Trade Tips

Pricing is hard. Too high loses work. Too low loses money. Here's how to find the right balance. Understanding Your Costs Direct Costs Materials for the specific job Consumables (blades, sandpaper, fixings) Subcontractor costs if applicable Skip hire, equipment rental...

Going self-employed is exciting and terrifying in equal measure. The freedom to choose your work comes with the responsibility of finding it. Here's what the first year typically looks like. Before You Start Have savings. Seriously. Income is unpredictable when...

Social media can grow your business, but it needs doing right. Here's a practical approach for busy tradespeople. Which Platforms Focus on what works for trades: Facebook: Local community groups, business page Instagram: Visual portfolio of work Google Business: Essential...

You've got your skills, you've had enough of working for someone else, and you're thinking about going self-employed. Before you hand in your notice, here's what actually happens in the first year - the stuff no one tells you. The...

Tax Doesn't Have to Be Scary Most tradesmen I know would rather rewire a house than deal with tax. But ignoring it costs you money - through overpaying, penalties, or nasty surprises. Here's the no-nonsense guide to tax for self-employed...

Cash flow kills more trade businesses than lack of work. You can be fully booked and still go bust if money isn't coming in when bills are due. Here's how to keep cash flowing. The Cash Flow Problem Trade work...

Good record keeping protects your business, simplifies tax time, and helps you understand how you're actually doing. Here's what to track and how. Financial Records Essential financial documentation: All invoices issued All receipts for business expenses Bank statements Payment records...

Self-employment offers freedom but can consume every waking hour if you let it. Maintaining balance protects your health, relationships, and long-term effectiveness. The Trap of Unlimited Work Self-employed tradespeople face unique pressures: No paid holidays - time off costs money...

A good quote wins work and sets expectations clearly. A poor one loses jobs or leads to disputes. Here's how to write quotes that work for everyone. What to Include Every quote should contain: Your business details and contact information...