You've registered the company, you've got the skills, and you've probably already got work lined up. But going from "good at the job" to "running a proper business" means sorting a load of stuff nobody tells you about.
This is a straight checklist of what a new UK trades business actually needs, split into the boring essentials and the stuff that wins you work.
Part 1: The boring essentials
None of this is exciting, but get it wrong and it'll cost you later. Get it sorted in your first few weeks.
A business bank account
If you're a limited company, you need one. Even as a sole trader it's worth it. Keeping business and personal money separate makes your accounts far easier and looks more professional when customers pay you.
Insurance
Public liability insurance is the big one for trades. Many customers and almost every main contractor will ask for it before you start. Depending on your trade you may also need tools cover, employer's liability if you take anyone on, and professional indemnity for design work.
An accountant, or at least a system
Even if you do your own books, have a system from day one for receipts, invoices and mileage. Most new trades businesses wish they'd got an accountant sooner rather than later, especially once the company starts turning over properly.
Your trade registrations and cards
Whatever applies to your trade, NICEIC or NAPIT for electricians, Gas Safe for gas work, CSCS or CPCS cards for site work, make sure it's in the company name where it needs to be and up to date. If you're subcontracting in construction, look into how CIS applies to you.
Part 2: The stuff that wins you work
This is where most new trades businesses fall down. Not because they don't care, but because they're too busy working to sort it. The problem is that customers judge you on this before they ever see your work.
A logo and a consistent look
Everything else builds on this. A simple, professional logo and a set of colours you use everywhere, van, uniforms, website, quotes. When it all matches, a brand new company looks like it's been going for years.
A website
Most customers will look you up before they ring. A proper website shows what you do, where you cover, real photos of your work and an easy way to get in touch. It doesn't need to be complicated or expensive, it needs to look professional and work on a phone.
If you're wondering what that should cost, we've covered it in how much a website costs for a tradesman.
A Google Business Profile
This is the listing that shows up on Google Maps when someone searches for your trade nearby. It's free, and for local trades it's one of the most powerful things you can set up. Fill it in properly, add photos, and start asking happy customers for reviews from your first job.
A business phone number and email
A Gmail address and a personal mobile number work, but they don't look established. An email on your own domain, like you@yourcompany.co.uk, and a dedicated business number instantly make you look more serious. It also keeps work calls separate from your personal life.
Van signage
Your van is parked outside every job you do, and driving past hundreds of people every day. Plain white vans are a missed opportunity. Even simple signwriting with your name, number and website turns it into an advert that works while you do.
Branded uniforms
Turning up in matching branded workwear tells a customer you're a proper outfit before you've said a word. It's a small cost that makes a big difference, especially once you've got more than one person on site.
What to do first
If you can't do everything at once, here's a sensible order:
- Essentials first: bank account, insurance and registrations
- Logo and branding: so everything after it matches
- Google Business Profile: free and gets you found
- Website, number and email: so you look established when people check you out
- Van and uniforms: so you look the part on every job
The mistake most new trades businesses make is sorting each of these separately, with different people, at different times. You end up with a van, a website and a uniform that all look like different companies.
Want it all done in one go?
That's exactly why we put together our new company starter pack. Website, branding, uniforms, van design, business number and Google profile, all done by one team so it all matches from day one.
Not sure what your van could look like? Grab a free van design mockup and see before you spend anything.