How to Start a Handyman Business in the UK

If you have experience as a professional handyman and are dreaming of offering your own handyman service and being your own boss, starting a handyman business in the UK can be just what you need. 

With stronger demand than ever for these types of services, handymen can make more money than most imagine. 

In the following sections, we offer an in-depth guide on how to start a handyman business in the UK.

Step 1: Research and Plan Your Business

The first and absolutely necessary step for all large and small business owners is market research. Gathering valuable information on the market will enable you to adequately plan your business, position yourself in a competitive space, and minimise risks.

Understand The Handyman Market In The UK

Start by understanding the market itself. How big is it? Is the space generating enough money to be attractive to new market entrants? Is there enough demand? Who are your competitors, what types of services do they offer, and how much do they cost?

Answering these questions will allow you to get an idea of how you can structure your business, price your services, and differentiate from the rest. 

As mentioned above, thanks to vast demand, you can create an incredibly profitable business by offering handyman work. By 2033, the market value of the UK handyman industry is expected to grow to £16.67 billion. According to research, over 1 million skilled workers are needed to satisfy the demand in the country. 

The UK handyman industry is seeing record growth, fuelled by a mix of postponed home repairs, a shortage of skilled tradespeople, and shifting customer needs. Around 43% of households now have a backlog of maintenance tasks they’ve delayed because of cost-of-living challenges.

All these findings mean that now is the perfect time to transform your skills into a money-making machine.

Identify Profitable Niches & Define Your Services

Next, observe what types of services handymen offer. Which ones are most in-demand, and which generate the highest earnings?

In the UK, handyman businesses offer the following services:

• Essential services – plumbing repairs, assembling furniture, wall mounting, electrical work, painting and decorating, door services, sealant and grouting;|
  
• Maintenance services – basic tiling, general maintenance, radiator services, locksmith services, bathroom repairs, gutter cleaning, garden and outdoor;
  
• Specialised services – flooring work, kitchen repairs, insulation work, plastering and walls, window and glass, emergency repairs;

Studies show that the following trends are currently arising in the UK:

• Plumbing repairs top the list, making up about 18% of all tradesperson requests across the UK.
  
• Furniture assembly is seeing the fastest growth thanks to the rise of online shopping.
  
• Tech installation services like TV mounting and smart home setups are quickly gaining traction.
  
• Most professionals charge an hourly rate between £25 and £35, though many customers prefer fixed prices per job.

Choosing the handyman jobs that you’ll include in your offering should be based on several factors. First, think about your skillset and the area where you have the most experience. Second, look at prices for these services and make sure you’ll be able to generate enough earnings. Third, consider the demand levels. 

Keep in mind that once you’ve selected a few services to offer, you can niche down even further. For example, you could offer specialised handyman work like property maintenance for landlords to gain a competitive edge and position yourself as an expert in your field. 

Identify Your Target Market

As part of your market research, identify who your ideal customers are. This is a key piece of information that will help shape your services, pricing, marketing, determining the success of your customer acquisition. 

Potential customers can include property owners, landlords, or property managers. Alternatively, you could target businesses that require handyman work in corporate spaces. 

When identifying your target market, make sure you gather as much information as possible, such as:

• How old are your ideal customers?
• What’s their occupation?
• What types of properties do they live in?
• What are the most popular challenges they face regarding home repairs or other handyman work?
• What is their spending capacity?

The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be to customise your solutions, adjust your pricing, and create personalised marketing messages that resonate with your audience.

Step 2: Create a Business Plan

The second stage is one that many new entrepreneurs neglect – the business plan. 

This essential document is not mandatory, but is highly recommended. It acts as a roadmap, pointing you in the direction of your goals and objectives. Also, it’s a core asset to have in case you’re considering attracting external funding from investors. 

The good news is that there are no strict rules on the type of information a business plan contains. 

Regardless, the highly advisable sections to include in a business plan are:

• Executive summary – A brief overview of your business, goals, and what makes your services unique;
  
• Company description – Details about your business structure, mission, and vision;
  
• Market analysis – Research on local demand, customer needs, and competitors in your area;
  
• Services offered – A clear list and description of the handyman services you’ll provide;
  
• Target market – Information about your ideal customers (like homeowners, landlords, small businesses);
  
• Marketing and sales strategy – How you’ll promote your business, attract clients, and set pricing;
  
• Operations plan – How your business will run day to day, including scheduling, tools, and staffing;
  
• Financial plan – Startup costs, pricing, income projections, and break-even analysis;
  
• Growth and expansion strategy – Plans for scaling your business, adding new services, or expanding into new areas.

Once you create this document, don’t let it collect dust. Use it periodically to get an idea of whether you’re moving towards your intended direction or whether you need to make adjustments in your strategy to improve results. 

Step 3: Register Your Business and Meet Legal Requirements

To start a handyman business, you must register it officially, obtain the appropriate licence, secure insurance, and comply with all national and local regulations.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Choose a Business Structure and Register

Before you register your business, it’s key to make one core decision – what type of business model will you be running?

