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I’ve on occasion written a huge thing and then deleted it. In fact of late it’s happened several times in relation to a few going’s on in the trade what with spares supplier issues (ripping us off basically) and insuarance comapnies/manufacturers changes (ripping us off basically) and a few other odds and sods to boot. It’s sad that, as UKW becomes somewhat commercial in some ways, I’m constrained from having my trademark opinion on just about anything unless it doesn’t upset someone or contravine the party line.
Thing is, I’ve always been a bit of a rebel and for sure a loose cannon on deck. So, b0ll0ks, I see no need to change. If people take the hump about it then so be it, they take the hump. Fe** ’em. (word filters are a bitch)
I’m not allowing myself to have a blog as I’d get arrested or commited, both end up with internet priviliges revoked so I can’t say that I’m keen.
I have had a little feedback from the meet and, on reflection after a few vodka’s and coke, some of the sentiments voiced which have been recieved to my ears via third parties and hearsay are probably justified to some degree. I hear tell that some people thought that we were talking to them rather than with them at the recent meeting and that’s fine, I just wish you’d tell me/us that at the time. I’m not averse to hearing critisism adn, if you think I’m talking crap then please just tell me that I am. Above all else I respect the opinion as you may have sussed by now and there’s no fear either, I actually like to get slagged off for stuff as I use that in a constructive manner unlike some.
There was no intention to come across as officious or condecending and, if I/we did, then please accept my apologies as that was far from the intent. The intent was to inform.
Now that’s the nasty cr4p bit out the way, here’s the positive stuff…
The Bible
Will we make money from it?
Yes, but not a lot. It’s more of a service because I think it’s a good idea than anything else.
Will the subs make money from it?
Yes, but not very much unless it become a de-facto thing.
Do we applaud John for the idea and the work?
Damn right we do!
But see, there’s the thing in this for me really. It’s not the money, which I couldn’t give a fig about really, it’s the fact that there’s someone who’s getting off their a$$ and doing something to help the trade for no reward whatsoever. How many of us could claim that moral position?
ISE
Yeah, yeah we make money off it, or we will… maybe, sometime.
Perhaps if I were living in a mansion on the hill I’d not be able to say that but I can say with total honesty that the I’ve not seen a bean from ISE adn I’m not liable to for some years yet. Just like many of the people selling it.
ISE is an investment in our future and yours, it won’t pay off quickly, but it will pay off.
But you never know what the future holds. 😉
Approach
You’re all gonna love this…
Turns out that, because of the meeting, that we were approached by a manufacturer that loves the UKW mantra, mindset and service and is looking to use the repairs@ guys for UK service. Interestingly they are looking to ditch the current service provider in favour of us.
Coup, you betcha.
The only approach, no.
So long as we get (and keep) our act together there’s no reason that we would not be offered this and other contracts.
I’m not going to go into details as it is commercially sensitive and I dont’ want some bloody blabbermouth spreading rumours through the trade about what, who, where and when. At least I’m honest enough to be honest… more than I can say for some.
Trustmark
Do I think it will cure all? Of course not.
But it’s a start.
It is a government backed scheme that we write the rules for, at least that’s what’s on the table. We either take part or we allow someone else to do it for us.
It means massive cost for UKW and a massive amount of time and effort on our part to see it through.
But it’s a start. It’s real and it means something.
Insurance Things
Damn that’s a post in and of itself, this is a massive topic.
The deal is, in respect to repairs@ that we need your help.
It really is this simple, if you want us to grow and expand UKW as well as grow and expand what you can get from it then we are pretty much forced to go this route. Neither you nor UKW stand to make from it in the short term, but I’m not about short term fixes, I want things that will stand the test of time. This can.
Not only can it do that, it can protect us if we can grow it.
I’ll post much more on this in time to explain to others that didnt’ hear about it on Friday past.
Sure, we’ll make something on it, we have to as it costs the lion’s share of 100K these days just to run UKW and that will only rise as we do more. I don’t want to saddle you guys with the bill for that, so we have to find alternatives.
Pay For Access
Again another old chestnut came up.
Not happening whilst I draw breath. Even if it means I have to hawk in everything to maintain that.
Spares Sales
We have to do it, sorry. We have to fund UKW somehow and this is one of the ways that we do that.
I’m really sorry if that pisses anyone off, but that’s just the way it is. 😕
New Website
If you weren’t there maybe in February you should be as you missed this.
The website is getting changed this month and it’s cleaner, better designed and more user-friendly.
Again, this is a post itself and I will post more soon.
Other Random Stuff
There’s got to be change. UKW has to evolve.
Quite what it will evolve into yet is up for debate, it always has been and it always will be. Whilst I may have many a plan in my head nothing is set in stone, I don’t work that way and neither do any of the directors of UKW to be all anal about it.
