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I would put in some work to DASA and I have done, but I can’t do too much or say too much as I’d just be accussed of trying something on to benefit UKW. So I have to watch what I say.
DASA I think does have a place but it is currently too expensive, produces little and offers no return for the investment. Let’s face it all the legal info etc we can get elsewhere.
So, with the legal info thing out the way, what is it?
K.
Re: DASA!
Well the deed is done and dusted.
Are we any further forward? I think not given the recent emails floating about th ether.
All I can see is people trying to push their own agenda’s to the fore and ignore the core issue…
What is the point in being in DASA?
K.
EMW have added a link now to the “Weblinks” section to their website where all the info is available as well as tech support.
Just FYI
K.
LOL, I’d buy another one as I love it.
In fact I was seriously thinking about it after being tempted recently by seeing a funked up one.
TBH, I have never looked to make money from UKW but it is increasingly taking over my life, that’s why you see me online at all hours of the night and this getting under 7 hours sleep is just murder now.
Yes, I have put a lot into this and there’s a lot more to come as well but time is against me now as there just isn’t enough hours in the day for all I want to do with it.
My problem is that if DASA does collapse then UKW will be looked too take over that mantle I think, I’m not so sure I want the baggage in all honesty or the work. Especially if my little coup d’état comes off in the coming months as I will simply not have the time for it and run a business into the bargain. 😈
We’ll see.
K.
There’s a lot we can do by simply using the buying power in many different ways, the legal protection idea was one, credit referencing of companies was another, the list is endless of little things that can be done. I didn’t detail all that discussion fully from the meeting, next time I’ll be more thorough my apologies if it wasn’t clear. 😕
The idea being Martin that thebits you want, you pay for, the bits you don’t you don’t pay for. Just the way it works in real life when you walk into a shop instead of trying to apply a “one size fits all” type thing which, given the nature of our industry and huge differences in businesses and structures I don’t think that type of subscription would work.
Other than that, yes there are a few things I’m working on that may well be of interest, but see the bit where I mentioned “commercial sensitivity” that you missed off the quote, well… need I say more? 😀
K.
No it’s not and I got caught as well Scotty, but I saw what was happening, updated my virus definitions whilst the attack was happening. The email I got came from someone on UKW.
TBH that’s pretty irelevant where it came from, the fact is that immediately there was a threat both you and I have updated the virus software to deal with it.
Since I’ve had still more affected mails both last night and this morning from NESN and, again to my private mail address which only one person there was given, they have still not resolved the issue. Not only that is would appear to have migrated through several systems and IP ranges from them so you’d have to assume that there is little or no protection there.
I have had viruses from other companies as well, but nowhere near the amount I’ve had from NESN and it’s usually resolved by others pretty swiftly.
K.
What do you mean by organisations? If you mean an independent repairer then it’s one company name, one sub, no more.
K.
No, no VAT at this stage as UKW is not VAT registered since it would have to hit the VAT threshhold first.
K.
Re: The UKW Subscriber Forum
Alex wrote:Very eloquently put.
Thank you.
Alex wrote:I knew no reassurance was needed on my part, but I was concerned that some would read into it a secret agenda was to be made available within a restricted area.
Point taken, I hope that’s now clear.
Alex wrote:I would assume the light hearted items would be left as they are in the public domain; and the subscriber forum be able to get on with the more important topics & issuses that afect us all one way or another. I see this as a progression to a more recognisable and accepted part of this medium.
The site as a whole will continue as it has been since its inception, there is no sweeping changes that will happen other than that any offers will go to subscribers first and any decisions or whatever will be posted there first as well.
Other then that it’s up to the members to decide what they want.
Alex wrote:I’m off to put my details into the system as a member.
You’ll need a reference number. 😉
K.
Edited to fix my bad typing a bit and to add a link to the form in PDF format only…
Yes and no, we have tested some and they are not suitable IMO or Dave’s. Many seem to be a slightly customised version of call logging for the plumbing industry or something like that meaning that they are too cumbersome for our industry where, speed is of the essence when taking calls. Many are fine if you have a database of all your customers, but most of us will not have that and even with that, they still are not too great to use.
I have a meeting at the end of the month with a software house that looks set to be very promising, more news when I have it.
K.
Re: The UKW Subscriber Forum
Alex wrote:Few silly questions if I may? I’ve been out of the loop a bit the last week or two, and am still catching up. I’m in full agreement with this and ready to put my hand in pocket.
