Starting a trades business? Step-by-step guides for electricians, plumbers, builders and more — from registration to your first job.
Getting your first solar jobs is the hard part. Getting consistent work is a different challenge – one that requires systematic lead generation, fast follow-up, and a reputation that compounds over time. This guide covers the practical methods that work for growing solar installation businesses in 2026. Build Your Review Profile First Before spending money…
The qualifications you need to be a roofer in the UK vary depending on the type of roofing work and the clients you want to work for. No licence is required to start roofing commercially – but specific qualifications to be a roofer significantly affect your access to commercial work, the insurance rates you pay,…
Most residential solar installations in the UK fall under permitted development rights – meaning planning permission is not usually required. But “usually” does a lot of work in that sentence. There are specific circumstances where planning permission is needed, and installing without the correct consent exposes both you and your customer to enforcement action. This…
Getting more work as a roofer requires a different approach to most trades – roofing is partly seasonal, partly weather-driven, and largely dependent on urgent reactive demand. The roofer who is findable when a customer has an emergency, and trusted when they’re planning a full re-roof, fills their diary year-round. Here are the most effective…
The short answer is: not necessarily NICEIC specifically – but you do need to be registered with a competent person scheme, and NICEIC is one of the most common routes. This is a distinction worth understanding, because it affects which certification route you choose. What NICEIC Registration Actually Is NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical…
One of the first questions solar entrepreneurs ask is: how long will MCS take and what will it cost? It’s a reasonable question – MCS certification is the gateway to residential solar work, and the timeline directly affects when you can start trading commercially. Here’s a realistic answer, not a sales pitch from a certification…
If you want to know how to start a roofing business in the UK, you’re entering one of the most in-demand trades in the country. Qualified roofers are consistently short supply, roofing work is weather-resistant in terms of demand (homeowners can’t ignore a leaking roof), and a well-run roofing business can generate significant income within…
Marketing a solar business is different from marketing most trades. Solar is a high-value, considered purchase – customers research extensively before deciding, and the sales cycle is weeks, not days. Your marketing needs to match that behaviour: build visibility, build credibility, and convert leads efficiently at every stage of the funnel. Understand the Solar Customer…
How long it takes to become a plasterer depends on the route you take – but most people are competently plastering within 2-3 years via a formal route, or sooner via intensive training. This guide breaks down the realistic timescales for every pathway to becoming a qualified plasterer in the UK. How Long Does It…
What qualifications does a plasterer need? This is one of the most searched questions among people considering a career in plastering – and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. A plasterer needs no licence to trade, but specific qualifications unlock commercial work, better rates, and professional credibility. This guide explains…