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Should A Tradesman Hire An Apprentice?

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Traditionally apprenticeships were the norm for hiring tradesmen. Currently, many tradesmen choose to hire an apprentice as a way to fill the skills gap that exists in the construction industry. Also, there are more and more people choosing to become apprentices in a particular trade instead of going to university.

Here’s a quick look at what it entails, and why many businesses are also choosing to take this route.

 

What Is It?

An apprenticeship is a government created work and study programme to help employers get skilled staff. It allows participants the opportunity to gain a recognized qualification and relevant work experience while earning a salary. They can be either a new or current employee but they must be over the age of 16.

There are currently 4 types of apprenticeships available. There is the intermediate level, then the Advanced level, then the higher level, and finally the degree level. Apprenticeship can last between 1 and 5 years depending on the level of qualification.

 

What Are The Pros and Cons?

As with any business decision, hiring an apprentice as a tradesman has both advantages and disadvantages, here’s a quick look at a few of them.

 

Pros

  • They are hard working and productive.

  • They tend to be long-term employees. You have a motivated and dedicated employee that has decided to take this specific route, which will mean they are less likely to leave.

  • Hiring apprentices can be a cheaper and lower risk way of hiring staff.

  • The government offers plenty of support, both financial and nonfinancial

  • You can train them the specific way you require.

  • It allows you to build a workforce with industry-relevant skills and qualifications at a lower cost than usual.

  • You are giving someone an opportunity.

 

Cons

  • It can be time-consuming. Due to their lack of experience, they often require close mentorship throughout the whole process.

  • You must commit to it for a minimum of 1 year, but depending on the level it can be up to 5 years.

  • There is both an initial cost and an ongoing one for taking on an apprentice.

  • There is the risk of them not liking the programme and deciding to drop out before the allotted time period.

 

How Do You Do It?

Before you hire an apprentice your business must be sure that your business is in a good position to take on another member of staff. It can be a good idea to seek both financial and legal advice to make sure you’re ready.

Once you know you are ready to hire an apprentice, then here are a few of the steps to take:

 

First of all, you need to choose the right apprenticeship framework for your industry and the type of apprenticeship. Then you need to find an organization that offers training to your chosen frameworks standard.

 

Next, you should check what government funding is available to help towards the cost of training and assessing the apprentice. Once this is done you can then advertise your apprenticeship. Then select your chosen candidate, get them to sign the necessary agreements and then they can begin.

If you don’t want to run the apprenticeship scheme, there is the option of using an apprenticeship training agency to do it for you.

 

For the majority of tradesmen taking on an apprentice turns out to be a good decision. However, it is important that it is done at the right time because your business has to be ready to handle the commitments that come with it. It is a good idea is to ask other tradesmen that have already hired an apprentice for feedback about it before doing it.

 

Healthy Eating For Tradesmen

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The job of a tradesman is a physically demanding one. Most have early starts and the days are long, with the average being between anywhere from ten to twelve hours. Majority of the day is spent on your feet, carrying building materials around, coupled with that you are often working outside facing the elements. With all this in mind, it comes as no surprise that eating properly during the working day can be a challenge.

Here are some of the common problems tradesmen face when it comes to healthy eating.

 

Problem 1: Too busy, so don’t have time to eat

In a typical workday there are lots of tasks to be done. Very often things don’t go as planned on site, something might come up which needs your urgent attention, and so you end up skipping lunch and not taking any breaks. You often find that the day goes by and you haven’t had time to eat.

 

Problem 2: Making unhealthy choices

You don’t have time to go and shop for lunch, so you have to eat what is available on site, even if the choices might not always be the healthiest.

 

Problem 3: No food on site

You are on a site that has no food, and there is nothing near by.

 

To function properly on site, you to have eat well in order to fuel the body with enough energy for the day. Not getting enough food will mean you are more likely to get tired later in the day, which can affect your concentration levels. So here are a few things you can do to improve your eating habits while working as a tradesman.

