Trade Business Plan Template — How to Write a Simple Plan That Works

Most tradespeople don't write a business plan. They get their qualifications, buy a van, print some cards, and start working. And honestly, that approach can get you quite far. But at some point — whether you're trying to grow, take on staff, or simply get a handle on your finances — having a plan on paper makes a real difference.

A business plan doesn't need to be a 40-page document with fancy charts. For a trade business, a simple plan that covers the basics is enough to keep you focused, help you make better decisions, and give you something to measure your progress against. Here's how to write one that actually works.

Why Bother With a Business Plan?

Let's address the obvious question first. If you've been running your business without a plan and things are going fine, why bother?

A few reasons:

• Clarity — Writing things down forces you to think about what you're actually trying to achieve. "Earn more money" isn't a plan. "Increase turnover by 20% by focusing on kitchen installations rather than general handyman work" is.
• Better pricing — When you understand your costs, overheads, and target margins, you can price your jobs properly instead of guessing.
• Access to finance — If you ever need a business loan, a credit account with a merchant, or even a larger van on finance, having a basic plan shows you're serious.
• Focus — It's easy to get pulled in different directions. A plan helps you say no to work that doesn't fit and yes to opportunities that do.
• Growth — If you want to grow beyond a one-person operation, you need to know where you're going before you can get there.

The Template: Seven Sections That Cover Everything

Here's a straightforward business plan template designed specifically for tradespeople. You can write this on a few sheets of A4 or type it up in a document. Keep it simple, keep it honest, and update it every six months or so.

1. Business Summary

Start with the basics. This is the overview — who you are and what you do.

• Business name and trading structure (sole trader or limited company)
• What you do — your core trade and any specialist services
• Where you operate — your coverage area
• How long you've been trading
• Your qualifications and accreditations (Gas Safe, NICEIC, CSCS, etc.)
• What makes you different — your USP. It might be speed, quality, specialisation, reliability, or local knowledge

Example: "JB Plumbing is a sole trader plumbing and heating business based in Leeds, covering West Yorkshire within a 20-mile radius. Established in 2019, Gas Safe registered, specialising in boiler installations and central heating upgrades for residential properties. Known for clean, tidy work and same-week availability."

2. Services

List exactly what you offer. Be specific — this helps you stay focused and makes it easier to market yourself. Group your services into categories if you offer a range.

For example, an electrician might list:

• Core services: Consumer unit upgrades, rewires, additional sockets and lighting
• Specialist services: EV charger installations, smart home wiring
• Inspection work: EICRs, landlord certificates, PAT testing
• Services you don't offer: Commercial installations, solar panel fitting

That last point matters. Being clear about what you don't do saves you time and stops you from taking on jobs you're not equipped for.

3. Target Market

Who are your ideal customers? Not everyone — be specific. Knowing your target market shapes everything from your pricing to your marketing.

• Residential homeowners — What type? First-time buyers, families in 1930s semis, retirees downsizing?
• Landlords and letting agents — Ongoing maintenance contracts, certifications
• Small commercial clients — Shops, offices, restaurants
• Other tradespeople — Subcontracting for builders, kitchen fitters, etc.
• Property developers — New builds, renovations

Think about who your best customers have been so far. The ones who paid on time, didn't haggle unreasonably, and came back for more work. That's your target market.

4. Pricing Strategy

This is where many tradespeople wing it, and it's where a plan adds the most value. Write down:

• Your day rate or hourly rate
• How you price different types of work — day rate vs fixed price vs price per unit
• Your minimum call-out charge
• Your target profit margin on materials (typically 10-20%)
• How you handle quotes and estimates — do you charge for site visits? Do you provide detailed breakdowns?

If you're not sure whether your pricing is right, work backwards from what you need to earn. Factor in your van costs, tools, insurance, materials, accountancy fees, and the income you need to take home. If the numbers don't work, something needs to change — either your rates or your costs.

5. Marketing Plan

How do you plan to find work? Write down the channels you'll use and roughly how much time or money you'll spend on each.

