Blog

What Bank August 2025 Rate Cut Means for SMEs and Tradespeople
08 August 2025
For small businesses with loans that have changing interest rates, or those thinking about getting new loans, this means their monthly payments will reduce, which can help with monthly expenses.

UK Trades Sector Shows Rising Optimism in July
31 July 2025

The UK construction industry is facing the highest material costs in a decade
19 November 2024
Over the last decade, the construction industry has seen a substantial rise in the cost of construction materials, measured by the Construction Materials Price Indices (CMPIs).

The most common areas for tool theft in the UK
18 October 2024
The latest figures from 16 police constabularies across the UK about reported tool thefts. Find out where the highest number of tool thefts occur, the most affected trades and the cost of such crimes for tradespeople.

How much do joiners charge per hour?
27 August 2024
If you're a homeowner planning a renovation, a self-employed joiner looking to price your services, or an SME looking to hire a joiner, understanding their hourly rates is crucial.

How much do carpenters charge per hour?
27 August 2024
If you're planning a home improvement project, or you're a self-employed carpenter seeking to understand your market value, it's vital to understand how carpenters set their hourly rates. There's no one simple answer, as several factors influence what carpenters will charge.

Self-employed vs employed tradesman
07 June 2024
Deciding between self-employed and regular work as a tradesman? This guide weighs the pros and cons. It also covers the insurance you'll need.

How to start a carpentry business
27 February 2024
Starting a carpentry business in the UK requires careful planning, an understanding of the industry, and compliance with legal and safety standards.

How much do plumbers charge per hour?
27 February 2024
Many plumbers charge by the hour. Some charge by the job or provide a day rate. However, they may use an hourly rate when estimating the price of a job.

We've won Feefo’s 10 Years of Excellence Award 2024!
31 January 2024
Trade Direct Insurance is delighted to win Feefo’s exclusive accolade in customer service – the Feefo 10 Year of Excellence Award.