 

Solution 1: Bring your own food to work

If you know ahead of time that that your days are always busy, then take some time when you are off work to plan your meals for the week. This is the best way to take control of your eating.

Search for a few ideas online, then make a shopping list. Choose simple nutritious foods that are easy to prepare. Try to include lots of vegetables. Prepare your meals the night before. If you are really pressed for time, then another option is to take left overs from dinner for lunch the next day. Also invest in a lunch box so you can take both hot and cold food.

 

Solution 2: Eat a good breakfast

Having a good breakfast sets you up for the day ahead. Try to go for some form of wholegrain such as oats, to keep your energy levels up throughout the morning day.

 

Solution 3: Keep healthy snacks

Be sure to include some healthy snacks that you can eat on the go, to boost your energy levels between breakfast and lunch, and between lunch and dinner. Fruits and mixed nuts are a great example. If you are really pressed for time then consider taking some form of health shake that you can mix with water to drink.

 

Solution 4: Drink plenty of fluids

As you work you are losing water throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to a loss of performance, so to keep you hydrated, it is important to drink lots of fluids.

A good idea is to carry a few bottles of water, or a flask is also a good idea as you can keep cold drinks in it in the summer and hot ones in the winter.

 

Eating well does not have to be difficult, even for busy tradesmen. The benefit of doing so means that you will have more energy and so you can be more productive at work. By getting prepared ahead of time you can find a way to eat healthy without disrupting your workday.

 

 

How Can Tradesmen Keep Their Tools Safer?

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Tool theft in the UK has been on the increase in the last year, with a value of approximately £30,000,000 in equipment stolen. Thieves have become more sophisticated, stealing anything from a few tools to a whole van. Many of the tools are usually stolen from construction sites, equipment lock ups and tradesmen’s vans.

Apart form trade skills and experience, tools are one of the most important asset a tradesman owns. To begin with they cost a lot to buy, and without them a tradesman can’t earn any income. Replacing them can be very expensive so keeping them safe is a must. Even if you are in a position financially to replace stolen tools, the time taken to do so is inconvenient and may result in loss of income. So here are a few ideas to help protect your tools from theft.

 

Van:

Most of the time your tools will be in your van, so the first step is to make your van secure. You can increase your vans security by investing in additional safety locks to make it harder for potential thieves – these can range from deadlocks to slam-locks to plate locks.

It also goes without saying that the van should be fitted with an immobiliser if it does not come with one installed. Make sure you have a fully functional alarm installed, preferably one that is wireless, and remember to install a small CCTV camera in the van to keep watch.

 

On Site:

When you are on-site, try to make sure that you keep your van parked in a busy area. Only take out the tools you need for a particular task, keeping the rest of your tools in your van. If you have to store tools on site, make sure they are kept in a secure toolbox and placed in a safe designated place.

 

At Home:

Don’t leave your tools in your van overnight, because they will be vulnerable. Try to take them out when you arrive home and put them in a secure place till you need them. If you have to leave them in the van overnight, then make sure they are locked up in a secure tool storage box and kept out of sight.

Place a warning sticker on the van to deter potential thieves that says “no tools stored in van overnight”. You can also cover all the van windows so no one can see what’s inside the van. Be sure to check that all your van doors and windows are locked before you leave it, and try to keep it parked in a secured garage overnight. If that’s not possible, then make sure it is parked in a well lit busy area.

 

Other Ways To Protect Your Tools & Equipment From Tool Theft:

There are a few other things that can be done to protect your tools and equipment. First of all, mark all your tools with a UV pen or have them engraved. This can help in two ways, by serving as a deterrent, and by helping to identify any tools. Another way is to put a list of all your tools on a national valuables and property register, and also mark them as registered.

Finally take out motor insurance to cover your van, and tool insurance to cover your tools. Get to know the terms of your policies, so that you know you are storing your van and tools in line with what is expected. Keep an inventory list of all your tools including photos, and receipts, in case you need to make a claim.

