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Last updated: 4 April 2024
Upskilling as a fencing contractor
Fencing services are in big demand. If you’re thinking of upskilling as a local fencing contractor, this article looks at how to boost your revenue as fence experts.
There’s a lot to get excited about with fencing. For tradespeople, especially landscape gardeners, joiners and carpenters, it’s a great opportunity to increase revenue.
A report by the Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) in 2018 found that the UK fencing market could be worth over £1 billion. That could be even more today.
Upskilling in fencing services brings professionalism that helps to reduce risks to customers from rogue traders. That’s why we always urge tradespeople to join professional bodies like the AFI and Checkatrade.
Why demand for fencing services is increasing
High interest rates are making mortgages more expensive. The cost-of-living crisis is stretching household budgets. As a result, more homeowners are staying put.
That means many people are looking at home improvements rather than moving house. This is likely to include garden improvement.
People want to spend more time in their gardens. The mental health charity Mind estimates over seven million people have taken up gardening since the Covid-19 pandemic. And every one of them has probably glanced at their fencing and thought about improving it!
A lot of families have cash to spend if they saved during the lockdown years that put a halt to travel and holidays. There’s pent-up demand to spend on things like garden and home improvements.
There’s also the security aspect to consider. Homeowners will want to feel safe in their properties.
Gardens can contain quite expensive items that could be easy targets for opportunistic thieves. Barbecues, gardening equipment, lawnmowers and bicycles kept in sheds or outside can be tempting targets. A strong fence acts as an effective deterrent.
It’s not just homeowners who may need fencing services. Demand comes from:
Fencing for residential properties
Agricultural fencing contractor work
Fencing for businesses in general, especially if they store expensive assets outside
Where fencing skills are needed most
These are jobs where skilled tradespeople are most wanted:
Garden fencing – all styles and in many different materials
Panel fencing – for domestic and business premises
Wooden gates – for homes and workplaces
Fencing contractor work – often for larger projects
Fencing repair and replacement – ongoing work needed to keep fences effective and looking healthy
If you’re thinking of starting a fencing business, now’s the time to do it. For such an in-demand trade, you’ll want to know how much a fencing contractor earns.
Don't sit on the fence - learn a new skill
Checkatrade supports local fencing contractors
Tools for the job
Tradespeople considering upskilling with fencing services knowledge will also need the right tools for the job.
Typically, these could include:
A van to transport tools and equipment
Post drivers
Fence stretches
Saws
Drills
Spades
Pliers
Post levels
Vans and these types of business equipment are called capital expenditure. Tradespeople can use business expenses to reduce their taxable profits.
Training in fencing services
Upskilling to be a local fencing contractor will probably require additional training. This might be needed to add to your existing trade experience. Training and qualifications enable tradespeople to demonstrate greater professionalism.
If you want to provide fencing services, you’ll probably need to upskill in these areas:
Levelling ground ready to install fencing
Installing fences, gateposts and fence components
Digging foundations for fence posts
Repairing damaged fencing
Handling fencing materials
Storing fencing materials
Health and safety factors in fence installation
Fencing contractor risk assessment experience
Useful qualifications for providing fencing services include:
The Fencing Industry Skills Scheme. This will give you the Fencing Industry Skills Card.
It’s essential to prove that you have been trained to install fencing properly and safely.
Don't sit on the fence - learn a new skill
Checkatrade supports local fencing contractors
Fencing contractor risk assessment
The Fencing Industry Skills Card shows a tradesperson knows how to assess safety and risks. This reduces accidents and injuries. The Health and Safety Executive also provides comprehensive rules on risk assessment in the construction sector.
Other companies provide fencing risk assessment templates and advice.
FAQs
What training is available for fencing services?
A wide choice of training is available depending on your current skills and how far you want to develop your expertise. This includes NVQs, apprenticeships and fencing industry qualifications.
What skills does an agricultural fencing contractor need?
The core skills required by an agricultural fencing contractor are likely to be similar to general fencing services skills. With agricultural fencing, it’s a question of scale and the size of jobs that could require additional resources and equipment.
What should go in a fencing contractor risk assessment important?
A risk assessment should cover all the health and safety aspects of a fencing project. Given the nature of fencing work, the risks are relatively high. That’s why upskilling with the appropriate training in fencing services is so important.
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