Wickes launches trade website

DIY chain Wickes, part of builders merchant group Travis Perkins, has launched an online resource for builders.

www.wickestradebuilder.co.uk is the result of a collaboration with the government's Business Link online resource for businesses.

Statistics released by the Construction Index show that the first quarter of this year saw a 23% increase in the number of construction companies going into administration in the UK compared to the last quarter of 2010.

It is a simple to access and navigate website developed to provide tailored business information for tradesmen. The site provides the key information an independent tradesman needs to run a successful business, including template invoices, tips on getting and keeping customers, navigating the legalities surrounding the hiring of employees and apprentices, and tax assessment guidelines.

Wickes' research shows 38% of British tradesmen do not seek any business advice, with 35% stating that it is difficult to find the business information they need. Just 2% of those questioned currently seek business advice from a business advisory service and only 1% go to a professional trade body for guidance.

"It's imperative that tradesmen understand how to protect and grow their businesses effectively, but our research has shown that many tradesmen don't know where to find this kind of advice easily," says Wickes marketing director Rob Murray.

" Wickes recognises that it has a responsibility to provide the essential information a tradesmen needs to run a successful business, from tax return dates to managing money. This means that tradesmen get exactly what they need to know in just a couple of clicks."

Business Link Director, Ray Lambe, says: "It is really important that we make our information as easy as possible for tradesmen to get hold of. We have joined Wickes in creating the Trade Builder site so that tradesmen can find the business advice they need in one, easily-accessible place. Trade Builder provides information ranging from debt recovery to local advertising to hiring subcontractors - including the legalities that go with it."

Source : Builders Merchants Journal www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net/news/news.asp?id=8030&title=Wickes+launches+trade+website