 

By becoming a bit more proactive, you can take steps to reduce the chances of your equipment getting stolen. Many of thefts are opportunistic, in that they tend to go for the easy targets, so any thing you can do to make your tools less attractive to thieves will help keep them safer.

 

 

Things To Consider When Searching For The Right Business Premises

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For any business, finding the right premises can be challenging. Business premises are one of the biggest expenses for a business, so it is important to find the right one at the right price, in the right location. It can often take longer than you think and you might need to look at many places before finding the right one, but it is usually worth it.

Here are a few tips to help with the process:

 

Decide On What You Need

Do you want to buy or lease? Both have their pro’s and con’s, it depends on your situation. If you are just starting up, it may be wise to lease somewhere until your business has proved its-self, before making the commitment to buying a property. However if you are an already established business looking to grow, then buying a premises could be a long term investment.

Which ever you decide on you will still need to workout what you need, based on a combination on both your businesses current and future plans. A few things to consider are: what size of premises, what layout, and the length of time you require the property if you are renting. Your location of choice will depend on your business type, and you may need to be near your customers if your business requires it.

Set a Budget

The most important thing here, is to make sure you can afford which ever premises you are interested in. Look at your business financials to get an idea of how much you can afford to spend, and do some research about the various costs you are likely to incur. For example there are costs to get the premises such as deposits, equipment, furnishing, renovations, moving, and any professional fees. Then there are also costs to run the premises on a monthly basis such as rents, heating, insurance, business rates etc. Once you have a realistic idea of your budget and the costs, then you can start the process of looking for your ideal premises.

Get Professional Help

Now it’s time to get professional help for your search. You need to make sure you seek professional advice before agreeing any terms, signing any paper work or paying any deposits so you don’t make any mistakes. Your accountant would be able to double check your budget to see if it is affordable.

Commercial property leases can be complicated and so there is a good chance you will require a commercial property lawyer. Also you will need a commercial property agent to find a list of vacant premises for you to look at.

Start Searching

At this stage it is important to try an see as many properties as you can. It may help to make up a schedule so you know in advance when you have to view properties. Setting up a checklist can be a great way to compare the properties you see, so you can make a better decision about which is best.

The list could contain all the elements that are important for your business. You can then score each property you see based on your criteria. At the end of your search, the ones with the highest scores can be put on a shortlist for further consideration.

Purchase The Premises or Sign The Lease

Once you have found your ideal premises, one that fits all your requirements and meets your budget, then it’s time to sign agreements and hand over deposits. Your professional advisers will help to guide you through each step of the completion process. After all that is done then it’s time to renovate, move into your new premises and carry on with business as usual.

 

9 Steps For Starting Up A Bricklaying Business

Posted on by Nova Blogger

Running your own bricklaying business will provide you the opportunity to be your own boss and set your own hours, but there are a few things you’ll need to get your business on the right track to success from the start.

Here are 9 steps to help you launch your business:

 

Step 1: Create a business plan

Writing a business plan will help you determine your business goals and the resources you need in order to meet those goals. The process of writing a plan will also give you a chance to see if your idea is feasible or not. Your plan will act as a working document for your business, as well as a tool for getting any required finance.


Step 2: Get the right training and qualifications

Once you decide that your idea is feasible, the next step is to get qualified. If you have no formal training in the construction industry, then you should consider taking one of the many accredited bricklaying courses that are available. It would also be a good idea to find some kind of temporary or part-time bricklaying work so as to practice your skills. If on the other hand you have experience in the industry, then put together a list of your current skills/experience and determine what additional training and qualifications you need to get.


Step 3: Get the necessary finance

With your business plan written, you can now begin the process of looking for money to fund your start-up. Check to see if there are any available government funded schemes that offer financial assistance to your industry. It is also worth approaching your bank and the many alternative lending providers including crowd funders.


