Guide
How to start an electrical business in the UK
Updated 2 October 2026 · 5 minute read
Most domestic electricians who go self-employed join a competent person scheme first, because it lets you sign off your own notifiable work. Here's what that involves, what it costs, and what else to sort out.
Part P: sign off your own work, or go through building control
Under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, notifiable work, such as a new circuit, replacing a consumer unit, or work in a bathroom or shower area, has to be certified. You can either:
- Join a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or BESCA, and self-certify. The homeowner then gets a compliance certificate within 30 days.
- Notify building control before you start on each job, and pay their fees.
If you'll do a steady stream of domestic work, a scheme is usually simpler. Rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What a scheme costs
NICEIC lists its Domestic Installer fees for 2026/27 as:
| Fee | Excluding VAT | Including VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Application | £95 | £114 |
| First 12 months' certification | £600 | £720 |
| First year in total | £695 | £834 |
| Yearly renewal | £595 (£575 by direct debit) | £714 (£690 by direct debit) |
NAPIT and BESCA run similar schemes; compare their current prices and what they assess before you choose.
Qualifications and the current regulations
- The current wiring regulations are BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, published on 15 April 2026. It's still the 18th Edition. The previous version, with Amendment 3, is withdrawn on 15 October 2026, so make sure your qualification and your reference books are up to date.
- The ECS Installation Electrician (gold) card needs a recognised Level 3 qualification or apprenticeship, a recognised BS 7671 qualification and the ECS health and safety assessment. It isn't a legal requirement, but many sites and contractors ask for it.
Insurance
- Public liability insurance isn't a legal requirement, but schemes, customers and contractors commonly expect it.
- Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement once you employ anyone, with at least £5 million of cover.
The admin every sole trader needs
Registering with HMRC, Self Assessment, VAT and Making Tax Digital are covered in our going self-employed checklist.
Getting your first customers
- Landlords need their electrics inspected at least every five years in England, which makes EICRs a steady source of work. See how to get more work as an electrician.
- Set up a Google Business Profile and ask every customer for a review.
- Give EV chargers, consumer units and EICRs their own pages on your website. See SEO for electricians.
See what yours would look like
We'll build a website for your business from your Google listing, free. You only pay £199 if you want to keep it.
Sources
- GOV.UK: competent person schemes, current schemes
- Planning Portal: electrics, building regulations
- NICEIC: Domestic Installer scheme fees 2026/27 (checked 2 Oct 2026)
- BSI: BS 7671:2018+A4:2026
- ECS: Installation Electrician card
- HSE: employers' liability insurance
Prices change. Figures were checked on the date above; check the provider's site for today's price.