Starting a trades business? Step-by-step guides for electricians, plumbers, builders and more — from registration to your first job.
Getting more work as a plumber is the challenge every self-employed plumber faces. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fill the diary more consistently, the methods that work combine strong digital presence, emergency availability, and systematic relationship building. Here are the 10 most effective ways to get more plumbing work in 2026. 1….
Solar installation involves several regulatory requirements that are often confused with each other. Planning permission, building regulations, electrical certifications, grid notifications, and MCS registration are all separate processes – and knowing which is needed for which job is a core competency for any solar installer. The Four Regulatory Frameworks Solar installation sits across four overlapping…
The barrier to entry for solar installation is higher than most trades – MCS certification, qualified electricians, and specific equipment all cost money. But it’s far from impossible to get started with limited capital if you’re strategic about how you structure the business in its first months. The Realistic Starting Position Let’s be clear about…
If you want to know how to start a plumbing business in the UK, you’re entering one of the most consistently in-demand trades in the country. Plumbing work cannot be deferred indefinitely – a leaking pipe, a broken boiler, or a failing bathroom means customers call urgently. A well-run plumbing business can be fully booked…
Solar Energy UK is the leading trade association for the UK solar industry. For solar installation businesses – particularly those looking to grow beyond residential work into commercial and utility-scale projects – membership is worth understanding. But it’s not right for everyone. Here’s what Solar Energy UK is, what membership offers, and whether it’s worth…
The NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is the UK’s leading roofing trade body – and for roofers wondering whether to join, it’s worth understanding exactly what NFRC membership provides, what it costs, and what it actually opens up commercially. What is the NFRC? The NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) represents roofing contractors of…
Solar installation carries risks that most standard trades insurance doesn’t adequately cover. You’re working at height, installing high-value electrical systems, and providing energy production equipment with a 25-year lifespan. Getting insurance wrong – or having the wrong cover when something goes wrong – is a serious business risk. Here’s exactly what insurance a solar installation…
Do roofers need to be registered in the UK? The short answer is no – there is no mandatory registration or licence required to work as a roofer. However, the question of whether roofers need to be registered is more nuanced, because voluntary registration schemes significantly affect the work a roofer can access and the…
Understanding what certifications roofers need in the UK is important whether you’re starting a roofing business or looking to expand into commercial work. The certifications roofers need vary by type of work, client requirements, and materials used. This guide covers every relevant certification for UK roofers. Do Roofers Need Any Certifications? No certification is legally…
G98 and G99 are the two engineering recommendations that govern how solar PV systems connect to the UK electricity grid. Getting this wrong – installing under G98 when G99 was required – is a compliance issue that can require system disconnection and rework. Understanding which applies is a core competency for any solar installer. The…