only when they are working? What other training do you offer e.g. sending them on courses on full pay What about their college fees? Do you pay those and have agreement in place to keep them on? Would be good to hear from …

Hi Guys and Girls, I am after some info and really look forward to receiving your responses. I am looking to take some courses where I can can become qualified to install security systems and test/service them. I live in Basingstoke so looking to train near my home. Thanks Mark

Hi Everyone, I'm not sure if this has ever come up for discussion before as I searched a few keywords but could not find anything. Does any national network of credible security systems companies exist? I'm sure most of you, like us find ourselves in the situation where one of our clients decides to open up a new office in a location that would stretch you to service it. Of course the alternative is to use a subbie but when it comes to response and call-outs, that's not always the best. So does anything exist where trusted providers come together, each servicing our respective geographical areas and help each other with our respective clients? Although I couldn't fi…

Hi, I have a Fire & Security company and I am not associated with any of the acreditations, SSAIB etc. I am wanting to take my company into installing and maintining Police monitoring and Keyholder only systems. Can anyone give me the steps to achieve this?

Hi Everyone, We are finally going for our NSI Silver this year, having been trading for 5 years now. Can anyone recommend a good consultant who has had experience of helping companies like ours with our accreditation process? We are not only interested in becoming accredited but we also want to use this opportunity to refine our internal processes and procedures so we are ready for the next stage of growth. Main criteria: - someone who has helped a number of companies achieve NSI Silver (we specialise in Access Control / CCTV / Intruder) - familiar with the latest standards Nice to have: - experience as an engineer (i.e. not just an ex-NSI auditor) - health &…

Hey people, just wondering what paperwork do you keep in your files at the office (i.e. for each customer, a log book and or a specification of whats installed on site??), obviously any copies of job sheets and r.i's carried out would be kept but im thinking apart from that?

Hey all, just finished setting my arc account so can start monitoring (no police cover yet) but wanted to find out what info do i need to get from customers R.E starting up a monthly standing order and also do they need to intiate the payment and or take the paperwork to their bank or should i take it to mine? Thanks

Hi, I am reasonably new to the forum, but am looking at all the different angles , one of which is cctv-maintenance,for small businesses and homes is this a worthwhile side of the business ? It seems like you can build a long term relationship with the client. Obviously not wanting anyone to give any secrets away just a bit of a pointer would be helpful ?

Afternoon Guys, We started our business in 2009 and I just went out and got any old liability insurance to cover us. (mainly if we damage ones property) We are now coming to the end of that insurance policy and I just wanted to ask the question of what type of insurance should we now get can we just carry on with liability insurance or cause of the trade would you recommend that we get some specific type of insurance to cover us more. I have heard of insurance to cover us on faulty equipment and someone trying to sue us cause of the equipment was not working at the time or something along those lines. (my personnel opinion on that is that the end user should check the …

Hi I am new to the forum. I have been in the security industry now for 6 years, have just started up on my own. but not getting any new work. My question is what have people found to be the best ways to get work? I have got a website now and have just got it showing up in Google searches etc, have also posted around 1500 leaflets in local area? Any help advice would be great.