Step 4: Find a suitable business location

You now have to decide where you will operate your business from. With a bricklaying business you will need a suitable place, because you will have equipment and materials to store. You may choose to work from home to begin with, in which case you should set-up a designated area for that. However if you decide that you want to work from away from your home, it is best to look for a location that is easily accessible, so that potential customers will be able to reach you.


Step 5: Register your business

Now it is time to decide whether to operate as a sole trader or a limited company. Both have their pro’s and con’s. It is easier to set up as a sole trader, but a limited liability company will offer more legal protection. If you decide to incorporate, then you have to choose a name and register it with Companies House so no one else can use that name. Regardless of which structure you choose, you have to notify HMRC of your decision, so you can apply for the necessary tax/ national insurance documents before you begin.


Step 6: Get equipped

It is time to equip your business with any tools you need to perform your bricklaying tasks. This will also involve choosing a vehicle to transport you and your kit. Depending on your finances you may decide to buy these items outright or to lease them until your business grows. If you already have equipment, then this is the time to get them cleaned and serviced.


Step 7: Apply for licenses and permits

You need to contact your local council in order to find out what licenses and permits are legally required for you to operate as a bricklayer. This is also a great time to join any relevant trade associations.


Step 8: Get Insured

This is one of the most important steps that you must complete. In bricklaying as in many construction related jobs, accidents can and will happen. Therefore it is essential that you protect yourself, and your business from any legal action that may follow. To begin with you would need some type of public liability insurance coverage, this is is great for things like customer and staff injuries as well as any mistakes or damage to your customers properties. Then you need some form of coverage for your all equipment including vehicles if you have them to protect them for loss, damage or theft. Finally you may want to consider some form of income protection so you are covered in times when you are unable to work due to personal illness or other unforeseen events.

Step 9: Promote your business

Once you are financially and legally ready to start operations, you focus should now be on getting customers. A great way to do so is by having an online presence via a company website. This will make it easy for potential customers to find out about your business and the services you offer. Couple this with the many social media channels and you can reach a large audience of potential customers quickly. Offline you can take out ads in local papers and business directories. It is also worth networking with other tradesmen, to find out if there is any work you can do together.

Once you have completed all these steps, you will be ready to launch you new bricklaying business, knowing that you are adequately prepared for the journey ahead.

 

 

Top Tips For Dealing With Customer Complaints

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In business having a customer complaint is a common experience, because you can’t please everybody all the time. Regardless of how hard you try, there will be mistakes or you may be faced with a customer who just likes to complain. Depending on how it is managed every customer complaint can end in one of two ways, you will either get an angry customer, or a happy customer. The aim is to minimise the number of complaints and to ensure that the same complaint does not keep happening repeatedly.

What is important is that companies acknowledge these complaints and make sure they are dealt with in a timely and effective manner. Failing to do so may result in a bad reputation for the business, as it shows the customer you don’t care. All businesses must place customer satisfaction first and develop a system for handling customer complaints, in order for long term success.

It is a good idea to set up an in house complaints procedure that can be quickly implemented anytime a complaint is received, and the staff dealing with customers should be properly trained. Make sure that proper records are kept of all customer complaints and their final solutions. Also, with social media becoming increasingly important for unhappy customers to voice their dissatisfaction, it is a good idea to monitor your social channels regularly so you can intervene quickly. Here are some useful tips for dealing with unhappy customers.

Handling The Complaint In A Neutral Way

The first step is to take the complaint in a neutral way. When people complain they are often emotionally charged up, so it is important to let them voice their complaint without responding emotionally. You must remain calm at all times even if the customer becomes angry. You may have a had a similar complaint before, but to the customer it is unique to them, so pay attention to them and listen to their problem in full. Try to place yourself in their shoes and empathise rather than becoming defensive. If the customer is blaming a particular member of staff, get them away from the customer, because it will be easier for the customer to calm down if they aren’t present. Make sure the appropriate staff member handles the complaint because customers hate being passed around from person to person.

