Taxi Driver Online

I've been asked to make enquiries for the pro's and con's of setting up a co-operative taxi company. So obviously I'm asking you guys. I know that planning permission for the base is needed and also an operators licence. They say they would like to have something on the lines of the Auriga system as well does anybody know the costs of these? There are going to have to be some standards because if you have a lot of drivers with an interest in the company then you are going to have a lot opinions on how that company is run so sensible suggestions in that department would be appreciated too.

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

What do they want, a high street office or a trading estate unit?

there would be the need to put in place finances for a lease and deposits first.

and would be a sole trader partnership or ltd company?

If I was starting off a taxi cooperative I would start with a very basic system called www.taxi-call.info

Mr Jimbo is a fan and could offer you a few pointers.

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IDFIMH

It's going to be a co-operative with about 300 drivers to start so it's a Ltd company. Doesn't really matter with regards to location although access for a central base in the high street would probably be better but then there is parking problems with that option.

I've seen the taxi-call system advertised so I'll have a gander at it and see if it's up to scratch, thanks.

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Can't see it meeting a 300 driver's circuit demand, but maybe a few to get the ball rolling.

I don't think anyone has ever set up a 300 driver's circuit from scratch, and TBH I don't think I ever will see it happening. Too many folks thinking this way or that way is best, when their is only one way.

Also you need work from day 1.

Might be an idea to buy an existing firm and build from there. But if I was you I would take a step back and get someone else to do the job.

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IDFIMH

how many directors, how many shareholders, and you need a company secretary and bank account, plus a chartered accountant

you have to do the ground work

how much is each of the 300 putting in?

do yo need a a mast/DTi licence for the data system?

Talk to a good chartered accountant and solicitor about setting up a mutual trading company, limited by guarantee.

You'll need a memorandum of association, articles of association, rules and regulations, director's remuneration, premises, staff, shareholders agreements, non-shareholding driver's (we call them associates) agreement, bank accounts, VAT registration,, etc., etc., etc., ...........

Will drivers still do their own work or will you have some way of 'encouraging' them to put it through the office to provide a more efficient service.

As suggested above, Toots, unless you have a business background, let someone else do it!!!

However, I wish you luck. Don't be afraid to ask questions on here.

If we could buy a ready made company we would but there are only 2 worth having here and as far as I am aware they are not forsale, well, they would be if we offered silly money.

I have got a business background (except for when I'm having a blonde one, lol) so a lot of what's being said makes sense. I've got a friend who is a commercial solicitor so I guess he'll be getting a visit in the new year.



Thanks for the good luck, think I'll need it and I won't be afraid to ask questions cos you lot are pussycats really

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

If you are going to set up a business..( private hire company) Do it for yourself... otherwise you will just end up with 300 partners telling you what you're doing wrong.
And if it does take off they will just work to get you out.....

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

The Co-op Idea seems fine on face Value, it shares costs and can cover time off etc, but as in any sizable operation there will be chiefs and Indians..the chiefs always want more for less and the Indians want a little more than they usally ever get. the Chiefs usually become chiefs because they are ruthless and think the average Indian is inferior to them, the Indian may have aspirations to be a chief but will find himself scalped long before he reaches the top of the Co-op totem pole...so unless the chiefs in your particular Co-op Tribe bucks the trend of human nature I would think long and hard before putting to much effort or money into it.

Maybe youd be better looking Inwards at what you as an Individual can do, your obviously a very bright Lady Toots, so would it not be better to be your own Chief with no Indians than a little Indian amongst many other Indians bursting a gut for a smaller share..

Id agree with MR T..go self employed and carve out a Niche for yourself and build up your own customer base...Meeeowwwwwww!!

I'm already self employed in a company that has 350 self employed drivers. I could go on my own and it is something I am giving thought to but my concern is because I work at night purely safety aspect and having support if needed (never had but you never know). Having worked with a lot of drivers I've heard all and saundry on how they would run the company if it was theirs. Somebody suggested the co-op and I in principal agree with it but said as you guys are that there is more to it than they think and of course for it to work and to have an impact it would have to be a full blown firm of at least 300 members or drivers. I said it would be easier if we could get a company that is up and running but we are limited with those in our area because the companies here are large in size and few in quantity. It is something that will get some of my attention in the new year but I have other things to be doing at the beginning of the year so it may be February before it gets any real attention. Somebody on here once said to me to be careful not to be made a scapegoat by others and that advise has stuck. I'm all for finding out what they need and getting advice but I'm not sticking my neck on the line so I can be hung out to dry if the company bosses I work for find out that this is being considered

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Im afraid id have to agree with the negative replies on this

a mate wanted to start his/our own firm

quite by accident anothet old mate happened to say his back office could be rented, and it already had a mast and radio licence!

so there i was (renting a radio of one firm already) doing the leg work, and guess what?

yeah, someone blabbed, the one wanting the base bottled it, and suddenley, i was left holding the baby and my base knowing what was going on....

so start out asking for 10 lump sum deposits of a grand each, money upfront

then see who stands firm and who runs and hides, money talks, BS walks....