6 steps to grow a trade business

You’ve nailed the skills, smashed your apprenticeship and you’re now a qualified expert tradesperson. But did anyone show you how to handle marketing, manage your accounts, file taxes or deal with tricky customers? Probably not.

Don’t worry. We’re here to help.

Maybe you’ve just qualified. Maybe you’ve decided it’s time to go it alone. Maybe you have a specialised trade that’s difficult to insure? Or maybe you’ve already taken on your first few jobs and want to know how to grow.

Wherever you’re starting from, here’s what you need to know to run — and grow — your trade business.

TL;DR?

Skip ahead to the sections you want to learn more about running a trade business here:

1. Make marketing part of the job

2. Keep your trade business finances tight

3. Get your taxes right from day one

4. Protect your trade business with the right insurance

5. Deliver customer service that keeps people coming back

6. Plan for growth without burning out

1. Make marketing part of the job

If you’re not putting yourself out there, you’re potentially missing work and income. Marketing is about building trust, being memorable and easy to find when it counts.

Word of mouth is key

Don’t underestimate the power of good reviews. According to AXA, 40% of people consult online reviews of a tradesperson, while 37% refer to websites.

Understand that a happy customer is your best marketing tool; ask them to recommend you to friends and family, and encourage them to leave a review where future customers will see it.

Be easy to find online

If someone hears your name, can they find you online in under a minute? A simple, clear website listing your services, location and contact details is a great start. But don’t stop there:

• Create a free Google Business Profile so you appear on Google Maps and local search results.
• Keep your profile up to date with photos, opening hours and recent reviews.
• Make it easy for customers to click through and contact you, plus leave glowing reviews once the work is completed.

Take a look at our top digital marketing tips for small businesses.

Think of your online presence as your shop window. It doesn’t need to be flashy, but it should be tidy, up-to-date and give people confidence they’re in the right place.

— Dan Hodsden, Marketing Lead at Superscript

Tap into trusted networks

Joining a recognised platform like Checkatrade can boost your visibility and give potential customers extra confidence.

Members get access to job leads, and your profile acts as a central hub for reviews, photos and contact details — all from a brand homeowners already trust. Checkatrade members also get 20% off Superscript public liability insurance*.

Stay visible locally

Your local community is a powerful source of work. A branded van, flyers through the right doors, sponsorship of local events or listing in community business directories can all help keep your name circulating.

Keep it consistent

Whether it’s your website, Facebook page, flyers or van graphics, stick to the same logo, colours and tone. The more consistent you are, the easier it is for people to remember (and recommend) you.

2. Keep your trade business finances tight

Your tools aren’t the only thing that need regular maintenance — so does your bank account. A profitable trade business needs more than just a full diary. You need to know exactly what’s coming in, what’s going out and what’s left over.

Poor financial management is one of the biggest reasons small businesses fail in their first few years. In fact, 20.4% of tradespeople named the cost of living and inflation as their top concern, followed by financial uncertainty (17.3%) and maintaining adequate cash flow (12.8%)**.

Separate business and personal accounts

Mixing personal and business money makes it harder to track performance, claim expenses and file your tax return.

A dedicated business account keeps everything separate, helping you see exactly how your trade is performing — and keeping HMRC happy. Providers like Virgin Money, Countingup and Zempler offer business banking designed for small businesses, with built-in tools for invoicing, expense tracking and tax estimates, so you can stay on top of your finances without juggling multiple apps.

Track every expense

From new drill bits to diesel, keep receipts and log them regularly; the habit of tracking spending gets you thinking like a business owner. Every legitimate business cost you record could help reduce your taxable profit.

Speaking of taxes, it’s important to make sure you’ve set your business up in the right way — whether that’s as a sole trader or a limited company. It can affect how you pay tax and how your personal assets are protected, which we’ll cover in more detail later.

Budget for quiet spells

Seasonal dips, annual leave, illness or slow-paying clients can all leave you short. Setting aside a percentage of every payment as a buffer could mean a quiet month won’t throw you off balance.

A good rule of thumb is to save at least 10–20% of each invoice into a separate account for emergencies or downtime. That way, you’re not scrambling to cover bills if work slows — and you can take time off without the stress.

