How to Start a Plastering Business in the UK (2026)
Plastering is one of the most in-demand trades and one of the simplest to set up — there's no licence to be a plasterer. The things that actually matter are proving your skill, getting on sites, the right insurance, and handling CIS correctly. This guide covers every step in order.
Step 1 — Prove your trade and get site-ready
There's no legal qualification to plaster, but an NVQ Level 2 in Plastering and a CSCS card are what get you onto sites and unlock insurance. Dust is the real hazard — plaster and silica dust need proper masks and control under COSHH.
Step 2 — Choose your structure and register with HMRC
Sole trader (register for Self Assessment) or limited company (Companies House + Corporation Tax). Register within 3 months of trading.
Step 3 — Register for CIS
Plastering is construction, so CIS applies. Working for builders makes you a subcontractor — registering drops the tax deducted from your pay from 30% to 20%. Pay your own labourers and you're a contractor too, filing monthly.
Step 4 — Get insured
Public liability (effectively essential, £1m–£5m), employers' liability (legal once you employ anyone), and tools/van cover.
Step 5 — The practical setup
Business bank account, waste carrier registration if you remove waste from sites, and VAT once turnover exceeds £90,000 (watch the domestic reverse charge if VAT-registered and working for contractors).
Plastering business requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Needed? |
|---|---|
| Plasterer's licence | ❌ No licence exists |
| NVQ Level 2 + CSCS card | ✅ Expected for site work & insurance |
| HMRC registration | ✅ Sole trader or limited company |
| CIS registration | ✅ If you subcontract or hire |
| Public liability insurance | ⚠️ Effectively essential |
| Employers' liability insurance | ✅ Legal if you employ anyone |
| Waste carrier registration | ⚪ If you carry waste |
| VAT registration | ✅ Once turnover > £90,000 |
Start your plastering business the easy way
Spark builds your exact plastering setup checklist — the right registrations in the right order, CIS pointed to directly, and your deadlines tracked. Free.
Build my free checklist →FAQ
Do I need a licence to be a plasterer? No — but CIS applies, and a CSCS card plus NVQ are expected for site work and insurance. When do I register for VAT? Once turnover passes £90,000 in any 12-month period.
Last reviewed 2026. Confirm current rules on GOV.UK before acting.