Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Facebook for trades people

2019-12-06T11:33:03Z

SteelScout:

= The power of local Facebook groups =

The way most tradespeople get business is by word of mouth. You do a great job for a customer and they then recommend you to their friends and family. Facebook groups lets you do this yourself on a larger scale.

Most local areas have a dedicated Facebook group for residents to connect and have a good old-fashioned chinwag (and moan!). The easiest way for you to try your hand at Facebook marketing is by joining these groups. You’ll be able to contribute to conversations happening in your area and promote your business, all for free.

== How to search for and join local Facebook groups in 5 steps: ==

# Log into your Facebook account (if you don’t have an account, you can easily create one by visiting ([http://www.facebook.com www.facebook.com]). Once you’re logged in, search for your local area in the search bar at the top
# On the search results page, you’ll see an option to filter the results by groups – choose that option
# Now you should see all of the groups in your local area
# Join the most relevant ones
# Then you can either introduce yourself and your services or, wait until someone asks for a recommendation and then introduce your services

== How to build credibility in Facebook groups ==

Once you’ve introduced yourself and your services, it’s time to build some trust with your audience.

=== Be that helpful person ===

There’s always that one person in any group or community who everyone can rely on and who is always willing to help where they can. Be that person. It’s a great way for you to get yourself known within the group and more importantly it’s a great way to start building trust.

Keep an eye out on discussions happening in the groups you’ve joined and occasionally comment with something helpful, even if it’s nothing to do with promoting your business. Just showing that you’re a helpful group member will make users trust and remember you – and when they need your service or want to recommend it to a friend, they’ll think of you.

=== Don’t leaving people waiting ===

We all hate it when our burning questions go unanswered, it’s the same in Facebook groups too. If someone replies to your comments or asks you a question, make sure you reply in a timely manner.

=== Respect community rules ===

When joining a Facebook group be mindful of community rules. Every group’s rules will be different so make sure you read through each one and act accordingly. Group admins don’t like it when people break their rules and it could get you banned.

=== Don’t just stick to one group ===

By now you may have discovered that there are lots of Facebook groups available to join. Don’t just stick to one group. The more relevant groups you join the better. You’ll be able to reach more people and get your business services out to more people. Remember not all local people will be part of the same group.

Facebook groups can be a very powerful tool for your business. It’s a great way to connect with your audience, build trust with customers and join in with local discussions. And best of all, it’s completely free! All you need it some time to spare and a Facebook account. Why not start by joining some groups today.

This blog is part of our four-part Facebook marketing series, helping tradespeople gain a deeper understanding of how to promote their business online.

=== Why SteelScout? ===

SteelScout takes the hassle out of buying steel. We know that as business owner, you’ll probably have many other things to do. So, we do the hard work for you by managing your requirements from quotation to delivery.

Simply give us your requirements and we’ll source the best deal from our UK-wide network of over 90 suppliers. We understand reliability is everything and you’ll be allocated a Personal Account Manager who will oversee your entire job. We can also provide free next day delivery to several locations in the UK.

SteelScout is an independent UK supplier of steel, backed by Tata Steel Europe.

[https://steelscout.com/ Learn more about SteelScout]

[[Category:Education]]

Facebook for trades people

2019-12-06T11:31:09Z

SteelScout: Created page with "The power of local Facebook groups The way most tradespeople get business is by word of mouth. You do a great job for a customer and they then recommend you to their friends and..."

The power of local Facebook groups

The way most tradespeople get business is by word of mouth. You do a great job for a customer and they then recommend you to their friends and family. Facebook groups lets you do this yourself on a larger scale.

Most local areas have a dedicated Facebook group for residents to connect and have a good old-fashioned chinwag (and moan!). The easiest way for you to try your hand at Facebook marketing is by joining these groups. You’ll be able to contribute to conversations happening in your area and promote your business, all for free.

How to search for and join local Facebook groups in 5 steps:

# Log into your Facebook account (if you don’t have an account, you can easily create one by visiting ([http://www.facebook.com www.facebook.com]). Once you’re logged in, search for your local area in the search bar at the top

[[File:clip_image001.png|451px]]

# On the search results page, you’ll see an option to filter the results by groups – choose that option

[[File:clip_image002.png|451px]]

# Now you should see all of the groups in your local area [[File:clip_image003.png|451px]]

# Join the most relevant ones

[[File:clip_image004.png|286px]]

# Then you can either introduce yourself and your services or, wait until someone asks for a recommendation and then introduce your services

How to build credibility in Facebook groups

Once you’ve introduced yourself and your services, it’s time to build some trust with your audience.

