[punyXpress]

Whereabouts are you, Dom?
Pal of mine had a couple of thatching businesses near Exeter & Swindon, he's retired now but should still have contacts.
When he started, thatching was notorious for all the workers being self-employed but he broke the mould and employed them with the security that gave.
Helped him a couple of times - the job's great when the sun shines.
Only caveat: how good are your knees?
Contact, here or PM if you want more.