Steel erection subcontract crew

Steel fabricators, main contractors, builders and developers who subcontract the on-site erection work.

Priced per job, per tonne of steel or on a day rate for the crew. Repeat work from a few reliable contractors keeps the diary full.

• Experience as a steel erector or steel fixer
• Safe working at height and lifting
• Reading drawings and erection sequences
• Managing a small crew and site paperwork

• Public liability and employer's liability insurance if you take on crew, check the cover limits contractors ask for
• Working at height and lifting are high-risk, check you have the training, risk assessments and method statements sites expect
• Check how the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) applies to you and your crew, including whether they are employed or self-employed
• Late payment and retentions can strain cash flow, agree terms in writing
• Check whether you need a lifting plan or hired-in plant, such as a crane, and who is responsible for it

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on tools, access equipment, insurance and the size of crew you take on. Treat this as an estimate and check each item against your own plans.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on crew size, contracts and how often you are booked. Late payment and retentions can affect cash flow, so agree terms in writing. Treat these as estimates.

Check public liability and employer's liability cover limits that contractors ask for, and the training, risk assessments and method statements sites expect for working at height and lifting. Also check how the Construction Industry Scheme applies to you and your crew.