Be that helpful person

There’s always that one person in any group or community who everyone can rely on and who is always willing to help where they can. Be that person. It’s a great way for you to get yourself known within the group and more importantly it’s a great way to start building trust.

Keep an eye out on discussions happening in the groups you’ve joined and occasionally comment with something helpful, even if it’s nothing to do with promoting your business. Just showing that you’re a helpful group member will make users trust and remember you – and when they need your service or want to recommend it to a friend, they’ll think of you.

Don’t leaving people waiting

We all hate it when our burning questions go unanswered, it’s the same in Facebook groups too. If someone replies to your comments or asks you a question, make sure you reply in a timely manner.

Respect community rules

When joining a Facebook group be mindful of community rules. Every group’s rules will be different so make sure you read through each one and act accordingly. Group admins don’t like it when people break their rules and it could get you banned.

Don’t just stick to one group

By now you may have discovered that there are lots of Facebook groups available to join. Don’t just stick to one group. The more relevant groups you join the better. You’ll be able to reach more people and get your business services out to more people. Remember not all local people will be part of the same group.

Facebook groups can be a very powerful tool for your business. It’s a great way to connect with your audience, build trust with customers and join in with local discussions. And best of all, it’s completely free! All you need it some time to spare and a Facebook account. Why not start by joining some groups today.

This blog is part of our four-part Facebook marketing series, helping tradespeople gain a deeper understanding of how to promote their business online.

Why SteelScout?

SteelScout takes the hassle out of buying steel. We know that as business owner, you’ll probably have many other things to do. So, we do the hard work for you by managing your requirements from quotation to delivery.

Simply give us your requirements and we’ll source the best deal from our UK-wide network of over 90 suppliers. We understand reliability is everything and you’ll be allocated a Personal Account Manager who will oversee your entire job. We can also provide free next day delivery to several locations in the UK.

SteelScout is an independent UK supplier of steel, backed by Tata Steel Europe. [https://steelscout.com/ Learn more about SteelScout]

Ten things a business needs to do before Brexit day

2019-11-26T12:18:14Z

SteelScout:

= Introduction =

If a company is looking to survive Brexit, and maybe even take advantage of it, then these are the ten things it needs to make sure it gets done before Brexit day:

= Gauge the exposure of the business =

Though many UK companies trade across the UK-EU border, the importance of this trade varies from company to company. Knowing the extent of a company’s exposure and planning accordingly is the key to survival.

= Build up a customs infrastructure =

All British companies that trade across the UK-EU border will need to fill in customs declarations for their goods and the EU will require eight copies of these. The UK may also require many copies. Companies must ensure they have the staff and capacity to fulfil these requirements.

= Protecting the company’s intellectual property =

Even smaller firms often have trademarks, registered designs, patents and copyrighted material. However, it is not yet clear if this will remain protected in the UK after Brexit. Until the UK government has created a new intellectual system in the UK, some patents could lapse.

= Ensure the company’s trading partners are ready =

Ensuring a company is ready for Brexit might not be enough to avoid disruption. To be truly Brexit-proof, companies must ensure that their suppliers are also prepared.

= Clarify the workforce’s immigration status =

Though it is the British government’s position that the rights of all EU nationals residing legally in the UK are guaranteed, employers must still be aware of the immigration status of all their staff to ensure they are employing in compliance with the law.

= Prepare for a deal or no-deal scenario =

Even if the government’s Brexit deal is passed by parliament,

There may be some disruption at Britain’s ports, airports and land borders. Therefore, companies must investigate the likely and unique impact on their business whether the government’s Brexit deal is passed or not.

= Know about VAT payments =

UK companies have not had to pay VAT for intra-EU trade over the last 40 years as they have been exempt due to EU-wide agreements. Therefore, companies must ensure they know which products they will have to pay VAT on and that they have the cash-flow to do so.

= Get trusted trader status =

Trusted trader status is used to ease the passage of goods into the EU from non-member nations by allowing them faster passage across borders, if a company’s standards are compliant in both nations. Immediately after Brexit, this should be easy for UK companies to obtain but should UK standards diverge from those of the EU, this may prove to be only a temporary fix.

= Decide if a free-trade agreement is desirable =

If a free-trade agreement is negotiated prior to, or after Brexit occurs, UK-based companies will have to decide if they wish to use it. As there will be substantial administrative and bureaucratic burdens to prove their products are sufficiently British to qualify for reduced tariffs, the financial gain maybe insufficient to justify the time spent in qualifying for it.

= Review and possibly renegotiate international contracts =

Many intra-EU contracts will not include incoterms, the legal provisions that set out who is responsible for shipping goods across borders when importing and exporting (in other words who is required to pay VAT). This means companies must be ready to renegotiate all of these contracts.