Giving An Apology

The next step is to apologise. Once the customer has aired their complaint, you must give them a sincere apology regardless of your opinion on the matter, with no excuses. Let them know you understand what has happened and ask them what outcome they are seeking. Try to keep them informed as you tackle the issue, so they don’t feel ignored. All complaints regardless of how small, should be dealt with quickly as possible so the customer feels that they are a priority.

Resolving The Problem

The final step is to resolve the problem, this can come in many forms ranging from refunds to compensation. After resolving the issue it is a good idea to contact the customer at a later date to see if they were happy with the outcome.

Sometimes it is not possible to avoid customer complaints, but it is possible to prevent a disgruntled customer from spreading negative comments about your business, by handling the complaint properly.

By taking care of complaints effectively you can improve your company reputation while at the same time retaining your customers. Customers will know that if anything goes wrong with their order, you will take care of it. This will make your business stand out as a customer friendly one, which may in turn lead to referrals from happy customers.

For a business, complaints can provide a great opportunity to learn more about your customer, and to use that information to improve their customer experience. You also have the chance to turn the complaining customer into a loyal customer. Dealing with customer complaints can be challenging, and there will be times that nothing can be done to satisfy an unhappy customer.

 

 

What Are The Allowable Business Expenses For The Self Employed?

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Every year the majority of self employed people in the UK are required to file a self assessment tax return. For those that do it online, the submission deadline is January the 31st each year and the 31st of October for those that file paper returns. Here is a look at the subject of business expenses and how they are included in annual returns.

What are allowable business expenses?

They are defined as costs that are incurred “wholly and exclusively” for the purposes of the business.

Who is entitled to claim them?

Any one who is registered as self employed with HMRC. Theses expenses can be written off against any income you earn in the tax year, thereby reducing the final amount of tax you pay.

What can you claim for?

Not all expenses are allowed, you can’t claim for personal expenses, and there are some business expenses that you can’t claim for. It is very important to separate business expenses from personal ones, and if there is something you use for both, you can only claim for the business use.

For example if you work from home you can claim for costs such as heating, electricity, council tax, mortgage interest, rent, internet & phone. However you have to calculate them, based on how much time you spend working at home and how much space you use when you are working. Then you have to figure out what proportion of your total house costs they account for.

Here are some of the business costs that you can claim as tax deductible expenses:

  • The cost of goods that you are going to sell or use in providing a service.

  • If you are in the construction industry, you can claim payments to subcontractors.

  • Staff costs such as wages, salaries and any other staff costs.

  • Travel cost including car, public transport, taxi’s and other travel expenses.

  • Premises costs such as rent, rates, power and insurance.

  • Office costs such as phone, fax, stationery and other office costs.

  • Advertising and business entertainment costs such as websites, social media.

  • Finance costs such as interest on bank and other business loans, bank and credit card charges.

  • Professional fees such as accounting, legal and other professional fees.

Here are some of the costs you cannot claim as tax deductible expenses:

  • The cost of goods or materials bought for private use.

  • Your own wages, drawings, pension payments, national insurance contributions.

  • The costs of buying, improving or altering premises.

  • Cost for entertaining clients, suppliers and customers.

  • Repayment of the loans or overdrafts, or other finance arrangements.

  • The costs of buying premises for your business.

  • Any payments to clubs, charities, political parties and so on.

How and when can you claim them?

When you complete your annual self assessment tax return, you are required inform the HMRC of your deductible expenses for the accounting period in question. This is when you make your claim.

If you are self employed, you have to keep records of your business income and expenses for your tax return, so throughout the tax year you should keep all your receipts. It can also be very helpful to record them as they occur in some form of bookkeeping / accounting software, or on a simple spreadsheet. This will save a lot of time and make your final calculations easier when it comes time to file your annual taxes.

If however you don’t want to work out your actual costs, you can use the simplified expenses table provided by the HMRC for that tax year. It has flat rates for expenses like like vehicles, working from home, or living on your business premises. Also you can check out the HMRC’s site for other tools and calculators to help with you self assessment submission.

