Running a trade business takes more than solid skills on the tools. It’s about knowing how to price a job properly, manage your money, attract new customers, and keep the work flowing. That’s where the Howdens’ Business Builder comes in.
We’ve teamed up with Howdens, the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, to help spread the word about this free online resource: a hub designed to help tradespeople strengthen their business skills and grow with confidence.
What’s Howdens’ Business Builder?
Since its launch, Howdens’ Business Builder has become a go-to spot for tradespeople across the UK looking for practical advice that’s actually relevant to life on site. It’s full of down-to-earth, easy-to-follow guidance on everything from how to price a job and make margin to how to get new customers and how to grow social media presence, to build a successful trade business that lasts.
Expert Advice from People Who Get It
Howdens’ Business Builder is designed to feature new topics over time, sharing real advice from people who’ve been there, done it, and got the paint-splattered T-shirt to prove it, helping trades build their business skills when it goes live. Whether you’re looking to bring in more customers, get your pricing right, or grow your social media presence, there’s something there for everyone. It’s designed to make running your business simpler, less stressful, and more successful.
Howdens has also run a number of depot day events across the UK, giving tradespeople the chance to drop in, chat with experts, and get tailored advice on growing their businesses: all part of a wider effort to make the trade more resilient and connected than ever before. Also as part of this year’s activities, Howdens also ran a Tool Marking session during its Big Howdens Trade Day. On 18 June, free tool marking kits were given away to tradespeople at two depots in Kent. Each kit can be used to mark up to 50 pieces of equipment, helping tradespeople protect their tools and reduce theft.
With an On The Tools Twist
At On The Tools, we’ve been proud to get behind the series, helping to create engaging content and videos to make sure every tradesperson knows about the support available. One such piece is our CEO Lee Wilcox’s video: How To Use Social Media To Grow Your Business.
In it, Lee shares his top tips on how tradespeople can use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to attract customers, build trust, and turn followers into paying work.
“Getting your name out there doesn’t have to mean knocking on doors… A solid social setup makes it easier for customers to find you, trust you, and hire you. When you get it right, it builds your reputation and keeps the work coming in.”
Supporting the Trade, Building the Future
This partnership between Howdens and On The Tools isn’t just about creating content; it’s about creating opportunities. Both share the same goal: to support the UK’s tradespeople at every stage of their business journey and help strengthen the construction industry from the ground up.
With the UK’s skills shortage still a challenge, helping tradespeople develop their business skills is a key part of building a stronger, more sustainable workforce. Through Howdens’ Business Builder, tradespeople across the country are gaining access to tools and advice that empower them to grow their businesses, stay competitive, and future-proof their livelihoods.
Austin Cooke, Managing Director – Trade at Howdens, added,
“The national skills shortage has been well-publicised, but we think the industry needs to do more to encourage new sole traders to join it, and more to support tradespeople to build their business skills and grow their business. As the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, we want to empower new and aspiring sole traders, and further support established tradespeople, to help them grow their businesses as their trusted partners.
“Business Builder reflects our commitment to helping make the industry stronger, upskilled, and more resilient. Whether it’s through practical training, business skills, or simply a place to connect with others, Business Builder is here to support new and growing trade professionals every step of the way – the latest evolution of how we’ve always done business, with tradespeople at the heart.”
Ready to Build Your Business?
Whether you’re a sole trader just starting out, or you’ve got a team that’s ready to grow, Howdens’ Business Builder is packed with the kind of practical, real-world advice that helps you take the next step with confidence.
Check out Howdens’ Business Builder today for free guides, videos, and tools made for trades, by trades. Explore Howdens’ Business Builder.
5 months ago 
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