Derek Byrne

We've all seen it all before Clients leaving it till the last minute or only seeking help once things have already gone off track. Don't wait - be proactive, not reactive! The best contractors on the market will be snapped up by the end of the month, they won't have the time to rescue your project If you have an upcoming project and need a fresh pair of 👀, or an extra pair of 👐, drop me a message. #D365 #PowerPlatform #SharePoint

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Ok, I think I should have this out publicly. I lost money via 3 clients ******* (**** civils Ltd), ********* (Man**** construction Ltd) and Gary Crosbie (Interefurb ltd and Catering design group). All told I lost around £50,000.00+ Therefore, I’ve had to wind up my old business White Wolf Site Services Ltd. After this happened there’s a few things I’d like to point out. The un-named directors both informed me of their companies losses and the reasons their companies went bang. I respect that and understand it can happen. Gary Crosbie however, didn’t and upon further inspection, he has done this for his entire career and has continually took companies for millions of pounds. Gary has had multiple companies and has fleeced people for everything he could over the years. He opened a company called USP Hospitality Consultancy Ltd (15221909) a month before he bumped me for £25k on Carering Design Ltd and various others for the sum of £1.2 million pounds+. I had to sit and watch grown men cry on a video call, losing their businesses as Gary sat there minus any remorse telling people they’ll never get their money back… “and that’s that!”. Gary “is” based in Macclesfield albeit he has various addresses in Congleton, Covent Garden, Staffordshire etc just to show a few he’s using. He is a career criminal with a history in buying into failing companies and pumping money into them, only to run up credit lines with everyone and then send them down the river and close up. By all means check this online with companies house and don’t just take my word for it. The reason for the post is because I’m currently on bail because I’ve apparently harassed Gary Crosbie by asking for him to be a decent human being and front himself for the people he’s robbed over the years. Yes, I didn’t word it nicely and yes I said I’d happily punch his head in. Right or wrong, I had to pay all my company debts and lose a substantial amount personally. My wedding to my mrs went bang along with various other things I was dreaming of as a new/first time business owner. Anyway, I’m writing this in hope people remember his name and stay the fuck away! Whether I end up going to jail for voicing this or not, it’s better than someone else suffering the fate I have dealing with him. The other blokes are good people and had the decency to explain their situations and why their companies had to go. I respect that! Gary Crosbie is currently trading out of various addresses across the UK and is also selling a property which is registered to various of his businesses in Macclesfield (sk11) for north of half a million pounds (this can be checked online easily). I’m guessing this when sold will be pumped into the next business he will look to rip people/companies off through. How the law, HMRC and Companies house let these people trade is beyond me. Anyway, I’ll happily do a few months lie down to save people losing their livelihood like I did on this man! Be safe people! 👍🏼❌

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21 Comments

My local council is introducing selective licensing in a section of my investment patch. What is selective licensing? Basically, you will have to obtain a licence per property to be able to rent it out. The property must meet certain standards such as having an upto date CP12 and EICR having an EPC between A and E. The property must be in a good state of repair. The idea behind selective licensing is to improve the area by forcing the bad landlords and tenants out. If it works or not, it is debatable, but I will soon find out This particular area, in my opinion, is the worst area of Blyth. But the area has improved massively without any intervention from the council. The biggest problem has been investors who don't live locally purchasing properties in this area, putting anybody in them and not maintaining their properties. I have had all my properties in this area inspected by the council so I can obtain 6 licenses for 6 properties. All my properties were absolutely fine and I will get a licence. Now the council wants £2970 for doing what I am supposed to do and has always done as a landlord I asked the council a couple of questions, and one of their responses made me believe this is just another money-making scheme for them. My question- If I purchase a property in this area that already has a licence, will I inherite the licence when I purchase the property as the licence is for the property, not the owner? Their response - The license for each property will be non-transferrable - this is stated in the Housing Act, so we are unable to change this. A licence will cost £650 per property and £495 per property if you are an accredited landlord. What do you think? Is selective licensing a good thing or just another money-making scheme?

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15 Comments

🚨 The UK Trade Skills Index 2023 report has sounded the alarm: We need 937,000 new recruits by 2032 to close the skills gap in the construction and trades industry. 🚧 With a significant portion of our current workforce over 50 and nearing retirement, it's time to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in skilled trades like plumbing, bricklaying, carpentry, and electrical work. 🔧🛠️ Here are our top tips for interviewing and securing property maintenance staff: 🔧 Strong Skills Matrix: Provide agencies with a detailed skills matrix to measure candidates against the role accurately. 🔧Speedy CV Review: Review CVs within 24-48 hours to keep the process moving. 🔧Prompt Interviews: Schedule interviews within 7 days of application – "Time kills all deals!" 🔧Fast-Track Start Dates: If candidates are available immediately, expedite their start dates. 🔧Pre-Start Engagement: Check in with new hires before they start to make them feel part of the team. 🔧Watertight Onboarding: Create a smooth and impressive onboarding process – first impressions count! 🔧Team Integration: Ensure the wider team helps new hires feel comfortable and welcomed. 💡 Fun Fact: At Stride, we have a 100% success rate with Property Maintenance and Health & Safety Professionals interviewed within a week of submission! 🚀 Let’s take proactive steps to bridge the skills gap and build a strong future for the trades industry. #Construction #SkilledTrades #HiringTips #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerInTrades

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13 Comments

Some things your recruiter should always do... Sort your pay 🫡💯 ✅ Getting you the best rate available ✅ Advising on tax/putting you in touch with the experts ✅ Making sure your payment terms are the best they can be And if there's an issue.... And they don't sort it as soon as they can. And come back with solutions so it doesn't happen again... Then get a new recruiter. We all know mistakes happen, but the way you're dealt with matters. 🫶🫶🫶

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