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[Bojan]

My brother and I run a small firm doing engineering, web and graphics.

I am a mechanical engineer, and in charge of engineering part -> we do engineering projects, 3D modeling, technical drawings, draftings....

My brother is an web designer, and is in charge of graphics and web -> web page design and programing, logo design, visual identity...

We have a few people (civil engineer, technicians...) working with us, and are serious about this business.
We have worked alot here in croatia, but are really looking into expanding to more 'civilized' markets (europe, USA, mid-asia...).

So, I am wondering if somebody can show me some basic guidelines on your (british) market.
Is there space for a firm like ours? Where is the best place to start?

We do not intend to open any branch in UK (at least for now)! Instead, we intend to work via internet (mail, skype). This system works, as we already have successfully completed some project for USA and Kuwait, and have some current projects!

[Xplicit 2.0]

unless there is a large amount of cash rich and time poor clients, which in my opinion i dont think there is, not in this climate, then i would say neither is viable really... not on a small scale. u would have great competition, again in my opinion, but thats more depending on where u base yourselves....

chances are what i have just said is all incorrect but this is just how i see it... im not business expert, i dont no much about various trades or markets... im just trying to be more general about it

[cem_devecioglu]

you may have chance if

better price..
better quality  job..

but in any case, people may ask for a refence project/job that they can visualize..

and you may need to personally know some people who is local..

[Xplicit 2.0]

you may have chance if

better price..
better quality  job..

but in any case, people may ask for a refence project/job that they can visualize..

and you may need to personally know some people who is local..

ive also noticed, in my area anyway, that local people will support a local business... even if the bigger one is 10p cheaper for example

[Bojan]

ok...we are not looking to have a large amount of work...I am perfectly aware that there is not that much job of this kind, and it is not likely that it will be given to somebody from other part of the europe, over the internet.

But, on the other hand, we are quite skilled, and have good prices (lets say 6-15$ per hour, depending on the complexity and type of job...although the jobs usually have fixed prices).

Basically, we aim at the:
- small companies who can not afford high-priced firms of this sort
- big firms, with to much work for their staff

[cem_devecioglu]

ok...we are not looking to have a large amount of work...I am perfectly aware that there is not that much job of this kind, and it is not likely that it will be given to somebody from other part of the europe, over the internet.

But, on the other hand, we are quite skilled, and have good prices (lets say 6-15$ per hour, depending on the complexity and type of job...although the jobs usually have fixed prices).

Basically, we aim at the:
- small companies who can not afford high-priced firms of this sort
- big firms, with to much work for their staff

you need to advertise your firm and climb up in the list.. shortest way is to pay some amount to google (local bureau) other than the complex tricks of ranking.. some good pictures , links may help.. 

[Bojan]

www.primo-3d.com

But it is under construction. we have totally demolished our old website, and creating a new one. But in last week or two we are too occupied with projects that we do not have time to finish it.

Google add-words is the first on the pay-list when the page is finished

[Chris_H]

The website looks nice at a glance but I do wonder about promoting web design alongside the other two.  It suggests you are not specialists to me as they are not closely related subjects.

Just a thought.

I wish you all the best.

[Marks DTM Calib]

I would say there is a good market here.

You need to find a route into some companies to get a lead but, your prices are very competitive and there is a shortage of real engineers in the Uk.

[Bojan]

The website looks nice at a glance but I do wonder about promoting web design alongside the other two.  It suggests you are not specialists to me as they are not closely related subjects.

Just a thought.

I wish you all the best.

we decided to go that way because we basically work together, as separate divisions. And when somebody comes to ones page, will see our other activities.
And it works, we got few jobs that came from other division!

I would say there is a good market here.

You need to find a route into some companies to get a lead but, your prices are very competitive and there is a shortage of real engineers in the Uk.

That route is what we are looking for 
By competitive, do you mean that they are as high as ones in UK, or lower?

[Marks DTM Calib]

Considerably lower, I would normaly be paying in the order of £50+ per hour for a mechanical design engineer on hourly rates (contract work)

[Bojan]

Marks DTM, that is a quite a price!
For what kind of work?

The thing that most impressed me while working for foreign clients is the level of decency in the communication and realistic expectations!

Unlike here in croatia, where some of the clients think that if they paid you that they have bought you! And they think that they are allowed to shout at you or expect to 'turn water into vine' at least.   

=======

EDIT: Not sure if it is appropriate/allowed to post these here, so HNF to nobody!

If somebody can connect us with clients that need our services (mechanical engineering, web and graphic design, marketing materials), we would pay that person finders fee in amount 15-25% of the arranged job price! 

If interested, please contact me here or via email:
bojan.popic@primo-3d.com

[mathewst]

Bojan sorry don't want to steal your post but Mark how much would an hour of electrical engineer cost, or an IT programmer?

[cem_devecioglu]

   OOF online job center 

[Banjax]

It's a really nice website, but i see a lot of people touting for business as web-designers/graphic designers here in Stirling - so I'd imagine London and other cities competition is even fiercer.

If I was you I'd just make tea for your engineer brother