Knowing When and How to Scale Your Trades Business

If you want to scale your trades business, listen up. 

It’s not an easy thing to do.

Scaling your trades business can be as complex as a network of pipes in a large building, or as tricky as the wiring in a smart home.

But, if you are organised, have effective processes in place, and are ready to invest in your business, then you have every chance of scaling up successfully.

For electricians and plumbers looking to grow their business, understanding when and how to scale is key.

At Fergus, we help over 20,000 tradespeople in the UK get to grips with their business, helping them to expand their operations. 

And here, we’ve created a guide to help you navigate the expansion of your trades business.

Recognising the Right Time to Scale

How do you know when to scale your trades business?

Well, growth opportunities can present themselves in various ways.

The key is to recognise when the time is right.

Here are a few indicators:

• Consistent Demand: If you’re turning away work because you’re too busy, it might be time to consider scaling up.
• Stable Finances: Having a steady cash flow and profits over several months indicates that your business has a solid foundation for expansion.
• Market Conditions: Are there emerging markets or a surge in construction in your area? These could be signs to grow your business.

6 Steps to Scale Up Your Trades Business

Scaling a business involves careful planning and execution.

Here are steps to consider:

1. Strategic Planning

Define clear goals and objectives for your growth. What does scaling up look like for you?

More employees, more services, or expanding to new locations?

Scaling requires being able to forecast revenue ahead of time, so ask yourself, am I consistently bringing in predictable, repeatable, and scalable revenue?

If you could keep cloning yourself, would you be able to double, triple, and quadruple your revenue?

Answering these questions is a quick way to start mapping out a plan to scale your trades business.

2. Invest in Technology

Of course, we would say this, but if you want to grow your trades business, you need to ensure organisation and a streamlined job management system.

That’s why you should utilise tools like Fergus to manage jobs, invoice, and grow customer relationships efficiently.

A 14-day free trial can show you how technology can streamline your operations.

3. Hiring the Right Team

As you grow, you’ll need a team that can handle the increased workload.

It can be tough to pass on the reigns, especially as you’ve taken your trades business to where it is today, but learning to delegate or outsource your work is key to scaling up your business.

Hire skilled tradespeople who share your business values, so you can trust them to take on responsibility within your company.

Also, don’t be afraid to invest where necessary to ensure your staff are fully qualified. This will ensure quality control, provides a strong chance of a healthy ROI, and gives your business the best chance of success.

4. Marketing and Branding

Scaling often involves branching into new territories, where you won’t be able to simply rely on word of mouth.

You may want to consider hiring a marketing professional to ensure your market knows about your expanded capabilities.

Invest in marketing strategies such as paid advertisements that target your ideal customers, and make the most out of your social channels.

5. Quality Control

As you scale, maintaining the quality of your work is paramount. Implement quality control processes to ensure your standards remain high.

We’ve already mentioned training your staff members, but you should also consider creating detailed workflows for each service you offer, and setting them as non-negotiable.

In addition to this, regularly inspect and audit work done, and reflect on how you could improve your practice.

Don’t forget to stay on top of the latest and greatest tools and materials you can afford, and take customer feedback seriously.

6. Financial Management

Effective financial management is the backbone of any successful scaling strategy.

Scaling up means more expenses, so financial planning is key.

You will need a fully fleshed out budget that accounts for the increased costs, and use financial forecasting to predict your future incomings and outgoings.

Keep your cash flowing by streamlining your administration processes (by using Fergus), invest in growth, and don’t hesitate to consult with financial advisors to guide you through this process.

Growing Your Trades Business

Learning how to grow a trades business involves more than just scaling up; it’s about sustainable growth.

Here are some fundamentals you will need tips:

• Networking: Build relationships with contractors, suppliers, and other tradespeople. These connections can lead to new business opportunities.
• Customer Service: Excellent customer service leads to repeat business and referrals. Always exceed customer expectations.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies. This knowledge can give you a competitive edge.

Scale Smarter

Scaling your trades business is a significant step that requires careful consideration and strategic planning.

By recognising the right time to scale and taking deliberate steps towards growth, you can ensure that your business thrives.

Ready to take your trades business to the next level?

Sign up for a 14-day free trial of Fergus and discover how our platform can support your expansion efforts.

Remember, scaling is not just about getting bigger; it’s about getting better.

With the right approach, you can grow your trades business efficiently and sustainably.