Plain-English guides on quoting, CIS, VAT reverse charge, Part P, CDM 2015, late payments and growing a UK trade business.
How to write a quote (UK tradesperson guide)
What every UK tradesperson's quote should include, in plain English.
Is a tradesperson's quote legally binding in the UK?
Quote vs estimate, when prices become contractual and how to protect yourself.
Chasing late payments as a tradesperson
The exact sequence from polite reminder to formal claim, with templates.
Deposits, stage payments and retention
How much to take up front, how to phase milestones and what retention means.
Coming soon
Small claims court for trade disputes
When to use it, what to file, fees, and how likely you are to win.
Coming soon
Writing payment terms tradespeople actually enforce
Clauses that work, clauses that don't, and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 angle.
Coming soon
Public liability vs professional indemnity for trades
What each policy covers, typical premiums and how to avoid being underinsured.
Coming soon
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) explained for 2026
What CIS is, who it applies to, the 20/30/0% rates and how to register.
CIS: 20% vs 30% deduction. Which one applies to you?
Why some subcontractors get 20% and others 30%, and how to switch.
Coming soon
VAT reverse charge for construction explained
When it applies, how to invoice it, and the gotchas that catch most builders out.
VAT flat rate scheme for tradespeople
Whether the flat rate scheme still saves money in 2026 for your trade.
Coming soon
Sole trader vs limited company for UK tradespeople
Tax differences, paperwork, liability, and when each model wins.
Coming soon
At what point should you go limited as a tradesperson?
The profit threshold, the paperwork cost and the real-world break-even point.
Coming soon
Part P: which electrical jobs are notifiable?
The current 2026 list of notifiable domestic electrical work and how to notify.
Gas Safe registration step by step
Qualifications, ACS, the application process, and what it costs.
Coming soon
CDM 2015 for small builders
Whether CDM applies to your jobs, the duties involved, and what to document.
Coming soon
FENSA vs Certass for window installers
How the two competent person schemes compare on cost, notification and customer trust.
Coming soon
What a RAMS document actually is
Risk assessment plus method statement, plain-English, with a downloadable template.
Coming soon
Method statements: how to write one that does its job
The seven blocks every method statement should cover.
Coming soon
Schedule of works: a tradesperson's guide
Why a clear schedule of works wins more quotes and reduces variations.
Coming soon
EICR: what tradespeople need to know
Codes (C1, C2, C3, FI), 5-year cycle, landlord rules and how to charge.
Coming soon
CP12 (Gas Safety Certificate) explained
What's tested, what fails, who must hold one and how to charge for it.
Coming soon
WaterSafe (Water Regs) approved plumber: is it worth it?
What the scheme covers, what it costs and the customer-facing benefits.
Coming soon
F-Gas certification UK
When you need it, the categories, and the route to qualification.
Coming soon
MCS certification for heat pump installers
Why MCS matters, what it costs, and how grants depend on it.
Coming soon
Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Google Ads
Real cost-per-lead comparison and where each channel actually delivers.
Coming soon
Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?
Membership cost, lead quality, contract terms, and the disadvantages nobody mentions.
Coming soon
The anatomy of a winning quote
Why customers pick one quote over another (and it's not just price).
Coming soon
Trade pricing software in 2026: what to pick
What to look for, what to avoid, and the real differences between the top options.
Coming soon