Latest articles

Photo of dug out earth with construction worker on mini excavator, representing article on plant and machinery insurance
Trades Life 01 Jun 2026

What is plant and machinery insurance?

From diggers and dumpers to cement mixers and compressors, plant and machinery are the backbone of many trades. Whether you’re…

Tradesmen tools laid out on table, representing article on tool theft stories and keeping tools safe
Trades Life 20 May 2026

Tool theft stories: tradespeople going beyond locks to keep tools safe

As tool theft continues to dominate headlines and social feeds, many tradespeople are no longer relying on standard security –…

Goodie bag from Powered Now Advice on Tap event, representing article on tradespeoples' concerns about tool insurance claims
Trades Life 15 May 2026

Powered Now ‘Advice on Tap’: trade talk and tool theft troubles

Powered Now’s landmark event brings together tradespeople of all backgrounds. But conversations highlight the ongoing issue of tool theft, the…

Photo of builders discussing construction plans, representing article on what professional indemnity means for tradespeople
Trades Life 28 Apr 2026

What is professional indemnity for tradespeople?

Many tradesmen assume professional indemnity is only for people with a desk job. But in reality, if your work involves…

Image of two builders carrying construction materials, representing article on do subcontrctors need their own insurance
Trades Life 15 Apr 2026

Do subcontractors need their own insurance?

Knowing whether subcontractors need their own insurance can be confusing. Whether working in construction, roofing, plumbing, electrical work or specialist…

Image of construction hard hats representing a guide to what insurance a tradesman needs
Trades Life 31 Mar 2026

What insurance does a tradesman need?

Insurance sounds like a good idea, but how do you know what insurance you need as a tradesman? No two…

Builder working on a house extension roof, representing a guide to contract works insurance for tradespeople including what it covers
Trades Life 17 Mar 2026

What is contract works insurance?

However big or small your construction project is, contract works insurance could be a lifesaver if something happens. When you’re…

Image of bricklaying representing article on who needs trades insurance and what it covers
Trades Life 10 Mar 2026

Who needs trades insurance?

If you work in the trades, chances are you’ve already heard people chatting about tradesman insurance, but have been left…

Image of sparks caused by power tools, representing article on what makes a trade high risk for insurance
Trades Life

Trades cover: who’s considered high risk for insurance

If you’re in the trades, you already know the job isn’t without its risks. But did you know those risks…

Image of tradesmen using a demolition hammer representing article public liability insurance for trades
Trades Life

Do tradespeople need public liability insurance?

As a tradesperson you’ll know that no two jobs are the same – whether fitting a kitchen, plumbing a bathroom…

Image of thief breaking into a snowy van, representing article outlining tips on tool theft prevention in winter
Trades Life

How to prevent tool theft in winter: 7 tips for tradespeople

As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, some risks become a bigger threat for tradespeople across the UK and knowing how…

Image of a trades tool bag, representing an article discussing tool theft and what the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill is
Trades Life

What is the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill?

If you’re a tradesperson, chances are you’ve either experienced tool theft yourself or know someone who has – and you’ll…

Image of tradesman using a power tool, representing article discussing how much is tool insurance and how to choose the right cover
Trades Life

How much is tool insurance for trades?

If you rely on your work tools to get the job done, tool insurance is a smart way to protect…

Image of electrician installing ceiling wiring, representing a guide to tradesman business insurance and what it can cover
Trades Life

What tradesman business insurance can cover – simplifying policies for tradies

As a tradesman you know your trade inside and out. But when it comes to tradesman insurance, it may seem…

Tradesmen using power tools representing article discussing tool theft and answering 'is tool insurance worth it' for tradesmen
Trades Life

Is tool insurance worth it? – A guide for Tradespeople

We’ve said it before – work tools are the backbone of a tradesperson’s business. So why wouldn’t you get tools…

Image: Vehicle theft. Learn about key stats from UK Met Police data, tips for tool theft prevention and how insurance could help
Trades Life

Tool theft in the UK is an all-year problem, Met data shows

UK police tool theft figures show longer days don’t deter thieves, suggesting tradespeople should keep their guard up whatever the…

Image is Tradesman with tools. Read about tool theft insurance, including what it covers and policy considerations
Trades Life

Tool theft insurance guide: policy insights and tips

Occupational hazards are a given and for tradespeople it can include (unfortunately) tool theft and damage. No matter your trade,…

Top tips for tradespeople on how to keep tools safe. Image: power tools on workbench
Trades Life

How to keep tools safe: 10 top tips for tradespeople

Tool theft is on the rise and for tradespeople that can mean more than just a frustrating setback. Your tools…

External photo of UK Houses of Parliament
Trades Life

Kingsbridge supports Checkatrade and On The Tools’ tool theft Parliament reception

Ahead of Amanda Martin MP’s 2nd reading of her Theft of Tools of Trade Bill in April, Checkatrade and On…

Parliament Square
Trades Life

Tradespeople fight back against tool theft: Major London rally demands tougher punishment

In a show of unity and frustration, tradespeople from across the UK took to the streets in a major van…

Distraught car mechanic going through problematic paperwork with his customer in an auto repair shop
Trades Life

How to deal with the profit drain of scope creep

You may not have heard of the term “scope creep”, but if you’ve been running a business for any length…

Customer picking a star rating for service
Trades Life

How to get good feedback from customers

There’s a reason every company you interact with these days is desperate for you to leave your feedback: reviews are…

A tradesman celebrates getting a grant to give funding to his small business
Trades Life

Funding and grants available for tradies

Running a business can be expensive, with the cost of tools, vehicles, employees, tax, insurance and more, all piling up!…

A couple unhappy with another woman
Trades Life

What do I do if a client is unhappy with my work?

It’s a situation every tradesperson dreads: your client isn’t happy with the result of your hard work. Mistakes and misunderstandings…