Want to be your own boss? You’re not alone. But getting help starting up a business – and knowing what to prioritise – can be a challenge. Our trade expert, Gavin Tutton started his own business 17 years ago. From building a personal brand to getting the business registered, Gavin knows exactly what to do. And now, he’s sharing his tips with you. Once you know how to get your ideas off the ground, why not learn how to grow your business and keep customers coming back. Understanding how to price a job is also a great way to make sure your business is primed for success.
"Turning your business idea into a reality is tough. Having started my business 17 years ago, I know all the ins and outs of setting one up and how to keep it running successfully. I'll go through it all in my video to help you avoid common mistakes and build your confidence to make starting out simple."
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On the Tools Kitchen Advertise your business with Howdens. They allow local tradespeople to leave their business cards so that customers can find local tradespeople.
For me, getting the legal and financial basics right is the best way to avoid headaches down the line. First, decide your business structure: sole trader, limited company, or partnership. This affects your taxes, liabilities, and paperwork, so choose the one that fits your goals and scale. If you're unsure how to set up as a sole trader, start by registering with HMRC and keeping your finances separate from day one.
A safety buffer helps you focus on growing, so set aside money for tools, insurance or cash flow. I saved up 6 months' wages before going self-employed. How much you need to save depends on what work you'll do, where you’re based, and more. So, make sure your estimate is based on your own situation. This way, you’ll handle quiet spells or late payments with less stress.
Limited companies are legally required to open a business bank account. Even sole traders are recommended to keep personal and business finances separate. A proper account makes it easier to track income and expenses – especially at tax time. Your bank can help you set one up if you’re not sure what to do.
Always check that you and your team have the right qualifications and registrations, such as Gas Safe for gas work. This protects your customers and gives them confidence in your work. It also protects your reputation, showing that you’re fully qualified and reliable.
Registering your business with HMRC and Companies House (if applicable) makes your operation official. Getting these formalities sorted early prevents legal trouble later and shows customers you’re professional, which is crucial when competing in a busy market.
Once you’ve picked a structure, let HMRC know. The HMRC register business process is straightforward online. Sole traders must register for Self Assessment. Limited companies and partnerships also need to register with Companies House and pay Corporation Tax.
If you plan to hire staff, you need to register as an employer. You’ll be responsible for payroll, National Insurance, and workplace safety, so make sure you're clear on all the rules. Being compliant from the start avoids fines or delays.
Starting a business means facing challenges and making mistakes — from pricing jobs right to handling difficult customers. What’s important is that you learn from your mistakes so that you can improve your business going forward. I've listed some examples I’ve faced below, but you’ll need to find your own way of dealing with tricky situations.
One of the biggest challenges for me was quoting. I’d never done it before, and I had to learn it while on the job. I did make mistakes, but I eventually learnt what worked best for me. Try using quoting templates or digital tools to speed things up and avoid common mistakes.
The one thing I wish I’d known from the start was time management because I was busy with work straight away. Use a calendar or scheduling app (if you're more techie) to plan each job to block time for admin tasks, quoting, and material collection.
Sometimes, customers change their minds halfway through a job. Make sure you communicate clearly with your customers and do everything you can to meet their needs. Going forward, set clear expectations of what happens with last-minute changes.
I love running my own business. It’s rewarding, but it can be emotionally draining. In an October 2024 report by TradeBrain with 202 tradespeople, 70% of UK tradespeople said their stress levels at work were high. So, make sure you put your mental health first. Here are some ways you can manage it.
Keep regular working hours. Make time for breaks – and take regular ones. All these habits will help you stay energised and positive even when times get tough. Setting realistic goals, like 3 new customers a month, or 1 great review a week, will also keep you motivated.
Talking to family and friends can help you stay calm during difficult jobs. Mental health support in the workplace is available through organisations like Mind or Trade-specific groups. Always do what's best for your mental health.
I finish my day at 4:30 pm. This to me puts a clear boundary line between work and family life. When I get back to the job the next day, I’m fully refreshed and ready to go.
Growth means more income, and more expenditure. Scaling means growing smarter, not just bigger. I have added some ways to grow and scale your business for success below.
Hiring staff can free up your time, but the costs of new employees, like salaries, insurance, and employee rights, need to be managed carefully. So don’t rush into it. When you’ve got regular work and too much on, bringing in help can take your business to the next level.
Building strong relationships with suppliers like Howdens means better service, faster responses, and more support when it counts. They’ve got more than 850 depots nationwide that you can pop into for help. Howdens also has trade accounts which offer 24/7 access to trade prices, stock order and collection, and more to keep your business running smoothly.
If business is going well, think about reinvesting some of your profits back into it. This can be buying better tools, booking training courses, advertising, or replacing an existing vehicle. Whatever you decide, investing in yourself will grow your business.
Whether you're looking to start a new business or already have a small company, running a trade business can be tricky. To help you build something worthwhile, we're covering the business basics - from knowing how to invoice to getting savvy on social media. Each topic will advise on best practices and how to run things correctly to set you up for success.