Questions are more than welcome, in fact I encourage and applaud it.
Alex wrote:Is this open to anyone who cares to subscribe?
No, independent repair companies only at this point in time as discussed at the recent UKW meeting as this was what was agreed upon by the majority.
That may change, but it would be decided on by members at a meeting or an online vote.
Alex wrote:You mention levels of access and suscriptions to match, will it be made clear what is available at each level?
Yes, quite clear. It is not the intent to scale levels of access for more dosh, that would be a bit underhand IMO. The intent is to provide member services which can be opted in or out of as you see fit and suits you, hence the control on what you pay for and gain from it is entirely dependent on what you want.
So there is the basic subscription then you just tack on what you want really after that. Some of the offers may well go out to the general trade forum but perhaps at a slightly greater cost, that has all to be decided and it will be at some point in the future as the need arises.
My take on it is that if UKW wants to charge for something or offer a service then members would have to stump up, yes. But by the same token UKW has to offer something for that investment.
Alex wrote:Is there a criteria or vetting procedure?
Not at present no and there really was not much interest in a code of practice either, but I would like more feedback on that.
Alex wrote:Does one have to be recommended by a fellow member?
No.
Alex wrote:How much and how are we invited to subscribe?
The initial figures for the basic subscription are on the downloadable form, these were agreed at the UKW meeting and kept very low as well as easy to do so anyone could afford it. From memory it’s a £10 payment then £5 a month after that, so hardly a king’s ransom.
The method used is a standing order, so the subscriber controls the payments and not UKW so if you wish to cease at any time you can with a simple call to your bank.
Alex wrote:Sounds like membership to a golf club.
I wouldn’t know, but you should Alex! 😉
Alex wrote:I’m really asking this on behalf of other interested parties as well, as I don’t want this to appear to be an exclusive club. I know the figures as discussed recently won’t break the bank.
No, this is not some sort of exclusive club and we’re not all retreating to a foxhole to scheme stuff either, this is as open as I can possibly make it and as low cost as I can as well to you or your business, that was the aim.
Hopefully in time it will gain the members rather than cost them with some of the deals we secure but I did say I was not going to make any rash promises there. I am offering no guarantees with it bar one, everyone involved with UKW will do their level best for the members as they have done thus far and I don’t think it’s my place to ask anymore than that.
K.
Just got a virus from Nic Cooper at NESN, the latest W32Netsky one, so NESN still seem to have inadequate virus protection, you have been warned as any mail from them with an attachement is potentially hazerdous if they are infected.
What is weird to me though is what NESN’s accountant is doing with one of my private email addresses in his address book. 😕
K.
Re: New Electrical Regulations
Update on this from Dean Barrett on the UKHA list:
Further to recent discussions about effect of Part P. Below is taken from IEE newsletter received today.
Runs to a few pages, but I thought this bit of most interest.
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HOW TO COMPLY
It is understoof that compliance with Part P will be acheived by following the applicable regulation in BS7671:2001 and the guidance in the IEE On-Site Guide. It is thought that Part P will require installation work to be inspected and tested during and on completion to verify it is safe (eg for compliance with BS7671:2001)NOTIFICATION TO BUILDING CONTROL.
All fixed electrical installation work will become a ‘controlled service’
under the Building Regulations. It will have to be notified, before work commences, to the Building Control office of the relevent Local Authority, in order that they may inspect the work. This will apply to all work carried out, professionally or as DIY, with the following exceptions:1. where the proposed work is to be a prescribed competent person authorised to self-certify compliance on completion of the work 2. where the work is minor and not in a kitchen or other area classified as a special location or installation.
Minor work is likely to be electrical work not involving the addition of a new circuit, such as adding a socket outlet or lighting point to an existing circuit, or replacement of accessories, Special installation or locations are expected to include :- Kitchens Locations including a bath or shower or sauna Swimming pools, fountains and gardens Small-scal embedded generators including solar power supply systems Electric heating including floor and ceiling heating ELV lighting installation unless pre-assembled
It is understood that all work in kitchens, bathrooms and these other special locations will need to be notified, or self-certified, irrespective of how minor.
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Whilst it looks like anyone will still be able to carry out works, they will require to be inspected at all stages by the Building Officer.IEE rightly point out the Building Control would not be able to cope with every DIY’er requesting inspection.
Interesting reading….
Dean.
🙁
K.
