How to Start a Plastering Business in the UK [2025 Edition]

Is a plastering business profitable? Absolutely – skilled plasterers are in high demand, and the pay reflects it. Home improvement and housing projects have surged post-pandemic, so plasterers are busier than ever.

While employees in this trade earn a respectable income, those who strike out on their own often take home between £37,000 and £50,000 a year after expenses. Some go even higher once they build up regular clients and a local reputation.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to turn your plastering skills into a profitable business in 2025. From legal steps and equipment to pricing, marketing, and finding work, we’ll cover everything you need to get started.

Step 1: Plan your plastering business

Every successful business starts with a clear plan. Before you start doing anything else, take time to map out exactly how your business will run.

⚡Define your services

Are you offering internal wall plastering, external rendering, skimming, dry lining, or decorative plasterwork? 

Some plasterers specialise in heritage or lime-based work, while others focus on commercial contracts. Defining your services early helps shape your branding, pricing, and target market.

⚡Choose your target market

Will you serve homeowners, landlords, developers, or contractors? Each audience has different needs, expectations, and budgets. For example, homeowners often value cleanliness and communication, while builders prioritise speed and reliability.

⚡Forecast your finances

Estimate how much you’ll need to invest up front (van, tools, insurance, training), and how much you expect to earn each month. Be realistic and factor in quieter periods. Good financial forecasting helps avoid surprises and gives you confidence when pricing jobs.

⚡Write your business plan

Put it all together in a short but structured document. Include:

• Business name and structure (sole trader or limited company)
• Services and pricing model
• Target customers
• Marketing strategy
• Startup costs and funding
• Monthly operating costs and projected income
• Short and long-term goals

A business plan is especially important if you want to apply for a startup loan or open a business bank account. It’s your roadmap, and you’ll update it as your business evolves.

Step 2: Register your business legally in the UK

Once your plan is ready, you need to make it official. Registering your business ensures you’re compliant with UK tax laws and eligible for work under legal structures that suit your needs.

⚡ Choose your business structure

You have two main options:

• Sole trader: Easy to set up, minimal paperwork, and full control over your earnings. You are personally responsible for debts and taxes.
• Limited company: A separate legal entity that protects your personal assets. This structure comes with more admin responsibilities but can be more tax-efficient if you earn a higher income.

Most plasterers start as sole traders and may switch to a limited company once they grow and begin hiring others.

⚡Register with HMRC or Companies House

• If you’re a sole trader, register for Self Assessment with HMRC. This is free and can be done online. You’ll receive a UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) number for your tax returns.
• If you form a limited company, register through Companies House (cost: £50 online or for free with ANNA). You’ll need a unique company name and a business address. After registration, you must also register for Corporation Tax within 3 months.

⚡ Consider additional registrations

• If you expect to earn over £90,000 in turnover, register for VAT.
• If you plan to work with contractors, sign up for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Under CIS, contractors deduct tax from your payments and pass it to HMRC.

Open a business bank account to separate your personal and professional finances. This is a must for limited companies and strongly advised for sole traders.

Step 3: Licences, permits, and legal requirements

Operating legally in the plastering trade means understanding which permits and registrations apply to your type of work. While plastering is generally low-risk, certain tasks, like dealing with asbestos or transporting waste, come with additional responsibilities.

⚡Waste carrier licence

If you remove and dispose of construction waste, including used plasterboard, you may need a waste carrier licence. The Environment Agency issues this and ensures you’re handling waste responsibly.

• Lower tier registration (free): For businesses only transporting their own waste.
• Upper tier registration (£154): Required if transporting construction waste for clients.

Failure to register could result in fines, even if you’re only removing small amounts.

⚡Asbestos awareness training

Older properties in the UK may contain asbestos in ceilings or wall coatings. While most plasterers won’t remove asbestos directly, you must complete asbestos awareness training if there’s any risk you’ll encounter it.

• This is usually a one-day course.
• Required by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Control of Asbestos Regulations.

If you plan to remove asbestos, you’ll need a licence from the HSE and to follow strict regulations on handling and disposal.

⚡Public liability insurance

This is not a permit but a critical legal protection. Most clients, especially developers or contractors, will ask to see proof of public liability insurance before hiring you.

