Blog

How will the new Tool Theft Bill (known formally as The Theft of Tools of Trade Sentencing Bill) affect you? 

As experienced tradespeople retire and fewer young people replace them, small trade businesses face a skills gap. Legally, this doesn’t create one single new law — but it raises risks and pressures under existing UK laws.

We’re all aware there’s been a steep increase in tool theft recently. It’s estimated a van is broken into every 23 minutes. We know just how important tools are to your livelihoods, so we’ve brought together some tips to help keep your gear safe.

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.

Tool theft isn’t a new issue, but it continues to plague tradespeople. The consequences of these kinds of losses are devastating for builders who are often forced to delay their work until replacement tools are available.

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.

Trade Direct Insurance has released its July 2025 edition of the Trades Business Barometer, revealing a notable uptick in optimism among UK tradespeople and small business owners.

If you are a builder, it is important that you consider which builders insurance, whether you are a self-employed sole trader or under contract as a freelancer.

The UK construction industry is facing a critical workforce shortage. Many factors, including economic and social outliers, have caused growing concern across the industry with projected figures of workers needed increasing each year in order to meet future demand.

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.