In the UK, the two most popular legal structures for handymen businesses include sole trader and limited company. 

Registering as a sole trader is a top-preferred option by those planning to work alone rather than employ other handymen and build a team. Operating as a sole trader is the easiest way to start a business, as you’ll only need to register with the HMRC for Self Assessment and become self-employed. 

However, in this case, there is no legal distinction between you and your business, meaning that as an owner, you’re responsible for business debts and liabilities. In addition, you’ll need to pay Income Tax annually. 

On the other hand, registering a limited company means that your personal assets are protected as your business is considered a separate entity. Setting up a limited company requires that you register with Companies House with an official business name, pay Corporation Tax, and open a separate bank account to differentiate business finances from personal ones. 

Obtain Business Insurance

Business insurance is essential for protecting your handyman company and the services you provide. 

While most insurance types aren’t a compulsory requirement for handymen, some are. For instance, if you work with other employees who are hired in your business, it’s mandatory that you have employers’ liability insurance. 

Some of the insurance policies we highly recommend considering as a handyman include:

• Public liability insurance protects you financially if your work accidentally causes injury to someone or damages their property.
  
• Professional liability insurance can offer protection in case a client claims that your service or suggestion led to financial loss for them.
  
• Professional indemnity insurance can protect against claims of negligence.
   
• Tool and equipment insurance can help safeguard essential assets that you use on a daily basis.
  
• Personal accident insurance can protect you or a key business member in case of an accident.

When choosing your insurance policies, make sure you compare offers from different insurance providers. Carefully read the small text when signing contracts to avoid misinterpretations and unexpected situations. 

Comply with Regulations

In the UK, there are no legally required qualifications that you must possess to start operating as a handyman or start a handyman business. However, there are exceptions for specific services. 

For instance, performing certain electrical jobs may require a diploma in Electrical Installations, while providing some heating services can require a Gas Safe registration. 

Verify if the services you plan to offer go hand in hand with any legal requirements. 

Also, make sure you’re familiar with any other applicable legal frameworks, like The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) and The Consumer Rights Act 2015. 

Step 4: Acquire Tools and Equipment

Running your own handyman business also means that you’ll need to acquire the right tools and equipment. Deciding on your tool set will ultimately come down to the type of handyman work you’ll be providing.

However, some of the most popular arsenal for different services include:

Category	Items
Basic Hand Tools	Screwdrivers, hammers, adjustable wrench, pliers, Allen key set, utility knife & extra blades, tape measure, spirit level, handsaw, pry bar/crowbar
Power Tools	Cordless drill & impact driver, circular saw, jigsaw, angle grinder, multi-tool, power sander, heat gun, electric screwdriver, rotary tool, headlamp
Carpentry & Assembly Tools	Clamps, carpenter’s square, chisels, stud finder, nail gun, wood glue
Plumbing Tools	Pipe wrench, basin wrench, plumber’s tape, pipe cutter, plunger, sealant gun
Electrical Tools	Voltage tester, wire strippers, electrical tape, insulated screwdrivers, cable ties, extension cords
Painting & Decorating Tools	Paint brushes, paint rollers, trays, painter’s tape, sandpaper, filler knife, step ladder
Safety Gear	Safety goggles, work gloves, dust mask, ear protection, steel-toe boots, high-visibility vest, first-aid kit
Transport & Storage	Van or work vehicle, toolboxes & organisers, tool belt or pouch, storage bins
Office and business essentials	Smartphones, laptops, and software that can help you automate different parts of your operations

When acquiring your work vehicle, consider branding it with your business logo and contact details for marketing purposes. Also, ensure that it’s insured, registered, and complies with all rules and regulations. 

Don’t worry – you don’t have to spend a fortune on all these items from day one. You can explore second-hand options or consider renting some of the most expensive tools at first. Once you start landing projects, start investing some of your earnings in new gadgets and machinery.

Step 5: Set Pricing and Manage Payments

Setting your pricing as a handyman will determine how attractive your services are to consumers. 

To be able to position yourself competitively, it’s fundamental that you have information on what other handymen earn for different services in the UK.

Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on several factors:

• The type of service; 
• The skill level of the handyman;
• The location;
• The scope of the project. 

For example, the average handyman rate per hour in urban areas ranges between £30 and £40, while in suburban areas the standard rates are £25-35. 

As mentioned, rates can vary depending on the level of expertise. For instance, skilled professionals on average charge £35-45 per hour, while specialists charge an average of £45-65 per hour. At the same time, emergency handyman work on average costs more than £65 per hour.

Of course, the price will also depend on the type of work you perform. For example, erecting a garden shed typically costs around £250, while securing a wardrobe to the wall costs an average of £80.

When setting your prices and developing your pricing strategy, choose whether you want to charge per hour or per project. In the handyman sector, professionals prefer to get paid per job rather than per hour. 

In addition, consider making seasonal pricing adjustments and offering bundle discounts for multiple tasks. 