 

 

Safety Tips For Roofers and Scaffolders Working At Heights

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As a roofer and or scaffolder the majority of your work involves working at high elevations, and working from heights represents one of the biggest safety challenges in the construction industry. Slipping and falling from heights or objects falling from heights cause serious and fatal injuries every year. So it is very important to follow a strict code of practice with regards to health and safety, in order to minimise the chances of workplace accidents.

All roofers and scaffolders in the UK are required by law to hold a valid CSCS card as proof that you have obtained the required training. This involves passing the CITB Health, safety & environment (HS&E) test, which demonstrates that you have a minimum level of health, safety and environmental awareness before going onto any site.

Risk Assessment:

Before undertaking any work at height, a proper risk assessment must be carried out to highlight measures that need to be taken in order to prevent any potential accidents. The recommended health and safety risk management approach involves five steps, first check for any potential hazards that are commonly associated with falls, then decide who could be injured and how. Next consider whether there are already measures in place to deal with the risks, then record your findings. Finally perform a regular review to account for any significant changes that may take place, and ensure that precautions are in place to deal with any new risks.

Basic Safety Tips:

In addition to performing risk assessments, there are some basic safety tips that can be adopted to prevent injuries on the job. All Roofers and scaffolders must use the required PPE equipment when on site, and this equipment should be kept in good working order at all times. Hard hats must be worn at all times when working on site, and non slip shoes should be used when working on ladders or scaffolds to improve grip. When the weather is not good, such as when it is very windy, or raining or snowing, it can be dangerous to work at heights, and so it should be avoided at these times.

To stop objects falling onto people below, heavy equipment should be hoisted up as opposed to being carried by hand. Ladders and scaffolds should always be secured to prevent them moving. Don’t move scaffolds or ladders when others are working on it. Scaffolds should be fitted with guard rails to protect from falls, and toe boards to prevent falling debris, tools or building materials.

Scaffolding & Roofs:

Scaffolds and roofs should be cleaned at the end of shifts so as to remove any debris that might cause slipping. Also, it is essential to remove any equipment that is not in use from working surfaces so as to prevent people tripping on it. Loads on scaffolding and ladders should be kept well below the maximum weight capacity. When working on fragile roofs, safe access must be provided and a platform combined with safety nets should be used beneath the roof. Some form of safety harness should be worn so as to protect in the event of any falls.

Health & Safety Regulations:

It is your duty to protect yourself, your employees and members of the public from potential hazards. Therefore it is important to understand and practice the regulatory requirements that apply to your industry. The ‘Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations’ (1992) covers all aspect of the workplace while the ‘Work at Height Regulations’ (2005) covers all aspect of working at heights. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines and charges.

For roofers and scaffolders, working at height and the risks that come with it are a part of the job. However many of the situations that lead to accidents can be avoided by following the appropriate health and safety practices. In the end it comes down to assessing the workplace for potential hazards, and using the appropriate safety equipment and practices.

Creative Ways To Market Your Services As A Tradesman

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Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience to become a self employed tradesman, the next step is to get the word out. OK that said, here are some strategies that should give you maximum bang for your money.

 

Traditional Marketing Strategies

  1. Promotional Materials:

    Even though this strategy is not new, it can still be used as part of a portfolio of strategies. You can have branded stationary such as business cards, pens, or notepads, printed and handed out to prospective customers by hand. Combined with this you can have leaflets printed to be distributed by direct mail.

    Another tried and tested method is that of taking out adverts in local newspapers, local directories or listings. This will also allow you to target a particular catchment area at a time.

  1. Joint Ventures:

    Teaming up with other trades people that offer complimentary but different services can be mutually beneficial. It will allow you to access their customer base, providing them services that they can’t get from their existing trades person. In turn they will have access to your customer base. This way you don’t compete with each other, instead you cooperate to offer a wider range of trades services which will benefit both your customer bases.

