Thinking of taking the next step of your career? Here are 5 tips to help you start a construction business to help you get started!

1. Gain professional qualifications and skills in Construction

Ask at your local college for a relevant course. Spend time working with an experienced trades person in your field.

2. Register your construction business!

What will your business be called, and will you be a Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company?

Choose your name with gov.uk find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company-name-availability

Register as a…

Sole trader www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader

Partnership https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business-partnership/register-partnership-with-hmrc

Limited company www.gov.uk/set-up

3. Buy your business insurance

There are many different insurers, so using a search engine can be beneficial here. You can pick and choose what parts are relevant to your business, e.g. tool cover, injury, public liability etc.

This link is very useful for explaining what insurance a decorator needs. Or, you could call Coversure Poole on 01202 801782 For a chat. If you ask them for a price, you can mention “DFUK” for a substantial discount.

4. Set up your accounts

You can use Quickbooks, Fresh Books, Zero or another software package yourself, or use a book keeper or business support / admin person to allow you the time to focus on your work. Many of these software packages have free trials

For taking payments, it’s best to always be up to date when you’re ready to choose which device to get. This website can help www.mobiletransaction.org/card-machine

The business bank account you choose is also important. Again, comparison sites are amazing to check out the up to date offerings that would suit you best www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/

5. Get Marketing!

Firstly, decide and be clear on what services you will be offering e.g. interior and/or exterior painting and decorating, residential and/or commercial plumbing and heating.

Set up a Facebook page, Google page, design a business logo and business cards.

A professional website is always a great tool, and it’s important to also have a professional email address, for example, hello@rstpaintinganddecorating is so much more professional than richard26ahotmail.com

Get some flyers made, ensure you have a professional looking uniform with your logo on it, and sign wrap your van.

For all your Branding and Marketing needs, from logos to websites, van signage to social media management, THE BUSY TRADER is here to help.

Visit us at https://thebusytrader.co.uk/painter-decorators-forum-uk/ or call Mel on 07952 556827 more info, and remember to quote “DFUK” for your discount.