The GraftLog Blog
Practical, no-nonsense guides for UK tradespeople — covering tax, pricing, getting paid, and running your business properly.
- MTD & Tax27 May 20268 min read
MTD for Sole Traders: What's Changing in 2026 and How to Get Ready
Making Tax Digital is rolling out to sole traders. Here's what it actually means, what you have to do, and the easiest way to stay compliant without paying an accountant £500 a year.
Read article - Pricing & Money25 May 20267 min read
How Much Should an Electrician Charge Per Hour in the UK? (2026)
A practical guide to setting your hourly rate as a self-employed electrician — covering day rates, call-out fees, regional variations, and how to quote so you don't leave money on the table.
Read article - Getting Paid22 May 20267 min read
How to Write a Quote for Building Work (Free Template, 2026)
A clear quote wins work and protects you from scope creep. Here's exactly what to include, the difference between a quote and an estimate, and a free template you can copy.
Read article - Pricing & Money20 May 20266 min read
How Much Should a Painter & Decorator Charge Per Day in the UK? (2026)
Working out your day rate as a self-employed painter and decorator — covering prep, materials, region, and how to quote without losing money on slow jobs.
Read article - VAT28 Apr 20266 min read
VAT Registration Threshold UK 2026: When to Register, How, and What Happens If You Don't
The VAT threshold is £90,000 in 2026. Here's exactly when you need to register, how to do it, what it costs in time and money, and the penalties for getting it wrong.
Read article - Self Assessment15 Apr 20268 min read
Self Assessment Tax Return for Sole Traders: A Plain-English Guide (2026)
Sole trader Self Assessment doesn't have to be terrifying. Here's what to fill in, what to ignore, when to file, and how to pay HMRC without late-payment penalties.
Read article - CIS2 Apr 20266 min read
CIS Deductions Explained for UK Subcontractors (2026)
Working under the Construction Industry Scheme? Here's how CIS deductions work, what to expect on your payslips, and how to claim them back at Self Assessment.
Read article - Templates20 Mar 20264 min read
Free Electrician Invoice Template (UK, 2026)
A clean, professional electrician invoice template you can copy. Plus what's legally required on a UK invoice and how to get paid faster.
Read article - MTD & Tax10 Mar 20267 min read
The Best Accounting Software for UK Sole Traders in 2026
Comparing the top UK accounting apps for sole traders — pricing, MTD compatibility, ease of use, and which one tradespeople actually like.
Read article - Getting Paid25 Feb 20266 min read
How to Get Paid Faster as a Tradesperson: 10 Tips That Actually Work
Slow payment is the single biggest cash-flow killer for UK tradespeople. Here are 10 things you can do this week to get paid faster and chase less.
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