  1. Word of Mouth:

    It is often said that the best form of advertising is word of mouth. With this in mind you can make use of your existing customer base to get referrals from them. This can be done by offering them either a discount or a small gift for recommending you to their friends or family.

 

Online Marketing Strategies

  1. Website:

    Currently most people look for products or services using the internet. So it is essential that you have a website that showcases your business and the services it offers. It does not have to an expensive custom designed site, it can be a simple do it yourself one. The main thing is to have an internet presence that is informative and well maintained. This will give prospective customers a feel for the sort of work you do. If you have the time you could add a blog that gives them relevant tips and news about your industry.

  1. Social Media:

    Having a presence on social media sites is also a must. You can do this by joining the likes of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. These sites will allow you to get your business noticed by large numbers of people. By providing regular content that you either create yourself, or have created on your behalf, you can engage potential and existing customers and in so doing create a community around your brand. It is this ability to communicate directly with your target market that makes social media so powerful for businesses.

 

Marketing yourself as a tradesman doesn’t have to be challenging. You can do this by combining traditional marketing techniques with new online marketing techniques, and it need not cost a lot. The key is to choose a few strategies and apply them consistently.

 

 

Getting Started As a Self-Employed Tradesman

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There are many benefits to working as a self employed tradesman, such as the freedom to choose when you work, what type of work and who you work for. However going it alone also means you are totally responsible for your success.

Here are a few tips to get you up and running the right way.

Qualifications and Experience

In order to get work a a self employed tradesman, you have to have the right qualifications and work experience.

Taking an NVQ course will teach you the skills and give you the necessary qualification you need to begin your career. It is a good idea to take a range of courses in different trades, as this may improve your chances of getting work. Take regular training courses so a to keep your skill-set up to date. If there are any trades that you are qualified for but have no experience, then getting some work experience through temporary or contract work will fill that gap.

Another alternative to training is to seek out an apprenticeship. Here you get both a recognised qualification and the necessary work experience at the same time.

Setting Up as a Sole Trader

A good idea is to put together a realistic business plan that gives you an idea of how much you will need to start-up and how you will run your business going forward. It is important to factor in all your start-up costs, such as the essential equipment you need to start. Having the correct equipment is key to ensuring that work can be done to a professional level in a safe and efficient manner.

You must then set up a legal structure for your business. One of the easiest options is to become a sole trader, it is cheaper and involves less administration and you can start straight away. It is then time to contact HM Revenue & Customs to register as self employed.

Next comes the necessary permits and licenses. You should contact the relevant trade associations to find out what licenses and permits you need in order to comply with regulations. At this stage you will also need to get some tradesman insurance to cover your equipment and for public liability and accidents.

Marketing Your Services

Once you are set up legally, then the next thing to do is to get the word out. Most of your business will come from word of mouth referrals, but in order to get the ball rolling you will have to do some advertising.

Depending on your budget it would be wise to a combination of offline advertising and online advertising. For your offline advertising it would be better to put small adverts in your local papers and local shop windows, than advertising in national directories. There will be less competition and it will be cheaper and more effective to begin with.

For your online advertising you can post in local listing sites and directories, and use social media to spread the word. You can also set up free a web-page which showcases your services and skills as well as any photo’s of jobs you have done. Once your business takes off you can then look at having a professional website designed.

Managing Your Business

Once you have your first clients, then your attention should be on the day to day running of the business, and this will involve keeping records. You should have a routine set up that is a combination of basic bookkeeping and diary management.

You need to file all your receipts and payments slips as well as record any incoming and outgoing transactions on a daily basis. Staying on top of this will make it easier when it comes time to complete your yearly HMRC self-assessment. You could hire a bookkeeper or accountant to do this but they will charge for it.

Dairy management is important so as to beware your availability for new work and to avoid double booking on prior appointments. It also ensures you have a record of what was done and how long jobs are taking.

In summary, getting started as a self employed tradesman is just like starting any other business, in that it requires a bit of planning and preparation. However once you are up an running you can look forward to interesting and varied career.

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