= Preparation holds the key to surviving and thriving in Brexit Britain =

Brexit may cause significant disruption, but it could also provide a substantial opportunity to those companies ready to survive any immediate disruption and exploit the opportunities that present themselves in a post-Brexit UK.

Download [https://info.steelscout.com/a-guide-to-surviving-brexit-for-trades-businesses the full Surviving Brexit for Trades Businesses checklist]

Learn more about [https://www.steelscout.com/en-GB/ SteelScout]

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Architects' Brexit statement.
* Brexit and UK research into cultural heritage.
* Brexit - the case for infrastructure.
* Brexit Topic Guide.
* BSRIA Brexit survey 2018.
* BSRIA Brexit white paper.
* BSRIA response to Brexit speech.
* BSRIA response to Brexit white paper.
* Building to higher standards post-Brexit.
* Compensation events and Brexit.
* Construction industry Brexit manifesto.
* Construction Products Regulation if there is no Brexit deal.
* Heritage and Brexit.
* HVAC and smart energy post-Brexit.
* Overcoming the challenges of Brexit.
* Post brexit, house building and construction remains a safe sustainable industry.
* Post-Brexit vision for construction.
* Safeguarding infrastructure post-Brexit.
* Skills shortage and Brexit.
* The commercial implications of Brexit.
* What does Brexit mean for construction?
* Will Brexit shake UK construction?

--[[User:SteelScout|SteelScout]]

[[Category:International]]

Ten things a business needs to do before Brexit day

2019-11-26T10:49:47Z

SteelScout:

If your company is looking to survive Brexit, and maybe even take advantage of it, then these are the ten things you need to make sure you have got done before Brexit day:

== GAUGE THE EXPOSURE OF YOUR BUSINESS ==

Though many UK companies trade across the UK-EU border, the importance of this trade varies from company to company. Knowing the extent of your exposure and planning accordingly is the key to survival.

== BUILD UP YOUR CUSTOMS INFRASTRUCTURE ==

All British companies that trade across the UK-EU border will need to fill in customs declarations for their goods and the EU will require eight copies of these. The UK may also require many copies, companies must ensure they have the staff and capacity to fulfil these requirements.

== PROTECT YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ==

Even smaller firms often have trademarks, registered designs, patents and copyrighted material, and it is not yet clear if this will remain protected in the UK after Brexit. Until the UK Government has created a new intellectual system in the UK, some patents could lapse.

== ENSURE YOUR TRADING PARTNERS ARE READY ==

Ensuring your own company is ready for Brexit might not be enough to avoid disruption. To be truly Brexit-proof, companies must ensure that their suppliers are also prepared.

== CLARIFY YOUR WORKFORCE’S IMMIGRATION STATUS ==

Though it is the British Government’s position that the rights of all EU nationals residing legally in the UK are guaranteed, employers must still be aware of the immigration status of all of their staff to ensure they are employing in compliance with the law.

== PREPARE FOR A DEAL OR A NO-DEAL SCENARIO ==

Even if the Government’s Brexit deal is passed by parliament there may be some disruption at Britain’s ports, airports and land borders. Therefore, companies must investigate the likely and unique impact on their business whether the government’s Brexit deal is passed or not.

== KNOW YOUR VAT PAYMENTS ==

UK companies have not had to pay VAT for intra-EU trade over the last 40 years as they have been exempt, due to EU-wide agreements. Therefore, companies must ensure they know which products they will have to pay VAT on and that they have the cash-flow to do so.

== GET TRUSTED TRADER STATUS ==

Trusted trader status is used to ease the passage of goods into the EU from non-member nations by allowing them faster passage across borders, if a company’s standards are compliant in both nations. Immediately after Brexit, this should be easy for UK companies to obtain but should UK standards diverge from those of the EU, this may prove to be only a temporary fix.

== DECIDE IF A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IS FOR YOU ==

If a free trade agreement is negotiated prior to, or after Brexit occurs, UK-based companies will have to decide if they wish to utilise it. As there will be substantial administrative and bureaucratic burdens to prove their products are sufficiently British to qualify for reduced tariffs, meaning the financial gain maybe insufficient to justify the time spent in qualifying for it.

== REVIEW AND POSSIBLY RENEGOTIATE INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTS ==

Many intra-EU contracts will not include incoterms, the legal provisions that set out who is responsible for shipping goods across borders when importing and exporting (in other words who is required to pay VAT). This means companies must be ready to renegotiate all of these contracts.

