The demand for your services as a trade business owner will ebb and flow. That’s something all fields of the trade understand.With that in mind, how do you best manage peak times to meet all clients’ needs and keep employees satisfied? Remember, during peak periods, turnaround times become harder, and equipment and materials may be stretched thin.
The most important thing to do under these circumstances is not to get stressed, as there are solutions. One of the more sought-after ways busy trade businesses continue to efficiently manage working throughout the demanding months is subcontracting. But how do you do it?
As a leading trade business management software in the UK, we’ve seen our fair share of tradesmen utilising subcontractors. We’ve put together a guide to help others in the industry, whether electricians, gas engineers, or construction crews, do the same.
Needs & Expectations:
Subcontractors are not one-size-fits-all, and neither are your clients or the subcontractor jobs. Before calling and sourcing your new subcontractors for subcontracting of your work, you MUST know what you’re looking for in terms of skill set, qualifications and experience. To do so, look at your current work output and workforce. In addition, you must be able to identify what their main focus will be. Setting clear expectations and briefing their tasks concisely will set you both up for a successful partnership. Never call a subcontractor without knowing what you need them for. It will be a waste of time for both of you.
Know Who You’re Working With:
What specific skills and expertise do your current staff have that you need to look for in potential subcontractors? Your new help should match the standard of your current team to protect your business’s credibility. If not, you risk hiring someone who feels overwhelmed, leading to stress and eventual burnout. Always review your list of subcontractors carefully before hiring anyone for your trade business. Check their previous reviews, references, any specialist training they’ve completed, and how in-demand their services currently are. Once you’ve collected a shortlist of potential people, vet them. This process may seem tiresome; however, it’s essential if you wish to remain compliant and mitigate future risks.
The Finer Details & Agreements:
So now we have your subcontractors confirmed, and the next priority is establishing your terms of work. f you’ve never seen a subcontractor agreement before, make sure to do some research in advance. These agreements cover the scope of work, payment terms, expectations during the project, and any required deadlines. Create a detailed agreement plan, signed by both parties, to protect your business from liability and risk.
This also allows you to hold each other accountable throughout the partnership. Finally and this is very important you must brief subcontractors on safety standards, dispute resolution, and quality control procedures.
Communicating With Subcontractors:
<p><p>Whether with stakeholders, office staff, on-site managers, or owners, consistent and effective communication is key to smooth operations. Clear, honest, and transparent communication forms the foundation of every successful subcontractor partnership. From day one, regular updates, reports, and meetings keep everyone aligned on needs, expectations, and improvements. Trade management software like Powered Now offers tools for collaboration, providing quick, easy access to information and communication channels on the go.
Performance Reviews:
<p><p><p>While you may have hired the best of the best when it comes to subcontracts, that’s not to say they won’t make mistakes or lack quality in areas you consider to be significantly important. That’s why regular on-site monitoring, review 1-2-1s and quality checks are a must. With the help of a management tool you can ensure subcontractors meet your expectations, follow regulations and perform services to deadlines. These insights help to mitigate issues early and maintain progression and productivity during your peak periods.
Building Relationships:
<p><p>Being able to rely on the same subcontractors yearly or during reoccurring peak periods is a huge benefit for trade businesses. At the end of the day, you know exactly who will be assisting your company, the quality of their work and their reliability. These ongoing relationships minimise the time spent scouring forums and pages looking for new subcontractors and setting up new agreements. A positive relationship from the first day can encourage them to work with you for years to come, and it may also contribute to whether they prioritise your work over others asking for their help.
To conclude, subcontracting during peak times can significantly help busy trade businesses manage workload, maintain quality, and meet customer expectations. By implementing the structured processes mentioned above, you can set your company up for success by hiring the right people at the right time who help bring your in-demand services to clients on time and within budget. Is it time to take the next step and hire subcontractors as part of your ongoing operations?
