Business Support
Every business needs to have expert advice readily available. Your Guild membership allows you access to a range of professional services. Get support and advice… when you need it most.
Business review service
Free business review with an experienced business coach supporting you in:
- Assessing your current business strengths and weaknesses.
- Helping to investigate ideas and areas to target development.
- Setting clear targets and a vision for the company.
A free conciliation service is available for the benefit of both Guild members and their customers. In the event of a dispute, The Guild acts as an impartial third party and endeavours to open a channel of communication between you and the customer. Having examined all the facts, we suggest practical action to both parties by which the dispute may be resolved. Where appropriate, the services of an independent expert may be used. Our only concern is to establish the facts and endeavour to bring about a resolution.
Legal advice scheme
Guild members are entitled to 15 minutes of free phone advice on any particular subject. This is usually more than enough for most legal difficulties. If, however, more complex or specialist advice is required, or if representation is needed, this can be provided at a price to be agreed. The areas of law covered are contract, tort (including negligence), employment, landlord and tenant, and insolvency. The advice is not limited to business problems; however the enquiry must relate to one of the areas of law covered.
Credit management expertise
The Guild of Master Craftsmen provides members with access to a credit management and debt recovery affiliate as part of the membership pack. This exclusive service offered to members covers the full credit management service from receiving the order to receiving the cash in your bank.
The package includes:
- Up to two free cash flow reviews each year.
- Access to webinars on topics such as: ‘Tips on faster cash collection’, and ‘Obtaining payments while maintaining the relationship.’
- Mentoring and training available for you and your team.
- Credit control service: If required there is a fully-outsourced credit control service heavily discounted for Guild members.
Credit vetting
Identify the risk of bad debt before you start work. Reports contain information on payment history, finances, balance sheets, legal charges. Up to eight reports available each year, depending on membership level.
Debt collection
Expert support for the collection and recovery of debts when all else has failed. The service is a ‘No collect, no fee’ basis.
Health and Safety Support
Advice and training from SHE Management (UK) Ltd, which has over 10 years’ experience in the field of safety, health and the environment to provide:
Fifteen minutes of free phone advice on any safety, health or environmental matter. Subsequent advice or visits can be arranged at specially discounted rates.
Discounted services:
- Risk assessment service, to help you comply with requirement to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of workplace risks including task, fire, asbestos and disability risk assessments.
- Bespoke training as well as IOSH, NEBOSH and CITB courses.
- Assistance with written health and safety policies, required if you employ five or more people.
Minor works contract
A free ‘minor works’ contract that can be downloaded, along with guidance notes. A contract taken out between a craftsman and their customer will help to prevent any disputes in the future. The Guild’s contract is exclusive to Guild members and can be used for works with a value up to £50,000.
T&Cs template
The Guild has produced a full set of Terms and Conditions for you to use and recommends that you print these on the reverse of your invoices to customers to help outline your responsibilities and those of the customer.
Cancellation template
A model form for you to adapt and use, to help you comply with regulations.
The Building Work Handbook
Written by The Guild’s Conciliation Manager Bob Howe, this handy book contains everything you need to ensure building work runs smoothly:
- External and inspection forms
- Quote letter
- Contract
- Schedule
- Agreement
- Terms and conditions
- Programme
- Time sheets
- Weekly report
- Confirmation letters
Employee award scheme
A certificate service for corporate members to reward the outstanding performance of employees. Nominated employees are presented with a certificate from The Guild – a permanent record of their contribution to the company and their commitment to skill and integrity. Nominations are at the discretion of the member, due care being taken to select only those who show a real commitment to the traditional values of The Guild.