Like you we live from day to day, from one paid invoice to the next.
What we need is feedback from you, you have to tell us what you want.
I’m still fighting the independent corner, hell I’m in London (God I hate going there) this coming week to do battle with the HSE and CORGI on our behalf. John is sifting through WEEE for ISE and it’s sellers. Kevin is dealing with the DTI and EESTC on training, Dave is fighting on the spares pricing front. Sean is training as ever adn trying to spread the word about UKW, ISE and everything we’ve been trying to get across to people for three years.
You may think we’re sat about doing nothing but nothing, just nothing, could be farther from the truth.
I hate getting up and speaking at meetings, absolutely hate it, I’m a nervous wreck before it. I far prefer being here, sat at home comfortably hid behind my laptop and I really don’t know before the event why I do it to myself, until I’ve done it and spoken to the people. Then I know why I do it.
I’m not alone, just ask Kev, Sean or Dave why they do it.
The best bit is we have a lot of help from here and from other places.
What drives us in all this?
You.
You lot drive us, you just have to now and then offer a little direction.
K.
Re: Random Thoughts No.54
Its not often Ken that i reply to things but on this occasion i think its time give you and all the other guys in the team some praise fro what your all doing on here.
I for one wouldnt know half the things i have learned on here if it wasnt for UKWhitegoods and am sure so many other people out there feel the same.As for having to pay for some things, so what its a small price for what we can all gain in the long run so i am happy to contribute. Would we all of had the info we get on here for free from the manufacturers, no i dont think.
Its time for everyone to give the team abit of credit for what you have all done and are still doing. Keep up all the good work you are all doing lads,you are some team.
Thanks
Andy
Re: Random Thoughts No.54
I agree totally with Andy and would like to add my appreciation for the behind the scenes work that is carried out on our behalf.
Victor.
Re: Random Thoughts No.54
Ken Hi
Some years ago we were a relatively senior operator within the industry but we were bored and fed up with it. We had an opportunity to move out of the industry into other things and we chose to do that and were successful at it.
About two maybe three years ago, I was persuaded to have a look again at White Goods and having undertaken some research our company decided to come back into the servicing side of the industry.
Our decisions were based on information received primarily from this site and now we make a reasonable living from it. Our primary reason was for the challenge of the job but we knew from the regular posters on this site that things had changed significantly and life would be a roller coaster. The one thing that really hit home was that UKW had developed a for want of a better way to put things “a family” of posters in a similar position. We knew from this forum that the UKW family would help us and guide us.
Whilst I dont post very much, I actively read most posts and have learn’t an awful lot of background information from it some of which has been invaluable in directing us along the right path. I and my company are most grateful to you, Sean, Kevin, Dave, Rob and all the others that run and organise UKW as your work helps us no end.
You posting mentions several times your attitude. I have absolutely no problems at all with your attitude or manner; in fact I very much like it. I dont have time for sentiment or bullsh1t. I like your genuine and directly honest approach to things, and I encourage you to continue with it. I dont have to like someone to do business with them (although it helps) but I do have to trust them. You and the UKW team I both like on a personal level but more importantly for me, I trust you implicitly.
In short Ken, you do what you have to do, when you have to do it! You have and always will have my total support in your endeavours; i just wish I could be a bit more proactive in assisting you with it.
So, to all the team at UKW and all the regular posters to the forum, thanks and keep up the good work.
Jackal
Re: Random Thoughts No.54
I would also like to say thank you, being a new member I would like to pass on a few thoughts:
1.I have always said that our industry lacked credibility because any tom dick or harry can start up without bye or leave so a Trust Mark is vital!!! and can not come soon enough and must apply to all engineers/compaines regardless of size. On saturday I possed the question regarding sub contractors and the reply was it would be the responsiblity of the Trust Marked engineer to vet sub contractors them selfs I don’t think that this is the way forward, once again I think all and repeat all engineers must be vetted. I know this sound tough but tough is how it has to be.
2.I know you are working hard on all fronts and this is appreciated but their must be other capable people who could help share the load.
2a.I would like to help you with the Trust Mark.
3.I welcome the chance to sell insurance and it can’t come soon enough!!
4.I would pay for the Trust Mark scheme and any vetting thats goes with it.
5.I think you should consider an anual fee for being a ukw member.6.I have never been in favour of giving technical information to the general puplic this never sits easy with me.
7.Part sales I understand the need to raise monies but go with caution??
Any way I have rambled for long enough-although if you ask JH I can go on a lot longer.
PS I love this industry I know love sounds daft and have strong often self opionated views and I an not in it for just personal gain and thats the f_ _ _ _ _g TRUTH!!!!!!!!!
Regards Tony
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