Set Up Payment Systems

Once you’ve set your prices, make sure that you offer safe and convenient payment methods for security and better customer service. 

Some of the suitable and highly recommended payment options for handyman businesses include:

• Card machines – essential for on-the-spot payments after completing a job and great for handymen constantly on the move. It allows customers to pay quickly using debit or credit cards, contactless, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  
• Tap to pay – lets you accept contactless payments directly on your smartphone – no physical card reader needed. It’s a fast and professional option that works well for smaller, one-off jobs like furniture assembly or minor repairs.
  
• Online checkout – For larger or pre-booked projects, you can send clients an online checkout link where they can pay securely before or after a job, and you can automatically generate invoices. A perfect choice for repeat clients, landlords, or business clients.
  
• Bank transfers – a reliable option for higher-value work like kitchen installations or property maintenance.

When choosing your payment provider, make sure that you’ve carefully analysed the available options. Double-check important information like settlement times, fees, and security guarantees. 

Step 6: Market Your Handyman Business

After you’ve laid out the foundations of your handyman business, it’s time to think about the ways in which you can attract customers. 

Creating an effective marketing plan is essential as it can help you gain maximum visibility and reach the ideal clients without investing all of your financial resources in marketing. 

Build an Online Presence

Start by building a strong online presence. 

As of March 2025, internet users in the United Kingdom spent around four hours and 47 minutes daily accessing the internet via any device. This means that positioning yourself online opens up great opportunities for reaching your audience and engaging with potential customers. 

To boost your online visibility, we recommend the following:

• Build a professional handyman website – use this space to show visitors who you are, what you do, what services you offer, what your prices are, how long it takes to complete different projects, and more. Make sure to add a contact form and, if possible, a booking feature, where users can directly hire you for handyman work. Add links to your social media profiles and don’t forget to showcase testimonials and success stories from completed projects.
  
• Invest in SEO and Google Ads – these two marketing approaches can help you quickly increase traffic to your website and reach people who are searching for the services you offer.
  
• Create social media profiles and be active – social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn are essential when growing a new business. Research what separates these channels from one another and what type of content is recommended to post on each. Cover topics that include behind-the-scenes, DIY tutorials, project development, common handyman mistakes, and more. Engage with users and build a community of people interested in your handyman skills and expertise.
  
• Create a Google My Business listing – help local customers find you easily when searching for services like “handyman near me” via a Google My Business listing and build trust through positive reviews and photos of past work.
  
• Register on platforms that provide related services – websites like MyBuilder, TaskRabbit, and Bark can be incredibly powerful for increasing your visibility and expanding your brand reach. 

Allocate your budget strategically and prioritise the channels that are likely to yield the quickest and best results. 

Use Local Advertising

Local advertising is another powerful instrument for handyman businesses to market their services. 

Leverage your local area and advertise in community newsletters, bulletin boards, and local directories.

Create eye-grabbing flyers showcasing your logo, contact details, services, and work. Leave them in key locations in your neighbourhood or partner with local businesses for referrals.

Growing Your Handyman Business

Let’s face it – focusing on customer retention is much easier and more affordable than constantly looking for new clients. 

Concentrate on providing an exceptional service. Arrive on time, communicate effectively, and deliver high-quality work. Follow up with clients after completing jobs to ensure they are satisfied.

Offer value-added services and provide maintenance advice or recommend solutions for long-term home care. Upsell additional services, such as seasonal property maintenance or installations.

All these tactics will help you form lasting relationships with your clients. Once you’re confident that your business is off to a great start, consider expanding your services. For example, popular expansion areas include smart home installations, energy efficiency updates, age-friendly home modifications, sustainability-focused services, and preventive maintenance contracts.

If you notice that you’re experiencing an increase in workload, hire skilled handymen to handle more jobs and meet growing demand. Provide formal training to guarantee that the quality of your work won’t be negatively affected. 

Finally, invest in technology, like online booking systems, photo-based estimates, digital payment options, and customer communication apps. According to industry experts, handymen who integrate technology into their services see 25% higher customer satisfaction and 30% more repeat business.

Conclusion

Setting up your own business can seem daunting at first, but it can bring deep personal satisfaction and significant financial gain.

By following this step-by-step guide on how to start a handyman business in the UK, you can confidently turn your skills and expertise into a lucrative business venture with attractive profit opportunities. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of starting a handyman business in the UK?

There are many advantages of starting a handyman company in the UK. Some of the most attractive ones are flexibility, low start-up costs, and the ability to offer a wide range of services.

Do I need a handyman license to start a business in the UK?

In the UK, there’s no official handyman license required to start offering general repair and maintenance services. However, if you plan to handle specific tasks like electrical or gas work, you’ll need the relevant trade qualifications or certifications.

What services can a handyman legally offer?

Most handymen focus on small household repairs and odd jobs such as fixing leaks, hanging shelves, painting, assembling furniture, or minor carpentry work. As long as you stay within your skill set and avoid specialised trades that require certification, you can offer a wide range of practical services.