HOW THE RING OPERATES

(The Ring acts as an Intermediary only and not as a Principal)

JOINING
Upon joining the Ring members register the Services and equipment they are able to supply. This information is stored on a database.

USING THE RING
When a service is required the Demander contacts the manager. The manager, using the database, identifies a Supplier with suitable equipment or skills. He contacts the potential Supplier to ascertain if he is willing and available to do the work. Further members are contacted until one is located who is available. The manager puts the Demander and Supplier in contact with each other. Demanders can express a preference for a particular Supplier and potential Suppliers can turn work down if they so wish. Once contact has been made both parties act on their own behalf and agree the practical details. Example uses of the Ring can be found here.

PRICE
The Supplier and the Demander must agree the details and price for the work. The Ring has produced a scale of guide prices. Actual conditions and circumstances vary, and the price must reflect this.

WORKSHEETS
Upon satisfactory completion of the Work the Supplier fills in a "worksheet" provided by the Ring which is countersigned by the Demander. Both parties keep a copy and a third is sent to the Ring office at Thirsk.

INVOICING
Upon receipt of a worksheet the Ring produce a self billing invoice for the Supplier and an invoice to the Demander.

PAYMENT
Payment is without exception by direct debit and direct credit. Demanders and Suppliers have 14 days to query the invoice, following which the Demander's bank account is debited 21 days from the date of the invoice and the Supplier's bank account is credited 7 days after this.

INSURANCE
All members must ensure that they are adequately insured for any work undertaken through the Ring. Insurance details are covered more fully in the Operating Regulations.

COST
All members purchase a share in the Ring at a cost of £50. The annual subscription rates are shown in the Operating Regulations, the main categories are: full member £125, Labour only supplier £30.
In addition, for core services, a levy, normally 3%, is added to the Demander invoice and a similar amount subtracted from the sum credited to the Supplier. Other services may also attract a levy, which varies according to the type of service from 0% to 2%. It may only be applied to the supplier only. Ask the manager for details.
Currently the Directors have agreed to waive the first years subscription of £125/£30 allow potential members to try the services at a reduced rate.