Bickton Narrow Gauge as my full time job.
I trade as Bickton Engineering Limited, which is registered company in England and is VAT registered.
I take pride in being professional in all I do, from replying to enquiries to engineering design.
The miniature railway business is not lucrative and my motivation for this work in not primarily financial. I require a working income from the business but have no expectation of becoming wealthy doing this! I could readily carry on business in more lucrative markets with considerably less work. My motivation is to find work that is: Interesting and technically challenging; To meet like-minded people and to perpetuate the enjoyment of steam machinery to new generations.
My hourly rates and costs are worked out to cover my costs and allow the business function in a sustainable way.
I charge less than an independent garage servicing cars where semi-skilled technicians change components. The nature of the steam engine means that repair work is highly skilled and time consuming, new parts are often designed from scratch, machined from stock and fitted by hand.
I offer a 'value for money' service but repair and one-off work is expensive.
I work from home and use my outbuildings for workshops. This offers many advantages, including minimizing costs, but does mean that space is limited.
I do not employ staff but occasionally use sub-contract help. This is mainly because the additional statutory responsibilities placed on employers, particularly with regard H&S would make the business un-viable. My workshop is safe and all equipment is maintained to a high standard, but does not feature the degree of guarding and interlocking required by current regulations. I take responsibility for my own safety but cannot do the same for others in the current litigious society.
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My aim in publishing this page is to give potential clients a little background to my business and the way I work.
If this all sounds rather stuffy and serious - I apologise.
My bottom line is that life is to be lived fully.
I am passionate about what I do and continually marvel at how lucky I am to be able to work this way.
Small Steam Engines Are FUN!