• Covers injury or property damage caused during your work.
• Policies start from around £300 per year.

If you plan to hire staff, you’ll also need employers’ liability insurance, which is a legal requirement in the UK.

⚡Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)

If you subcontract under a main contractor, you must register with HMRC’s Construction Industry Scheme. Under CIS, your contractor will deduct tax from your payments and send it directly to HMRC.

This protects against tax avoidance and ensures your earnings are reported correctly.

Step 4: Startup costs and budgeting for your plastering business

Setting up a plastering business doesn't require a huge investment, but you will need to budget carefully for key expenses. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when you’re just getting started:

⚡Tools and equipment

Essential tools include plastering trowels, hawks, mixers, spirit levels, sanding tools, buckets, and ladders or stilts. You may already own some, but starting from scratch will cost approximately £800 to £2,000 depending on quality and quantity.

⚡Transport

A reliable van is a must. You’ll need space to carry plasterboard, tools, and materials.

• Used van: £3,000 to £8,000
• New van: £15,000 and up

Budget for insurance, tax, and maintenance

⚡Insurance and licences

• Public liability insurance: £300 to £600 per year
• Employers' liability (if hiring): add £100 – £300
• Waste carrier registration: free (lower tier) or £154 (upper tier)
• Asbestos awareness course: £100 to £200

⚡Materials and consumables

Initial purchases of plaster, bonding agents, scrim tape, and other consumables can cost between £300 and £600, depending on job size and workload.

⚡Tech and admin setup

• Business phone: £100 – £300
• Accounting software or accountant: £10 – £30 per month or around £400 per year
• Basic website and branding: £200 – £500

While you don’t need to spend at the top end to get started, underinvesting can affect your service quality. Start with the basics, then scale your toolkit and systems as your workload increases.

Step 5: How to market your plastering business and find reliable clients

Getting a steady flow of work is just as important as doing a quality job. Without consistent marketing and client acquisition, even the best plastering skills won't keep your business running. The good news is that plastering services are always in demand, especially if you know how to reach the right audience.

⚡Build a local online presence

• Create a simple website with photos of past jobs, a list of services, contact info, and customer testimonials.
• Set up a Google Business Profile so your name appears in local search results and Google Maps.
• Join trade platforms like Checkatrade, Rated People, or MyBuilder where homeowners look for trusted tradespeople.

⚡Use social media strategically

• Share photos and videos of completed work on Facebook and Instagram.
• Join local community groups and offer advice or respond to people asking for plasterers.
• Engage with followers and encourage happy customers to tag you in their posts.

⚡Network with other trades and property pros

• Connect with builders, electricians, painters, and kitchen fitters who might need plastering services.
• Build relationships with estate agents, landlords, or property developers who can offer repeat work.

⚡Consider low-cost advertising

• Use flyers, van signage, or ads in local directories.
• Offer a referral discount or incentive to past customers who recommend you.

Step 6: Managing your finances and pricing your services for profit

Understanding your financials is crucial if you want to stay in business and grow it. Pricing too low can eat into your profits, while pricing too high might scare away potential clients. You’ll also need to stay on top of taxes, expenses, and cash flow.

⚡How to price your plastering services

• Hourly rate: Most plasterers charge between £20 and £40 per hour depending on skill level and location. In cities like London, you might charge even more.
• Day rate: Typically ranges from £150 to £300. This is useful for larger projects where time is easier to estimate than square footage.
• Per square metre: Common for rendering or large surface areas. Calculate your material, labor, and time costs first, then add your profit margin.

Always factor in travel, setup time, and cleanup when quoting. Be transparent with clients and include clear terms to avoid confusion later.

⚡Track your income and expenses

Use accounting software like QuickBooks, FreeAgent, or Xero to keep records of:

• Jobs completed and income earned
• Business expenses (tools, fuel, materials, marketing, insurance)
• Mileage and vehicle costs
• VAT (if registered)

💡Pro tip

Running a plastering business means you're always on the move: quoting jobs, buying supplies, managing a team, and chasing invoices. 

