My Basket 
Want to be your own boss? In charge of your work schedule? Not stuck at a desk all day? There are loads of great reasons why people choose to start working in the construction sector, and most end up setting up their own businesses after completing their training. There’s nothing better than working hard to put money back in your own pocket and choosing the projects you want to take on. Working as an independent contractor can be a hugely fulfilling career. Plus, you get to work with great builder’s merchants like Edge!
Today we are going to take a deep dive into all things you and your business. From finding clients to staying competitive in a changing market, we’ll chat through some top tips and how Edge BP can help you along the way.
Securing Great Projects
While the freedom to choose your own work can be hugely rewarding, changing markets can make securing new work challenging. Actively looking for customers and new projects to get involved in is a vital part of your business plan but can also be time consuming and frustrating during quiet periods.
It is important to invest time in building a strong network of industry contacts – you never know who will need your skillset to complete a build! Advertising your services on social media, designing a website, and maintaining a portfolio of your past projects can also help homeowners and new customers find you more easily. Build trust with potential clients by registering with directory lists, such as Checkatrade, TrustATrader and My Builder. You can advertise your membership to these directories on your social media and website to win the confidence of new customers.
You may also want to consider partnering with other local contractors or agencies to pool your resources and share work opportunities. Not only is this a great way to make connections in your local area but also divides the workload thereby improving your chances of securing new projects.
Top Tip: Each month we run an Installation of the Month competition! Simply tag us on social media or email [email protected] pictures of your latest projects to enter the competition. Winners receive a £25 Amazon voucher, a dedicated blog post and social media post by us and are featured in our monthly newsletter. Let potential customers see how great you are by partnering with Edge!
Staying Competitive in a Gig Economy
Long contracts working on big construction projects are ideal for contractors who like to get stuck into a build for a long time. Most people in the sector, however, are working job-to-job. Houses need a lot of regular maintenance to stay looking their best, and lost of homeowners are happy to pay for the time of a skilled contractor to do this.
From gutter and roofline repairs to garden renovations and new cladding, you could find yourself working with several clients a week. These quick turn-around jobs require you to be responsive and competitively priced when contacted by new customers. They may have sent the request to 2 or 3 local contractors, so the pressure is on to secure this project.
One way you can differentiate yourself from the crowd is by building up a great bank of reviews and recommendations. Customers love to see that other people were blown-away by the quality of your work, and this could give you the edge. Secondly, stand out from the crowd by making your company feel approachable and friendly. During these projects customers are welcoming you into their home, so showing them the people behind the brand can build that confidence. Include a team photo on your website and social media, celebrate wins both professionally and personally. Has a member of your team recently gotten married or had a big birthday? Paired with excellent craftsmanship, and responsive texts/emails, you are sure to win that next project.
We can help! Our phone lines and trade counters are open 7:00am-4:30pm Monday to Friday. Give us a call to quickly secure a quote for the building supplies you need at competitive trade prices. When the job goes ahead, we can get these materials to you the very next day.
Tips for Managing Your Business Finances
As a sole trader, you’re responsible for managing your business’s invoices, expenses and taxes. From client invoices to paying any labourers, the admin of being an independent contractor can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar with business accounting. To ensure your financial stability and success as a contractor, it’s important to track your income and expenses, create a budget for your business, and invest in accounting software or professional services to help you manage your company.
If you haven’t already, you may want to consider opening a separate bank account for your business. This will help you create some separation between your personal/family finances and your company. We would also recommend creating a streamlined process for invoicing and collecting payment from clients. We all know that sometimes things go awry when it comes to payment, so having a system that is easy to manage and track is key. There are several online accounting software companies available designed to make invoicing and tracking expenses easier for small business owners. Take a look at Xero and QuickBook, for example.
Another option is to hire an accountant or bookkeeper to help you stay on track when it comes to filing tax reports. This may not be viable option for all independent contractors, so seeking help from friends or family who have accounting experience can also be invaluable to your business.
Make savings with Edge! Our team of Sales Reps are out across the South East to help you secure competitive pricing on the products you use the most. Get in touch when you next have a project lined up to get quality products at great prices.
Balancing Work and Play
Being an independent contractor offers a lot of work benefits that people crave: independence, freedom, and flexibility. What’s more, you can hone sought after skills to become a trusted contractor in your local area. We know, however, that this job is not without its challenges. Build schedules can be set back by illness or poor weather, and you are constantly looking for your next work contract. Plus, not everyone loves the paperwork behind running a business!
Prioritising downtime to switch off and recharge from the stresses of managing your business is crucial to maintain that work life balance. Clocking off from your workday and giving yourself a break from your work phone can also help you reconnect with friends and family after a busy week.
Finding great teams of people to work with can also improve your experience of work. While you may be self-employed, there is no need to become isolated in your field. From working with local trades, to helpful apprentices, to developing good relationships with your customers, there’s lots of opportunities to make friends and connections in the construction sector. Plus, listening to trade radio stations such as Fix Radio can keep you up to date with any developments in your local area.
Final Thoughts…
Ultimately, working as an independent contractor in the construction trade can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both financially and professionally. Here at Edge we are lucky enough to work with hundreds of local trades across the South East, supporting their projects with quality low-maintenance PVC building supplies and excellent stock holding.
By taking the time to build up a strong reputation through reviews, staying competitive and up to date with the latest trends homeowners are loving, and finding effective ways to manage your business finances, you can enjoy the benefits of being your own boss with long-term success in this industry. At Edge, we are here to support your company by providing fast and responsive customer service, competitive trade pricing, and next day delivery across the South East. What’s more, our monthly newsletter will give you an insight into industry trends, top product choices, and exclusive access to offers and discounts.
Get in touch with us by calling 0345 021 3333, or emailing [email protected], or visiting your local trade counter to find out more about our range of PVC building supplies, trade pricing, and to place your next order.
First published 11th May 2023. Updated 19th June 2025.