If you ask a tradesperson what it was that attracted them to a career in construction, many would likely say that the prospect of setting up their own business was a major draw to the industry. 

With a trade that is as regularly in high demand as gas, those with the sought-after skills and qualifications are often in a strong position when it comes to work and progression opportunities.

That means building up your experience and moving on to working for yourself is definitely a realistic prospect for gas engineers. If going solo as a gas engineer is something you’re keen to explore, we’ve rounded up some of the key things to keep in mind. 

What options are available to gas engineers who want to work for themselves? 

There are a few ways to approach work as a self-employed gas engineer. 

Working alone as a sole trader or as a limited company owner means you can manage the entire process, from discovering work and choosing your customers through to completing the jobs yourself. 

If you find yourself getting busy, you may choose to grow your team, allowing you to take on more work and larger projects. This does, of course, come with added responsibilities such as payroll and managing multiple schedules. 

Alternatively, you may choose to work as a contractor with a larger company, which can reduce the burden of sourcing your own customers. 

What considerations should be made when setting up a gas engineering business?

Ensuring your business is registered properly should generally be the first step of going self-employed — you can do this through the GOV.uk website. There are two options to consider: either registering yourself as a sole trader or a limited company. You can find more information and advice on which might be right for you here. 

Another thing to weigh up is whether you want to register for VAT. This isn’t compulsory until you reach the current VAT-earning threshold of £85,000 per year. 

Public liability insurance is definitely something self-employed gas engineers need, as it covers injury or damage caused by any work you have carried out. Other insurances worth looking into include professional indemnity insurance, tool and vehicle insurance, and employers’ liability insurance if you do go on to employ others. 

What are the benefits of setting up your own business as a gas engineer? 

There is a long list of reasons why a gas engineer might choose to work for themselves. 

One of the most common reasons engineers move into self-employment is being in a position to set their own hours and schedule, giving them greater control over their work-life balance.  

Going self-employed in the gas industry can also mean an increase in earning potential. According to Checkatrade’s latest salary data, a gas engineer in full-time employment can expect to earn on average £45,760 per year. This figure rises to £64,902 for sole traders, and reaches as high as £73,014 for owners of a limited company.

How can gas engineers market their services? 

Understanding how to market yourself and your services is crucial when working for yourself. Below are a few ways you can help get your name out there: 

  • Invest in a professional-looking website
  • Encourage customers to leave reviews across social media, Google and platforms like Checkatrade
  • Combine traditional marketing like signwriting vans and business cards with an active social media presence (this can be easily updated with recent photos of work and testimonials) 
  • Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth
  • Consider attending trade shows and construction networking events 

While setting up your own gas business does come with challenges, for most people, the benefits massively outweigh these, and the decision to go solo can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re thinking about taking those first steps towards a career in gas, Able Skills offers a range of expert-led courses to suit all levels of expertise. You can find more information about all courses online here.