The UK trade's admin playbook.
Short, practical guides on the paperwork side of running a trade business — written for plumbers, electricians, builders and gas engineers who'd rather be on the tools.
VAT for UK Tradesmen: A Plain-English Guide
When to register, how the reverse charge works for builders, and how to handle VAT on labour and materials without overpaying HMRC.
Read guideHow to Write a Builders Quote That Wins the Job
A step-by-step template covering scope, exclusions, pricing structure and follow-ups — used by plumbers, electricians and builders across the UK.
Read guideChasing Late Payments Without Losing the Customer
Polite, firm and legal — exact wording, statutory interest under the Late Payment Act, and when to escalate to a Letter Before Action.
Read guideCP12 Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Explained
What a CP12 covers, who needs one, what it costs in 2026, and how Gas Safe engineers can issue them digitally.
Read guideCIS for UK Builders & Subbies
20% vs 30% deductions, labour-vs-materials splits, and how to invoice under CIS without losing money.
Read guideEICR Explained: Cost, Frequency & Codes
C1, C2, C3, FI — what they mean, who legally needs an EICR, and how electricians turn them into recurring revenue.
Read guideReverse Charge VAT for Construction
When it applies, how to invoice for it, and the cash-flow trap that catches new builders.
Read guideTradesman Hourly Rate Calculator
Work out the day rate and hourly rate you actually need to charge — covers overheads, holiday and target profit.
Read guide