Guides & Resources for UK Tradespeople
Practical, no-nonsense guides on running a trade business in the UK — tax, insurance, pricing, certifications and more.
Business
6 guidesTradesman Insurance UK
Everything you need to know about public liability, employers' liability and tool insurance as a UK tradesman.
Read guideBusinessSubcontractor vs Employee UK
Understand the difference between taking on a subcontractor and employing someone — and why it matters for tax and liability.
Read guideBusinessTradesman Contract Template UK
What to include in a contract with customers, downloadable template, and how written terms protect you on every job.
Read guideBusinessHiring Your First Employee UK
Step-by-step guide to taking on your first employee as a tradesman — PAYE, contracts, insurance and employer obligations.
Read guideBusinessTradesman Business Plan
How to write a simple business plan as a self-employed tradesman — useful for loans, growth planning and staying on track.
Read guideBusinessApproved Trader Schemes UK
Which approved trader and trust mark schemes are worth joining, what they cost and how they affect customer trust.
Read guideTax
2 guidesVAT Guide for UK Tradesmen
When to register, how VAT works on labour and materials, the VAT reverse charge for construction, and flat rate scheme options.
Read guideTaxMaking Tax Digital for Tradesmen
How MTD for Income Tax affects self-employed tradesmen, what software you need, and the key deadlines to know.
Read guidePricing
2 guidesTradesman Day Rates UK 2026
Up-to-date day rates for electricians, plumbers, builders, plasterers and more across the UK for 2026.
Read guidePricingHow to Price Plastering Work UK
Pricing guides for skim, full re-plaster, artex removal and render — with 2026 day rates and how to quote accurately.
Read guideOperations
1 guideCertification
3 guidesCSCS Card UK
Which CSCS card you need, how to apply, what tests are required and how much it costs.
Read guideCertificationGas Safe Registration
How to become Gas Safe registered, the assessment process, annual fees and what work requires registration.
Read guideCertificationElectrician Certification UK
18th Edition, Part P, ECS card and competent person schemes explained — what qualifications you need and how to get them.
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