[quote user="zeb"]If he's registered in France and has done the course (which is obligatory) he'll know all this, and how to cost up (hourly rates, materials, TVA, cotisations etc) as it's covered, repeated several times, and this is what everyone who is there talks about in tea breaks![/quote] OK I think people think I am trying to hide something here! I was just after some information from people who either worked in the building trade or for people who did, that was all [8-)] Yes, he is registered (I have already said he was), yes he's done the course ( he had to, as you say it's obligatory) and yes people may have talked in your coffee breaks, but that's all well and fine if your french is very good - his isn't! And all but 2 people were french. Yes, he's got the book of rates, but that doesn't necessarily mean that is what is charged or asked for by a subbie. There are going rates in the UK, but a variety of prices are charged. I thought this forum was to help people, not make them feel stupid, obviously I was wrong and I shall not bother posting again. As I said before, thank you to those who replied helpfully[:)]