• Word of mouth and referrals — Still the most powerful channel for tradespeople. How do you encourage it? Do you ask happy customers for referrals?
• Google Business Profile — Free, essential, and massively underused. Getting more Google reviews should be a priority.
• Social media — Before-and-after photos on Instagram or Facebook can generate leads without spending a penny.
• Lead generation sites — Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Bark. Budget for monthly fees and factor them into your cost of acquisition.
• Local advertising — Van signage, local Facebook groups, notice boards, leaflets
• Website — Even a simple one-page site with your services, area, and contact details helps people find you

Don't try to do everything at once. Pick two or three channels that suit your trade and your personality, and do them well.

6. Finances

You don't need a spreadsheet with 50 tabs. You need a clear picture of three things:

Your costs:

• Van — finance, insurance, fuel, maintenance
• Tools and equipment — replacements, new purchases
• Insurance — public liability, professional indemnity, employer's liability if you have staff
• Accountancy fees
• Phone, software, and subscriptions
• Marketing spend
• Materials (if you stock items)

Your income targets:

• What turnover do you need to cover costs and earn your target income?
• How many jobs per week does that require at your average job value?
• What's your realistic capacity — how many billable days per week can you actually work?

Your cash flow:

• How quickly do customers pay you? Do you take deposits?
• Do you have quiet months? (January and February are typically slow for most trades)
• Do you have enough saved to cover a quiet month or an unexpected expense?

The goal is to know your break-even point — the minimum you need to earn each month just to keep the lights on. Everything above that is profit.

7. Goals

Set yourself three to five goals for the next 12 months. Make them specific and measurable. Here are some examples:

• Increase turnover from £45,000 to £55,000
• Get 20 new Google reviews by December
• Start offering EV charger installations as a new service line
• Hire a labourer or apprentice by September
• Reduce average quote turnaround time from 3 days to same day
• Build up a 3-month cash reserve

Write down what success looks like, and check in on your progress every quarter. Adjust if things change — a business plan should be a living document, not something you write once and forget about.

Real-World Example: A Builder's Business Plan

Here's what a simplified plan might look like for a general builder:

Business: MK Building Services, sole trader, based in Milton Keynes. 8 years' experience. CSCS card, fully insured. Specialises in extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations for residential clients.

Services: Single and double-storey extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, structural alterations, general building work. Does not offer roofing, plumbing, or electrical (subcontracts these).

Target market: Homeowners in Milton Keynes and surrounding villages (15-mile radius) looking to extend or renovate rather than move. Typical budget: £20,000-£80,000.

Pricing: Fixed-price quotes for all work. Day rate equivalent of £250. Materials marked up at 15%. Deposits of 10% on contracts over £5,000. Stage payments on larger jobs.

Marketing: Google Business Profile (target: 5-star rating with 50+ reviews). Before-and-after project photos on Instagram. Checkatrade membership. Van signwriting. Word of mouth from previous clients.

Finances: Current turnover £62,000. Fixed costs (van, insurance, tools, accountant, phone, Checkatrade) approx £12,000/year. Target: £75,000 turnover, £48,000 take-home after tax.

Goals for 2026: Complete 2 extension projects per quarter. Reach 40 Google reviews. Build 2-month cash reserve. Investigate switching to limited company.

Tips for Making Your Plan Actually Useful

• Keep it short — 2-4 pages is plenty. If it's too long, you won't read it again.
• Be honest — There's no point inflating numbers or listing services you're not really going to offer. This plan is for you, not a bank manager.
• Review it regularly — Put a reminder in your phone every 3 months to read through it and update anything that's changed.
• Share it — If you have a partner, business partner, or mentor, let them read it. A second pair of eyes often spots gaps you've missed.
• Use it for decisions — When an opportunity comes up, check it against your plan. Does it fit your target market? Does it help you reach your goals? If not, think twice.

The Bottom Line

A business plan for a trade business doesn't need to be complicated. Seven sections, a few pages, and an honest look at where you are and where you want to be. The tradespeople who take the time to plan — even roughly — tend to earn more, stress less, and grow faster than those who just react to whatever comes their way.

Start simple. Write it down. Review it regularly. That's all it takes.