Introduction – You’re More Than “Just a Plumber”
Ask any successful plumbing or heating engineer and they’ll tell you: running a trade business is about far more than fixing leaks or installing boilers. You’re not just a tradesperson—you’re a business owner.
That means you’re juggling:
- Quotes and invoices
- Staff wages and subcontractors
- Suppliers and merchants
- HMRC deadlines
- Customer service, marketing, and growth
It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of “job to job” firefighting. But with the right support, your trade business can move beyond day-to-day survival and grow into something stronger, more profitable, and more sustainable.
That’s where Hammond & Co comes in.
The Difference Between Ticking Boxes and Building a Business
Most accountants will file your tax return and keep you compliant. That’s important—but it’s only box ticking.
The real difference comes when your accountant acts as a partner in your growth. Instead of only looking backward at what you’ve earned, they help you look forward—planning, investing, and expanding with confidence.
That’s our approach at Hammond & Co. We don’t just make sure you’re compliant. We help make sure your business is moving in the right direction.
Compliance First – Getting the Basics Right
Before we talk about growth, the foundations must be solid. If your accounts, VAT, payroll, and CIS aren’t in order, everything else becomes harder.
Here’s how Hammond & Co keeps your plumbing or heating business compliant:
- Accounts filed on time – no late penalties
- VAT returns handled correctly – flat rate, standard, or reverse charge
- CIS managed properly – deductions tracked and rebates claimed
- Payroll sorted – from apprentices to subcontractors
- Companies House obligations met – confirmation statements and statutory accounts
Compliance may not be exciting, but it’s the backbone of every successful business.
Going Further – Cash Flow Forecasts, Growth Plans & Funding Options
Once the basics are under control, we help you take the next step forward. That includes:
- Cash flow forecasting – understanding when money comes in and goes out, so there are no nasty surprises
- Growth planning – whether it’s hiring another engineer, buying a second van, or expanding services
- Funding and finance support – asset finance for vans, equipment, or even premises
- Profit planning – making sure every job is priced correctly and actually makes you money
We help you move from simply working hard to building real value and long-term wealth.
How Plumbing & Heating Engineers Can Scale
Many trade business owners reach a point where they ask: “What’s next?”
Growth might look like:
- Hiring apprentices to take on routine work
- Adding vans to expand capacity
- Winning larger contracts, such as commercial maintenance or local authority work
- Branching into related services like renewables, underfloor heating, or bathroom installations
Each of these decisions carries financial risk. A proactive accountant helps you assess those risks, plan cash flow, and structure the business correctly before you commit.
The Role of Technology in Scaling
The right systems allow your business to grow without drowning you in paperwork. At Hammond & Co, we help clients adopt technology that saves time and improves visibility:
- Xero – real-time accounts you can access anywhere
- Dext / Hubdoc – snap receipts and invoices in seconds
- SmartVault – secure document storage with no lost paperwork
- BrightPay – straightforward payroll as your team grows
These tools aren’t just software—they’re growth enablers.
Tailored Advice for a Seasonal, High-Pressure Trade
Plumbing and heating businesses face unique challenges. Winter brings high demand, summer can be quieter, and emergency call-outs are unpredictable. Add warranties, maintenance contracts, and compliance checks, and things quickly become complex.
Because we understand the trade, our advice is always practical:
- Smoothing cash flow through seasonal dips
- Pricing work properly so warranties don’t erode profit
- Balancing emergency income with steady contract work
We don’t offer generic advice—we offer advice that works in the real world.
Why Choose Hammond & Co?
So why partner with Hammond & Co instead of a generic high-street accountant?
- We speak your language – clear, jargon-free advice
- We understand the trade – CIS, VAT, vans, and subcontractors
- We’re proactive – planning ahead, not panicking at year-end
- We’re approachable – call, email, or drop in when you need us
We see ourselves as part of your team. When your business grows, we’ve done our job right.
Real-World Example – Growing with the Right Support
Take Sarah, who ran a small plumbing business with just herself and one apprentice. She wanted to grow but wasn’t sure she could afford another van and engineer.
We helped her:
- Forecast cash flow for the next 12 months
- Improve invoicing and reduce slow-paying customers
- Secure asset finance for a second van
- Restructure drawings and dividends for better tax efficiency
Within 18 months, Sarah had three vans on the road, a steady contract with a local property developer, and—most importantly—more time with her family.
Her words:
“Hammond & Co gave me the confidence to grow. I understood the numbers, so I could make decisions without the stress. They’re not just my accountants—they’re my partners.”
Partner with Hammond & Co to Take Your Trade Business to the Next Level
If you’re a plumbing or heating engineer, you don’t have to stay stuck in “job to job” survival mode. With the right support, you can build a business that grows, supports your family, and gives you real financial freedom.
At Hammond & Co, we help you:
✅ Stay compliant and stress-free
✅ Plan for tax and avoid surprises
✅ Use technology to save time and money
✅ Scale your business with confidence
📞 Call us today: 01246 563414
🌐 Visit:https://www.hammondbusiness.co.uk/news/blogs
📧 Email: admin@hammondbusiness.co.uk
Your trade keeps homes warm and water flowing.
Our trade keeps your business moving from jobs to growth.
Let’s build something bigger—together.