Small electrical contractor for builders and shops

Building firms, developers, shopfitters, property managers and small businesses.

Priced contracts or day rates for site work, with materials added. Steady work from a few regular contractors can fill the diary and give predictable income.

• Recognised electrical qualifications and site experience
• Estimating, planning and managing jobs
• Supervising and training others

• Employer's liability insurance once you take on employees, and check how the rules apply to subcontractors
• Registration with a competent person scheme and Building Regulations compliance, which differ between UK nations
• Late payment from main contractors, so check payment terms and consider deposits or staged payments
• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) rules for tax deductions on construction work, check with HMRC
• Site health and safety, risk assessments and method statements, which clients often ask for
• VAT registration if your turnover grows above the threshold

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and the size of your team. These are estimates, so also plan for late payments from main contractors by checking payment terms and staged payments.

Check registration with a competent person scheme and Building Regulations compliance, which differ between UK nations. Also check employer's liability insurance, Construction Industry Scheme rules with HMRC, site health and safety paperwork, and the VAT threshold.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the jobs you win and the size of your team. This is revenue before costs, and you should expect around 35 hours a week or more.