ANNA makes the financial side of your business simple. You can open a business account in under 10 minutes, get a virtual card instantly, and start snapping receipts from your van with automatic expense sorting.

• Issue multiple cards to your team with spending limits
• Send invoices on the go – ANNA even chases late payments for you
• Separate your tax money using smart savings pots
• Track cash flow with instant notifications and real-time overviews
• Accept payments with links, QR codes, or a Dojo card machine
• Connect with accounting tools like Xero or QuickBooks, or use ANNA’s own tax and bookkeeping support

This makes your Self Assessment return much easier at year-end and ensures you’re not missing out on deductible expenses.

⚡Understand your tax obligations

• Sole traders pay Income Tax and Class 2 & Class 4 National Insurance on profits.
• Limited companies pay Corporation Tax, and you’ll need to handle PAYE if you pay yourself a salary.
• If VAT registered, file quarterly VAT returns with HMRC.

💡That’s where ANNA +Taxes steps in.

It covers all your business tax needs in one place – from registering for VAT, Payroll and Corporation Tax, to automatically calculating and filing them. 

• ANNA helps you claim more expenses, reserve tax money in smart pots, and stay ahead of deadlines with a personalised tax calendar. You can even file Corporation Tax and Annual Accounts from the app if you’re in your first year of trading.
• No need to worry about missing HMRC requirements – ANNA guides you through registration, provides a Bookkeeping Score to help improve your tax efficiency, and uses a smart receipt scanner to match and categorise your purchases. 
• Plus, with the help of ANNA’s AI-powered Tax Terrapin, you can get instant answers to your tax questions, with links to the relevant HMRC guidance.

All of this is bundled into a single subscription starting at just £3/month for the first 3 months. After that, it’s £24/month + VAT: covering all the tax tools your business needs to stay compliant and efficient.

⚡Plan for slow periods

Even busy trades like plastering can hit seasonal lulls or unexpected gaps. Set aside a portion of your income each month as a buffer. Aim to build up at least three months’ worth of expenses in savings.

📌 Tip: Review your pricing annually

Material costs and inflation can change rapidly. Review your pricing structure at least once a year to make sure your rates still reflect your costs, skill level, and local market conditions.

Strong financial habits let you plan confidently, make better decisions, and grow your plastering business with fewer surprises.

Step 7: Qualifications and training to build skills and credibility

You don’t need formal qualifications to work as a plasterer in the UK, but having the right training and certifications can help you win more clients, work on larger projects, and improve your craft.

⚡Recommended qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Plastering: This is the industry-recognized standard. It shows you can meet professional expectations and is often required on larger building sites.
• NVQ Level 3 in Plastering: Suitable for more experienced plasterers looking to specialise or supervise others. It can also support applications for skilled worker visas if you plan to grow a team.
• City & Guilds Diplomas: These offer structured training and practical assessment in key areas like solid plastering or fibrous plastering.

⚡Where to train

• Local colleges and trade training centers offer part-time or full-time plastering courses.
• Private training providers run intensive short courses for beginners or those switching careers.
• Experienced plasterers can complete an on-site assessment (OSAT) to gain an NVQ while working.

⚡CPD and specialist training

Once you’re qualified, stay competitive by learning new techniques:

• External wall insulation (EWI)
• Venetian plaster or decorative finishes
• Heritage lime plastering
• Damp-proofing and waterproof render systems

⚡CSCS card

Many building sites require a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. To get one, you need a relevant qualification (like an NVQ) and to pass a health and safety test.

⚡Member organisations

Joining a trade association boosts credibility:

• The Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
• The British Gypsum Certified Plasterer Scheme
• The Master Plasterers & Dryliners Association (MPDA)

Training is an investment in your future. It builds confidence, helps you charge more, and reassures clients they’re hiring someone who knows their trade inside out.

Final thoughts and next steps

Starting a plastering business in the UK can be a rewarding and profitable venture if you plan carefully and commit to delivering high-quality work. With demand steady and opportunities to expand into niche services, it’s a solid choice for skilled tradespeople.

To make setting up your business easier, consider using ANNA. You can register a Limited Company for free and open a business account at the same time. It’s quick, simple, and removes the paperwork headache.

Register a company and get your plastering business off the ground today.