Electrician Startup Checklist

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.

Source: gov.uk: Competent person scheme, current schemes and how schemes are authorised (NICEIC/Certsure and NAPIT as approved Part P 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.

Source: NICEIC Insurance: Electricians public liability insurance (£2m minimum for NICEIC registration)

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.

Source: gov.uk: Employers' liability insurance (£5m minimum cover, £2,500/day fine)

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.