== PREPARATION HOLDS THE KEY TO SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN BREXIT BRITAIN ==

Brexit may cause significant disruption, but it could also provide a substantial opportunity to those companies ready to survive any immediate disruption and exploit the opportunities that present themselves in a post-Brexit UK.

Here is a more [https://info.steelscout.com/a-guide-to-surviving-brexit-for-trades-businesses detailed checklist for surviving Brexit]

Learn more about [https://www.steelscout.com/en-GB/ SteelScout]

[[Category:International]]

Ten things a business needs to do before Brexit day

2019-11-26T10:47:08Z

SteelScout: Created page with "SURVIVING BREXIT, A MUST-HAVE CHECKLIST! If your company is looking to survive Brexit, and maybe even take advantage of it, then these are the ten things you need to make sure y..."

SURVIVING BREXIT, A MUST-HAVE CHECKLIST!

If your company is looking to survive Brexit, and maybe even take advantage of it, then these are the ten things you need to make sure you have got done before Brexit day:

GAUGE THE EXPOSURE OF YOUR BUSINESS - Though many UK companies trade across the UK-EU border, the importance of this trade varies from company to company. Knowing the extent of your exposure and planning accordingly is the key to survival.

BUILD UP YOUR CUSTOMS INFRASTRUCTURE - All British companies that trade across the UK-EU border will need to fill in customs declarations for their goods and the EU will require eight copies of these. The UK may also require many copies, companies must ensure they have the staff and capacity to fulfil these requirements.

PROTECT YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - Even smaller firms often have trademarks, registered designs, patents and copyrighted material, and it is not yet clear if this will remain protected in the UK after Brexit. Until the UK Government has created a new intellectual system in the UK, some patents could lapse.

ENSURE YOUR TRADING PARTNERS ARE READY - Ensuring your own company is ready for Brexit might not be enough to avoid disruption. To be truly Brexit-proof, companies must ensure that their suppliers are also prepared.

CLARIFY YOUR WORKFORCE’S IMMIGRATION STATUS - Though it is the British Government’s position that the rights of all EU nationals residing legally in the UK are guaranteed, employers must still be aware of the immigration status of all of their staff to ensure they are employing in compliance with the law.

PREPARE FOR A DEAL OR A NO-DEAL SCENARIO - Even if the Government’s Brexit deal is passed by parliament there may be some disruption at Britain’s ports, airports and land borders. Therefore, companies must investigate the likely and unique impact on their business whether the government’s Brexit deal is passed or not.

KNOW YOUR VAT PAYMENTS - UK companies have not had to pay VAT for intra-EU trade over the last 40 years as they have been exempt, due to EU-wide agreements. Therefore, companies must ensure they know which products they will have to pay VAT on and that they have the cash-flow to do so.

GET TRUSTED TRADER STATUS - Trusted trader status is used to ease the passage of goods into the EU from non-member nations by allowing them faster passage across borders, if a company’s standards are compliant in both nations. Immediately after Brexit, this should be easy for UK companies to obtain but should UK standards diverge from those of the EU, this may prove to be only a temporary fix.

DECIDE IF A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IS FOR YOU - If a free trade agreement is negotiated prior to, or after Brexit occurs, UK-based companies will have to decide if they wish to utilise it. As there will be substantial administrative and bureaucratic burdens to prove their products are sufficiently British to qualify for reduced tariffs, meaning the financial gain maybe insufficient to justify the time spent in qualifying for it.

REVIEW AND POSSIBLY RENOGITATE INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTS - Many intra-EU contracts will not include incoterms, the legal provisions that set out who is responsible for shipping goods across borders when importing and exporting (in other words who is required to pay VAT). This means companies must be ready to renegotiate all of these contracts.

PREPARATION HOLDS THE KEY TO SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN BREXIT BRITAIN – Brexit may cause significant disruption, but it could also provide a substantial opportunity to those companies ready to survive any immediate disruption and exploit the opportunities that present themselves in a post-Brexit UK.

Here is a more [https://info.steelscout.com/a-guide-to-surviving-brexit-for-trades-businesses detailed checklist for surviving Brexit]

Learn more about [https://www.steelscout.com/en-GB/ SteelScout]

[[Category:International]]

User:SteelScout

2019-11-26T10:37:48Z

SteelScout:

= One site. Over 90 metal suppliers =

We supply a range of metals including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, bronze and copper. We can supply all shapes and grades including beams, box section, sheet, plate, flat bar, channels, angles and more.

== A Tata Steel Europe Venture ==

SteelScout is a new digital metal procurement service bought to you by Tata Steel<br />
Digital Ventures. Our aim is to streamline and modernise the traditional metal buying<br />
experience. Saving you time and money.