Soul Traders: Episode 1 - Dan Prescott of Total Facade Design Ltd
Episode 1 of this new series!
Like our guests, we have gone it alone, chasing success and ultimately trying to build a successful and creative company. We want to get to know likeminded individuals and hopefully even help people looking to transition into becoming a sole trader themselves. There is nothing like trying to build something for yourself.
Soul Traders is simply a play on words. Many freelancers and small companies register as a ‘Sole Trader’. However, when taking the steering wheel alone, there needs to be a lot of passion and SOUL behind it. So we’re running with that - let us introduce this BRAND-NEW series of Soul Traders.
Up first, we speak to Dan Prescott, Owner of Total Facade Design Ltd.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
After finishing my A-levels I got a job with a local façade contractor as a trainee designer. They sent me to college and I got an FdSc in Construction. After completion of my college course I became a designer, then worked my way up to senior designer and then finally design manager. After 16 years in total I then started Total Façade Design.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I was getting fed up with undertaking the HR side of my role as a design manager. I wanted to get back to managing the projects rather than a design team. I also saw that there was a gap in the market as a sub-contractor who could manage the project instead of just supplying design resource. Traditionally a façade contractor would need someone in house that would manage the sub-contractor. I wanted to set-up whereby when you sub-contract out design work, you are actually reliving yourselves of that workload.
Was there a defining moment that made you decide to go solo?
The company I was working for went into liquidation and I was made redundant. This gave me the funds to enable me to not work for 3 months and could start my business without the stress of money.
What is your vision for the future of your business?
To be the first person my customers turn to when they need sub-contract design. No doubt, I will switch to 3D design in the future as BIM becomes more prevailant.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a sole trader or small business owner?
Getting paid on time. Everyone in construction is being paid as late as possible by their customers. Myself being at the bottom of the chain ends up getting paid last, but its companies like mine that feel the brunt the most.
Can you describe the products or services your business offers?
I supply sub-contract design and management resource to specialist façade contractors.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a business owner?
As I am a one-man band supplying a service its pretty simple. I will produce the drawings I order to meet the clients programme. Every week I will attend a design meeting to review drawings or a general catch up. At the end of the month I raise invoices for the work I have done. Typically though on any given day though I will be sitting in front of my computer producing façade design drawings. It’s not massively varied!
How do you balance your work and personal life?
Working from home means that my work and my personal life are one and the same. I make sure I work my normal weekly hours, but that doesn’t mean I don’t do parenting things during work hours, or work on evening and weekends. I’ve even worked from France on multiple occasions. This flexibility is the best thing about setting up on my own. As long as my clients are getting their drawings on time and I can invoice enough that month then everyone is happy.
If you’d like to take part in an episode of Soul Traders, just email us on jas@cherry-marketing.co.uk!