u/SomersetSparks

I’ve just finished a super small project, and was speaking to my wife about how I write up the invoice at the end.. most of my jobs aren’t ‘quoted’ and I haven’t had any problems so far..

I generally add up the time worked, or days, for example it would be something like this..

3 days of labour at X
Materials cost X but just bang on as much as I deem possible…

The salary pays me, the profit goes into my limited for growth…

It does all feel a little bit flakey, but then if I fix to a percentage on materials the numbers just aren’t really worth it… 10% profit on a £600 worth of bits is hardly worth approaching VAT thresholds for etc.

Has anyone actually found a sweet spot or is there always some ‘Umming & ahhing’ about what you actually need to earn?

Ive recently picked up some work following on from an emergency lighting audit/test.. the test was carried out by another business and essentially I was able to quote for the remedials off the back of the testing.

It worked out quite nicely and I’m weighing up the benefits of focussing on Emegency Lighting testing as a more focused part of my business.

I’m a qualified, gold card, AM2 electrician - has anyone on here been on the NIC’s Emergency Lighting Course or any course specific to BS5266 that would be of any value?

I’ve recently, very recently.. started my electrical contracting business.

It’s as early as it could possible be, it’s just me, a sole director of a LTD Company.. I was wondering if anyone on here had advice or first hand experience on building a business to sell?

I’d like to focus on growing the business, focussing on a niche, and branding.. it’s early enough days at the moment that I can pivot into anything as such, as I approach a year of trading, I’d like to hone in on a niche (commercial testing, emergency lighting or something similar etc)

I’d love to hear some stories, successful or otherwise of people that have managed to build something with an end value - my initial thought is that a general domestic contractor doesn’t have the barrier to entry, so isn’t really desirable to acquire one day?