starting up again

the_painter_2

I have made the decision to start up my painting and decorating business again, I had a go a few years ago but had to pack in to look after the children (my wife had a job and the guaranteed money ie wages that was the priority) i was trying to fit work in around looking after them, not a good way to work. Anyway the youngest starts full time school this sept so I set a date to start up again Sept 30th I have all the tools the only thing I don't have is a vehicle.

We had things very rough for a few years and have a terrible credit rating saying that we are on mend now and have paid off our debts, does anyone know if I could get some sort of grant to buy a van to transport ladders and tools? I have work lined up but will need transport.

Any ideas?

Savvy_Sue

A grant is vanishingly unlikely. Sorry, but ... that's the situation!

Brassedoff

Sue is right. The chances of getting a grant for businesses that have a proper buildings plan and will employ people are getting like rocking horse ...... Getting one in your instance will be nigh on impossible.

Your circumstances will be your killer, you will have to rely on family most likely.

motorguy

As above - your chances of getting a grant for this are close to nil.

Your best bet might be to try to borrow the money off a family member or friend. £500-600 is the entry point for a van these days or what about regular car or estate car?

the_painter_2

Im thinking a van would be cheaper, ive got a corsa at the moment. Maybe a business loan but im sure because of the circumstances that's not a option?

Wywth

the_painter wrote: »

Im thinking a van would be cheaper, ive got a corsa at the moment. Maybe a business loan but im sure because of the circumstances that's not a option?

I would suggest you use the corsa (once you've ensured it is properly insured) until the business raises enough money to buy something more desireable.

Or if you've got a big job requiring lots of big ladders etc, then hire a van for that job.

There's no such thing as a free lunch ... or a free van for that matter.

paddyrg

Grants don't really happen, so look at how you can make do in the short term and build up. Loans are also typically only available to those who don't actually need them.

motorguy

the_painter wrote: »

Im thinking a van would be cheaper, ive got a corsa at the moment. Maybe a business loan but im sure because of the circumstances that's not a option?

Please dont lumber yourself / the business with unnecessary debt even before you start.

Stick a roof rack on the car for a month or two until you get a few jobs under your belt, then if you really must buy a van, you'll be able to do it with cash.

I know a guy started out as a painter by dropping his paint etc, over the night before, then getting the bus to the place on the morning of the job, OR if he was lucky his wife dropped him off and picked him up.

So where theres a will, theres a way.

Savvy_Sue

the_painter wrote: »

Maybe a business loan but im sure because of the circumstances that's not a option?

Again, highly unlikely to get a business loan so early in the life of a business. However, a personal loan may not be out of the question: you've got a few months to repair your credit rating and save like mad. If we're talking £5-600 for a cheap van (as someone suggested) then possibly a credit card?

But a roof rack on the corsa, or trade it in for something bigger, it could be the way to get started.

DKLS

Is the Corsa reliable?, if so stick roof racks on and build from there. No point in being lumbered with debt or a potential lemon of a van that has lived a hard life.

My decorator has a battered mk2 Golf for work duties and a TVR for weekends.

CKhalvashi

I'd stick a roof rack on the car you already have for the moment, and start saving.

There's little point in having something new/fancy, that noone will see anyway.

CK