Get help if numbers aren’t your thing

An accountant isn’t just for year-end. They can help you plan for tax deadlines, claim all the expenses you’re entitled to and avoid penalties — all of which save time and stress.

There are plenty of digital accountancy tools out there that can help, as well as real people who you can go to for advice.

Pro tip: Mark tax deadlines and key business dates in your diary now so they don’t sneak up on you.

Keep good habits

Set a routine for managing your finances — whether it’s updating your records every Friday or sending invoices the moment a job finishes. Consistency helps you stay in control and spot issues before they become problems.

3. Get your taxes right from day one

Nobody starts a trade business for the love of paperwork — but ignoring tax responsibilities is a quick way to get into trouble.

Missed deadlines and sloppy records can lead to fines, stress and wasted time. A bit of organisation could keep you from adding your hard-earned cash to the £1.8+ billion haul in late-filing penalties HMRC has issued since 2018.

Register with HMRC

The first step in getting your taxes right is making sure your business is set up properly. That means choosing between operating as a sole trader or a limited company — and the decision affects everything from how you pay tax to how well your personal assets are protected.

• Sole trader: You and the business are legally the same entity, which makes it easy to start and run. You’ll pay Income Tax on your profits via Self Assessment. But it also means you’re personally responsible for any debts or legal claims.
• Limited company: You and your business are separate legal entities. This structure can offer more credibility with some clients and, crucially, protects your personal assets (like your home or savings) if the business gets into financial or legal trouble. It comes with more admin — you’ll register with Companies House, file annual accounts and pay Corporation Tax — but for many, the protection is worth it.

If you run a limited company, there are also insurance considerations. For example, directors’ and officers’ insurance, which is designed to cover you personally if you’re accused of making a poor business decision in your role as a company director. We’ll cover this in more detail in the insurance section(#insurance).

Our self-assessment tax return guide breaks down the process step-by-step.

Know your VAT threshold

The current VAT registration threshold for FY 2025/26 is £90,000 in taxable turnover. If you hit or expect to hit that within 12 months, you must register — even if you only cross the line for a short time.

Take a look at our small business guide for registering for VAT.

Keep accurate, organised records

Invoices, receipts, mileage logs — the more organised you are, the easier filing becomes. Well-kept records also make it simpler to claim all the expenses you’re entitled to, saving you money in the long run.

Use software to simplify the process

Like we mentioned above, cloud tools like QuickBooks or Xero help you send invoices, track expenses and prepare tax returns — plus make it easier to comply with HMRC’s Making Tax Digital requirements.

Stay proactive

Check your tax position regularly — especially if you’re taking on more work, bigger jobs or additional income streams. The earlier you spot a threshold or change, the more options you have to plan for it.

4. Protect your trade business with the right insurance

Even the best tradespeople have bad days. A client could trip over your ladder. Your tools could be stolen from your locked van. You might give advice that unintentionally costs a customer money, and they want to make a claim against you.

The right insurance won’t stop these things from happening, but it can stop them from turning a bad day into a business-ending one.

Take a look at our guide to workplace accidents to deep dive into the biggest risks workers face, what rules are in place, how to prevent accidents and the steps to take if an accident occurs.

Here are some covers to think about:

• Public liability insurance is designed to cover legal and compensation costs if your work causes injury or damage to someone else’s property.
• Employers’ liability insurance is often a legal requirement if you employ staff or apprentices by covering injury or illness claims, but there can be exceptions.
• Tools insurance is built to cover your kit if it’s stolen or damaged, whether on site, in your van, or in storage.
• Media liability insurance could come in handy if you promote your business online and face copyright or defamation claims.
• Tradesperson professional indemnity insurance is designed to cover claims if your advice or services cause a client a financial loss.
• Directors’ and officers’ (D&O) insurance — if you run a limited company, this can cover you personally if you’re accused of making a poor business decision.
• Accident and sickness cover pays a benefit if you or someone in your business is on long-term sick leave, is hospitalised or suffers an injury, leaving them unable to work.

If your trade is niche, high-risk or doesn’t quite fit the standard “off-the-shelf” cover, Superscript can help match you with one of our specialist brokers — like Issy — and tailor a policy that fits your specific risks.

