Chase unpaid invoices: scripts for email, SMS, WhatsApp and phone plus simple automations that work
Scripts and automation strategies for chasing unpaid invoices via email, SMS, WhatsApp, and phone, tailored for small businesses and contractors.
Finance
Offer finance to customers: interest‑free plans vs Kanda, Vendigo and Novuna explained
Two financing options for tradespeople: self-funded interest-free plans under Article 60F and third-party lenders like Kanda, Vendigo, and Novuna, covering regulatory requirements and best practices.
Offline card payments on site with no signal: Square vs SumUp vs Zettle, limits and risks
Square and SumUp allow offline card payments with associated risks, while Zettle requires an active connection, making it unsuitable for areas with no signal.
Square to Xero reconciliation: clean UK setup with a clearing account and correct VAT on fees
Step-by-step guide for reconciling Square payments with Xero in the UK, covering the use of a clearing account and correct VAT handling.
How to take a card pre-authorisation on site with Square (and when to use deposits instead)
How to use Square for card pre-authorisation, covering when to opt for pre-authorisation versus deposits, and providing setup instructions and best practices.
HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates made simple for construction firms: vans vs company cars, EV home vs public charging, and clean Xero/QuickBooks workflows
HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates for construction firms, covering distinctions between company cars and vans, EV charging rates, and compliant record-keeping workflows for Xero and QuickBooks.
Interim valuation evidence pack: photos, paperwork and timeline (JCT and NEC)
Guidance for UK construction professionals on creating effective interim valuation evidence packs, covering necessary components, timelines, and photo protocols for JCT and NEC contracts.
Best way to follow up a quote: WhatsApp templates, timing and automations that win the job
Effective quote follow-up strategies include timely WhatsApp messages, automation tools, and compliance with UK regulations to improve customer engagement and conversion rates.
VAT threshold for trades: rolling 12‑month calculator and simple workflow to avoid fines
UK tradespeople with guidance on tracking their VAT threshold using a rolling 12-month calculator in Google Sheets to ensure compliance.
CIS reconciliation Google Sheet: track subcontractor deductions, HMRC payments and Xero/QuickBooks checks
CIS reconciliation Google Sheet template assists UK contractors in efficiently tracking subcontractor deductions, HMRC payments, and reconciling accounts with Xero or QuickBooks monthly.
Set up VAT self-billing for CIS subcontractors: Xero and QuickBooks step-by-step
Guide on setting up VAT self-billing for CIS subcontractors using Xero and QuickBooks, including necessary agreements and automation options.
Estimate vs quote: what builders should send and how to avoid price disputes
Builders should understand the difference between estimates and quotes, keeping accurate documentation to prevent price disputes and maintain clear communication with clients.
Xero and QuickBooks bank feeds: the simple setup for UK trades and how to fix the 90-day reconnect
How to set up bank feeds in Xero and QuickBooks for UK trades, addressing the 90-day reconnection requirement and offering troubleshooting tips.
CIS payment and deduction statements: what to include and how to send them in Xero and QuickBooks
Requirements and procedures for issuing CIS payment and deduction statements to subcontractors using Xero and QuickBooks, including deadlines and common mistakes.
HMRC VAT inspection checklist for construction: records to keep, reverse charge evidence and how to pass first time
HMRC's VAT inspection requirements for construction firms, covering necessary records, compliance checks, and tips for successful inspections.
13‑week cash flow for trades: simple UK template with CIS, VAT and retentions
Guide for UK construction businesses on creating a 13-week cash flow template, covering essential components, setup, and weekly updates.
Xero and QuickBooks: set up PAYE payroll and CIS subcontractors properly
Differences between PAYE payroll for employees and CIS for subcontractors, covering setup processes in Xero and QuickBooks, and common mistakes to avoid.
Automate supplier quotes and POs with Xero: compare prices, approve fast and avoid overpaying
Xero automates supplier quotes and purchase orders, simplifying procurement processes, improving speed, and keeping accurate job costing for UK trades.
Automate CIS returns from job sheets: Xero and QuickBooks setup, rules and statements
How to automate CIS returns using Xero and QuickBooks by capturing job data, setting up workflows, and keeping compliance with HMRC regulations.
Domestic Reverse Charge on mixed invoices: how to handle labour and materials in Xero and QuickBooks
How to manage Domestic Reverse Charge VAT on mixed invoices in Xero and QuickBooks, covering invoice requirements, setup processes, and common mistakes.
Work out your trade charge‑out rate: simple formula, examples and calculator links
Guide for sole traders and small contractors on calculating their charge-out rates, including formulas, examples, and common pitfalls to avoid.
0% VAT on energy‑saving materials: what installers need to know, invoice wording and examples
From 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027, the installation of qualifying energy-saving materials in homes and certain charities is zero-rated for VAT, reverting to 5% thereafter.
CIS subcontractor verification: what to collect, where to check and a simple automation to log rates
Process for verifying subcontractors under the Construction Industry Scheme, covering necessary information, verification methods, and automation options for record-keeping.
Late payment fees for trades: charge interest legally, template wording and a chase flow (UK)
Small construction trades and subcontractors can legally charge late payment fees on B2B invoices, including statutory interest and fixed compensation, using provided templates and guidelines.
CIS monthly return: deadlines, how to file in Xero and QuickBooks, penalties and nil returns
Construction contractors must file a CIS300 monthly return to HMRC by the 19th, even if no payments were made, to avoid penalties.
How to Set Your Day Rate in 2025 (UK Trades)
Learn how to calculate your day rate using the actual formula, benchmark against 2025 trade rates, and account for all your real costs—from van expenses to certifications—so you're not undercharging.