The Cole Journal
Off the Tools
No fluff. Just the pricing, compliance and cash-flow stuff that actually makes a difference to a UK trade business.
Do you always get disputes when you send the invoice? Here's how to avoid them
When using the correct tools in your trade business, you can avoid those awkward conversations when you send the final bill over.
Read the article →How to price a bathroom refurb in the UK without losing your shirt
A straight-talking guide to pricing a full bathroom refurb in 2026 — labour rates, materials, contingency, VAT and the margin most trades forget to add.
CIS tax for subcontractors: the plain-English 2026 guide
What CIS is, when you need to register, how the 20% and 30% deductions work, and how to reclaim overpaid CIS at year end.
EICR certificates: what UK electricians need to know in 2026
The rules around Electrical Installation Condition Reports for landlords and homeowners, what C1/C2/C3 codes mean, and how to issue them faster.
Six ways to get paid faster as a UK tradesman
Late payments are killing small trade businesses. Six changes to your quoting, invoicing and payment terms that get money in the bank inside 7 days.
CP12 gas safety certificates: what every UK landlord and engineer should know
The legal duty behind the CP12, what has to be checked, how long records need to be kept, and how to issue a compliant CP12 from your phone.
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