Every trade is different, and so are the risks. My job is to understand exactly what you do, then recommend the cover that protects you where you actually need it — without paying for things you don’t.

— Issy Meramo, Mid Market Lead

Insurance is about more than meeting legal requirements; it’s peace of mind. You’ve worked hard to build your trade; the right cover helps make sure you keep it.

5. Deliver customer service that keeps people coming back

Good workmanship gets you paid. Great customer service gets you repeat business and recommendations that bring in new clients for free. In a competitive trade, the way you treat customers can be the difference between a one-off job and years of ongoing work.

Keep your promises

If you say you’ll be there at 8am, be there. And if something unavoidable comes up, let the customer know as soon as possible. Reliability builds trust faster than any advert.

Be upfront about costs

The same can be said about costs. Nobody likes a surprise bill, so be clear about pricing before you start, and explain any extra costs as they arise. Written quotes or estimates help avoid misunderstandings and give the customer confidence.

Respect their space

Whether you’re fixing a leak or fitting a new kitchen, you’re working in someone’s home or business. Tidy up when you’re done, protect their property while you work and treat the space as you’d want yours treated.

Follow up

Consider sending a quick message or call after the job to check everything’s working as it should to show you care. It keeps you fresh in their mind for the next job and gives you the opportunity to ask them to complete a review on Google or your website.

6. Plan for growth without burning out

Once you’ve got steady work coming in, it’s tempting to grab every opportunity. Growth is great if it’s sustainable. Expanding too quickly can strain your finances, your time and even your reputation.

Bring in the right help

You might not yet be in the position to hire staff or apprentices, but build a network of colleagues and contacts to call upon if you need to take on bigger jobs or run multiple projects at once. Just make sure you’re choosing people who share your standards, as their work reflects on your business.

###Upgrade your tools and tech Better equipment can save time, improve quality and open the door to more complex jobs. Sometimes the right kit pays for itself in efficiency.

This might mean putting a percentage of your earnings away to invest in your business or talking to your accountant about how to be more efficient with your tax planning.

Add new services

Look for ways to grow your offering without losing focus. Think about how you can set yourself apart from the competition: an electrician could add smart home installations, a carpenter could move into bespoke fitted furniture. Just make sure there’s genuine demand before you invest.

Keep an eye on the numbers

Growth often means higher costs before higher profits. Track your cash flow closely so you’re not overstretched.

A note to finish on

Running a trade business is a balancing act. You’ve got to juggle your craft with marketing, finances, customer service and protecting yourself against risks. Do all that well and you’ll not only survive — you’ll thrive.

Grow at a pace you can handle. Standing still might feel risky, but growing too fast can be just as dangerous. Steady, well-planned growth keeps your standards high and your customers coming back.

Running a successful trade business takes more than just doing great work. It’s about making sure people know you exist, keeping your finances healthy and protecting yourself against the risks that could derail your income or reputation.

If you’re ready to make sure your business is protected, take a couple of minutes to get a tailored insurance quote. Then you can get back to doing what you do best — building other people’s dreams as well as your own.

*Terms and conditions apply.

The discount offer of 20% off Public Liability for Checkatrade Members (‘the Offer’) is only available to Checkatrade Members who are new Superscript customers. The Offer will be applied to your Superscript policy for a lifetime (applied continuously at renewal).

You will be informed of any price changes in good time, prior to the anniversary of your policy. The Offer will not apply to cancellation fees, and cannot be retrospectively applied.

In the event that you cancel your Superscript policy within the first 6 months of cover, we reserve the right to deduct, withhold or charge the total value of the Offer from any payments due to or from you.

To be eligible, you must have been directed from Covea or Checkatrade by clicking on the appropriate link or receiving an email directly. The Offer is not assignable. The Offer will be automatically applied to your account by Superscript. The Offer will be applied each month, regardless of annual or monthly payment option selection.

There is no cash alternative. The Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Superscript offer, voucher or promotional benefit.

The Offer is subject to eligibility requirements. We reserve the right to withdraw the Offer at any time. Terms and conditions are subject to change and you may not be informed.

** Superscript surveyed 500 tradespeople across Wales and England via Attest.