Here at Nova Insurance we have helped numerous plumbers, roofers, plasterers and builders protect their businesses with tradesman liability insurance, and over the years we have noticed that even though these are different professions nearly everyone who works in them has the same essential tools. Here, we look at these tools in more detail and explain how all types of tradesmen use them to keep their businesses running smoothly:

A Mobile Phone

Tradesmen are constantly going from one job to another, which means it’s essential that they can be easily contacted on a mobile phone that is both reliable and sturdy. These days most people have some sort of smart phone which enables them to connect to the internet, however the issue with these types of phones is that there are not particularly sturdy and just a small knock can break them. Therefore, if you are looking to invest in a mobile phone it may be wiser to get one that can withstand being dropped, knocked or coming into contact with liquids. At the same time, if you want to connect to the internet while you’re out and about then you can invest in some sort of tablet or other mobile device and protect it with a robust case. There’s no point in having any form of mobile device if it’s always broken!

A Form of Transport

These days light commercial vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, which is great for tradesmen as it means that they can invest in models which will help them with their day to day work. For instance, builders who tend to transport heavy loads will need a commercial vehicle with a large amount of storage space and the capability to safely store materials such as bricks and high powered tools. Meanwhile, roofers may need a vehicle with a long chassis in order to fit in beams and other materials. No matter what type of commercial vehicle you require, the one thing that you will always need to keep in mind is how much it will cost you to keep it running. Fuel, MOTs and van insurance can all add up, so make sure you budget for this if you are thinking of investing in a new commercial vehicle any time soon.

An Accountant

In general, tradesmen work long hours and do multiple jobs each day, which means it is often difficult for them to keep on top of their finances. Furthermore, if you are self-employed then you will be paid directly by your customers which means that you will have to fill in a self-assessment tax return each year in order to pay income tax and National Insurance. However, these forms can often be complicated as you are allowed to deduct certain things such as tradesman liability insurance and rent for your premises. This is why a number of tradesmen rely on an accountant to look after their finances and ensure that they are paying the right amount of income tax. If you have a particularly large business then you may want to hire someone full time to look after your finances and administration duties as if you fail to keep up with them you could land yourself with a hefty fine from the HMRC!

Friends in the Trade

Even if you’re self-employed it’s important to have friends that work in the same or similar trade to you as it’s highly likely that every now and again you will be faced with a job that you need a hand with. Sometimes you will just need a friend there as an extra pair of hand who can help you carry heavy loads or perform intricate tasks, however every now and again you may require their expertise. As a tradesman you will constantly be learning new skills, however every now and again you may need help from someone who has more experience in a certain skill than you. Remember, it’s always better to ask for advice if you are unsure than to just try your luck as if you damage your customer’s property you will have to cover the costs yourself or claim on your insurance!

No matter what type of trade you’re in it’s essential that you have the tools to run your business as effectively as possible, so if you think you are missing out on any of the above now is the time to make the changes your business needs!

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