How to Start a Roofing Business in the UK (2026)
Roofing is one of the most accessible trades to start — a van, a ladder and a few tools and you can begin as a sole trader. There's no licence to be a roofer. But it's also one of the highest-risk trades, so the things that actually matter aren't on the roof: they're working-at-height safety, the right insurance, and the one credential that wins you the big domestic jobs. This guide covers every step in order.
Step 1 — Competence and safety credentials
- NVQ Level 2 in roofing (Level 3 for supervisors). If you're experienced but unqualified, the On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) route gets you there on demonstrated competence.
- CSCS card for site access.
- Working at Height training — roofing falls under the Work at Height Regulations 2007, and falls are the trade's biggest risk. This is the safety foundation, not an optional extra.
- Asbestos awareness training (UKATA/IATP) — essential the moment you strip an older roof.
Step 2 — Choose your structure and register with HMRC
- Sole trader — simplest to start; register for Self Assessment, get a UTR.
- Limited company — limited liability, often more tax-efficient as you grow; Companies House (~£50) + Corporation Tax.
Register within 3 months of starting to trade.
Step 3 — Register for CIS
Roofing is construction, so CIS applies. Working for builders or main contractors makes you a subcontractor — registering drops the tax deducted from your pay from 30% to 20%. Pay your own subbies and you're a contractor too, filing monthly.
Step 4 — Get insured (roofing needs more cover than most trades)
- Public liability — effectively essential, and roofers carry higher cover because of working at height and the potential for serious property damage (£2m–£5m+; the NFRC scheme expects £5m).
- Employers' liability — legal the moment you employ anyone (the NFRC scheme expects £10m).
- Tools, plant and contract works cover.
Step 5 — Target NFRC Competent Person Scheme registration
This is roofing's highest-leverage credential. Under Building Regulations, any refurbishment that replaces 50% or more of a roof must be signed off — normally by Local Authority Building Control. As a member of the NFRC Competent Person Scheme (the only government-licensed roofing CPS in England & Wales, formerly "CompetentRoofer"), you can self-certify that work and issue the compliance certificate yourself, saving your customer time and council fees. It requires NFRC membership, the insurances above, qualified operatives, and an office + site audit — so most roofers target it in year one or two once they have a portfolio.
Step 6 — The practical setup
- Business bank account.
- Waste carrier registration with the Environment Agency — you'll be removing old roofing materials.
- VAT — register once turnover exceeds £90,000.
Roofing business requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Needed? |
|---|---|
| Roofer's licence | ❌ No general licence exists |
| NVQ Level 2 + CSCS card | ✅ Expected for site work & insurance |
| Working-at-height training | ✅ Core legal safety duty |
| Asbestos awareness | ✅ For stripping older roofs |
| HMRC registration | ✅ Sole trader or limited company |
| CIS registration | ✅ If you subcontract or hire subbies |
| Public liability (£5m) | ⚠️ Effectively essential / scheme-required |
| Employers' liability (£10m) | ✅ Legal if you employ anyone |
| NFRC Competent Person Scheme | ⚪ Not legal-mandatory, but the key credential for major re-roofs |
| Waste carrier registration | ✅ You'll carry waste |
| VAT registration | ✅ Once turnover > £90,000 |
Start your roofing business the easy way
CIS, the working-at-height duties, the insurance levels, the NFRC route — they come in a specific order and the deadlines matter. Spark builds your exact roofing setup checklist, points you straight to CIS registration and the official safety and scheme routes, and tracks your renewals so nothing lapses. It's free.
Build my free checklist →FAQ
Do I need a licence to start a roofing business? No — but you must work to the Work at Height Regulations, CIS applies, and NFRC scheme membership is the credential that wins major re-roofing jobs.
What's the NFRC Competent Person Scheme? A government-licensed scheme that lets registered roofers self-certify roof refurbishment work (50%+ replacement) against Building Regulations, instead of arranging council inspections.
When do I register for VAT? Once turnover passes £90,000 in any 12-month period.
Last reviewed 2026. Confirm current scheme fees and rules on the official GOV.UK, HSE and NFRC pages before acting.