Sole Trader.

Electreacle · Apr 6, 2025

Hi all, please bear with me in regards to this post and the questions that I’m going to ask.

I’m currently a year out of my time. I am yet to obtain my 2391. Do I need to acquire this before being a sole trader?

I am currently employed with a social housing company..
Is it possible to be employed and be a sole trade still at the same?

I’ve been quoted £520 including vat for the year with an accountant. Is this good?

If I get small jobs like changing lights / sockets like for like can payment for this be transferred into my personal bank with no interruptions?

littlespark · Apr 7, 2025

You can set yourself up as a sole trader without any quals, really. But your options will be limited if the jobs require you to have grade card/ certification to even enter a site.
You will also need the full quals if you are going to join a CPS like NICEIC

Yes, it’s possible to be employed and self employed at the same time… but the employer may have a clause in the contract to forbid it.

520 + vat is good for an accountant.

Payment wise, you don’t need a “business” account if you’re a sole trader. Open a separate account, just to make the paperwork easy. If you get a Sumup card reader or something like that, it’ll give you a new account and card.

DefyG · Apr 7, 2025

littlespark said:
may have a clause in the contract to forbid it.

Especially if seen to be in competition with their main line of work!

A separate account would be easier to keep tabs on everything work wise. Dont forget to put tax away too as any self employed work would be taxable.