17/06/2026
WHAT DOES IT REALLY COST TO START A TRADE BUSINESS?
One of the biggest myths I hear is that you need thousands and thousands of pounds to start a trade business.
The reality is very different.
When I first started, I focused on fitting and tiling whilst my brother concentrated on the plumbing side. Between us we learned from each other every day and gradually built our skills. What we didn't do was spend a fortune before we earned our first pound.
Transport is a good example.
Many people think they need a shiny new van before they can start. I used an estate car for around 15 years. With the seats folded down it carried all my tools, plasterboard up to approximately 1800mm x 900mm and timber up to around 2.7 metres long. It saved the cost of a van, reduced insurance costs and meant I wasn't advertising to thieves that expensive tools were stored inside.
Public liability insurance of £1 million is usually adequate when starting out and is far cheaper than many people think.
Workwear is also simple. A few pairs of shorts for summer, work trousers for winter, a couple of tops, work boots, safety glasses, ear plugs and dust masks. In my opinion, dust masks are one of the most important items you can own.
Most people already own a mobile phone, which becomes your diary, camera, customer contact system and office all rolled into one.
The tools are probably far less expensive than most people imagine.
For tiling, a large manual tile cutter will handle most straight cuts. Electric tile cutters are useful for angle cuts and awkward shapes. Over the years I moved more towards using a grinder with a diamond blade and polishing pads for exposed edges.
You'll need diamond hole cutters, a battery drill, battery screwdriver, drill bits including masonry bits, large and medium spirit levels, a silicone gun, tile grout floats and tiling trowels.
For plumbing and fitting work, a basic toolbox should contain adjustable spanners, seven inch water pump pliers, a hammer, hand screwdrivers, electrical testing screwdriver, Stanley knife, Stanley scraper and tape measure.
A 240 volt hammer drill with clutch is invaluable for stubborn tiles and plaster. A mixing drill or paddle mixer for plaster and tile adhesive, plastering trowel, hawk, mixing tub, bucket, hand saw and jigsaw will also cover many of the jobs you'll come across.
Many DIY enthusiasts will already own some of these items.
The biggest surprise for most people is that the tools are not the biggest investment.
The real investment is education.
I believe many people waste years trying to teach themselves everything when they only need to learn what is relevant to the work they are carrying out. My approach is different. I focus on teaching what you need to know and, just as importantly, what you don't need to know.
Rather than spending years learning information you will never need, you can focus on practical skills that allow you to start earning whilst continuing to learn.
Education is paramount. Without it, it can take years to teach yourself. Believe me, after 40 years in the trade I was still learning.
The biggest cost isn't tools.
The biggest cost is wasted time and inaction through having little to no knowledge.
What do you think is the biggest obstacle stopping people from learning a trade today?
