Who we help · Trades
Starting a trades business.
Electricians, plumbers, builders and decorators often work from a van rather than premises. The setup is lighter, but payments, phones, paperwork and insurance still matter.
Your typical setup
What most trades need, and which BizUp360 service area covers it. Use one service or all of them.
| What you’ll need | Where we help | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sole trader or limited company, and a bank account | Business setup | Keep business money separate from day one. |
| Portable card reader and payment links | Payments: card machines | Get paid on the job or send a link with the invoice. |
| Business mobiles and a VoIP number | Telecoms | One number customers can always reach, wherever you are. |
| Email on your own domain and a simple website | IT services | Looks professional on quotes and invoices. |
| Accounting software and Making Tax Digital | Business management | Quotes, invoices and receipts in one place. |
| Public liability, tools and employers’ liability cover | Insurance | Through an FCA-authorised broker. |
| Asset finance for a van or equipment | Business finance | Introductions to FCA-authorised firms; we don’t give advice. |
| Yard or unit energy and waste, if you have premises | Utilities | Waste from jobs needs the right carrier and paperwork. |
What to sort first
Some things take weeks, so do them in roughly this order.
Choose your structure
Register as a sole trader with HMRC, or form a limited company with Companies House.
Bank account and payments
Open the account, then set up a card reader and payment links.
Phone and number
Choose a business number you’ll keep as you grow.
Insurance
Public liability is often required by customers and main contractors before you start work.
Books and tax
Accounting software from day one makes Making Tax Digital and year-end easier.
Waste from jobs
Decide who takes it away and keep the paperwork.
Good to know
- If you carry waste from your own jobs, such as building waste, you usually need to register as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency (in England).
- Many main contractors ask for proof of public liability cover before you start.
- Gas work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer; electrical work in homes has its own notification rules.
- Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to sole traders above the qualifying income threshold.
General information, not legal advice. Check with your local council or an adviser for your situation.
Make it a checklist
Our new-business setup checklist puts every step in order, and you can print it. Stuck on a term? Try the glossary.
Want the essentials in one enquiry? See the Setup Pack, or look at other business types.
Starting a trades business?
Tell us your opening date and what you need. We’ll get back to you within one working day.