Electrician Startup Checklist
Sol WrightCo-founder, Tradehand
A complete step-by-step checklist for setting up a compliant, professional electrical trade business in the UK, from choosing your legal structure through to building repeat maintenance work.
What's included
- Legal structure and registration (Ltd vs sole trader)
- NICEIC and NAPIT scheme membership steps
- Insurance requirements and minimum cover amounts
- Part P competent person scheme membership
- Business banking and accounting software setup
- Essential test equipment checklist
- Standard terms and conditions guidance
- How to win your first customers with your Tradehand assistant
Preview: first 5 steps
Register with Companies House or HMRC
Decide between Ltd company (Companies House) or sole trader (HMRC Self Assessment). Ltd offers limited liability; sole trader is simpler to start.
Get NICEIC or NAPIT registration
You must be registered with an approved competent person scheme to self-certify notifiable electrical work in England and Wales under Part P of the Building Regulations. NICEIC (Certsure) and NAPIT are the two main government-approved schemes.
Public liability insurance (minimum £2m)
Most domestic clients and all commercial clients will require proof of PLI before you start work. £2m is NICEIC's own minimum for registration, and £5m is common cover in practice.
Employers' liability insurance (if hiring)
Legally required as soon as you employ anyone, even one person. The legal minimum is £5m cover. Fines for not having it run to £2,500 for every day you're uninsured, plus up to £1,000 for not displaying or producing the certificate.
Open a business bank account
Keeping business and personal finances separate makes tax simpler and looks professional. Many banks offer free business accounts for an introductory period, so compare current offers before choosing.
Electrician Startup Checklist
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See where admin is costing you time
Answer a few questions about your trade business and see what your assistant could take off your plate.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
Sources
Every figure on this page is attributed to the sources below, checked 19 August 2026.
gov.uk: Set up a limited company (registered at Companies House, legally separate from its owners)
NICEIC Insurance: Electricians public liability insurance (£2m minimum for NICEIC registration)