Start and Grow Your Trade Business
Expert Guides for UK Service Professionals

From Zero to Fully Booked:

Everything You Need to Launch, Price, Market, and Scale Your Trade Business

Starting a trade business shouldn’t mean navigating endless red tape, guessing your prices, or hoping customers somehow find you. Whether you’re launching a pet sitting service from your spare room, taking your mobile mechanic skills independent, or building a cleaning empire from scratch, these guides give you the practical knowledge that actually works.

No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from professionals who’ve built successful trade businesses in the UK, plus the straightforward tools to put them into action.

CREATE A TRADER STREET PROFILE
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The Trader Street Advantage

  • Building a trade business means finding customers without giving away your profits. Traditional platforms charge annual fees of £500-£1,500+ plus commissions on every job. That’s thousands of pounds that should stay in your pocket.
  • Trader Street works differently:
  • Zero Commission Fees Keep 100% of what you earn. No percentage cuts, no booking fees, no hidden charges.
  • Direct Customer Contact Message potential clients directly through our platform. No middlemen filtering your leads or controlling your communication.
  • Free Marketing Exposure Benefit from our SEO campaigns, content marketing, and promotional activities at no cost to you.
  • Profile Control Update your services, photos, availability, and pricing whenever you need to. Your profile, your rules.
  • Simple, Transparent Pricing Basic accounts are free. Premium accounts offer priority placement and enhanced features for a flat monthly fee – still dramatically less than traditional platforms.
CREATE A TRADER STREET PROFILE

Ready to Start?

Every successful trade business started with a first step. These guides give you the knowledge – now it’s time to take action.

For Complete Beginners: Start with our zero-cost start-up guide for your chosen trade. You’ll have a clear roadmap from registration to first booking.

For Experienced Tradespeople Going Independent: Focus on pricing guides and marketing strategies. Your skills are proven – now learn to sell them effectively.

For Growing Businesses:
Explore client retention and specialist service guides. Turn good income into great income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need qualifications to start a trade business?

It depends on the trade. Pet sitting, cleaning, and mobile mechanics can be started without formal qualifications (though relevant experience helps). Electrical and gas work requires specific certifications. Each guide details the exact requirements for that trade.

How much does it cost to start a trade business?

Most service trades can launch for under £500, and some (like pet sitting) for almost nothing. Our guides break down essential vs optional investments so you can start lean and scale up.

How long before I’m earning a full-time income?

Realistic expectations: 3-6 months to steady part-time income, 6-12 months to approach full-time earnings. These timelines assume consistent effort on marketing and client service. Our guides help you accelerate this by avoiding common mistakes.

Do I need business insurance?

For most trades, yes. Public liability insurance is essential for protecting yourself and is often expected by customers. Guides for each trade specify exact insurance requirements and typical costs.

What’s the difference between Trader Street and Checkatrade?

Other platforms charge annual membership fees (typically £500-£1,500+) plus additional costs for leads and features. Trader Street charges no commission and offers free basic accounts. You keep more of what you earn.

Can I use Trader Street alongside other platforms?

Absolutely. Many tradespeople use multiple platforms to maximise exposure. Trader Street’s zero-commission model means every booking through us puts more money in your pocket compared to commission-based alternatives.

These guides are updated regularly to reflect current UK market conditions, pricing trends, and regulatory requirements. Last updated: November 2025.