NEW SURVEY SHOWS 63 per cent OF TRADESPEOPLE READY TO GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR HIGHER PAY

  Posted by: electime      26th March 2025

• 63 per cent of tradespeople are now willing to travel greater distances for work compared to when they started in their current job
• On average, they are willing to cover an additional 31.7 miles
• Key motivations include the prospect of higher pay, increased job opportunities, and a desire to expand their client base or business reach

The landscape for tradespeople seems to be changing, with industry demands and financial pressures influencing how they work. Faced with growing competition and the current cost of living, new research reveals that many tradespeople are finding themselves willing to travel further afield to find new opportunities and grow their businesses.

To better understand this shift, temporary business van insurance experts, Tempcover, surveyed 500 UK tradespeople who drive vans for their work, exploring the distances they’re willing to travel and the key motivations driving this change.

Nearly two-thirds of tradespeople are willing to travel further for jobs

The survey revealed that 63 per cent of respondents are now willing to travel 31.7 miles further for work than when they started in their current job.

The main reasons behind this trend include access to more opportunities, less competition, and the potential for higher pay. The following highlights the key motivations that are driving tradespeople to go the extra mile^[3]:

*Multiple responses were permitted from those who are willing to travel further for work

When asked if they would be willing to expand their travel radius within the next five years, nearly 70 per cent of respondents stated that they would with the top three reasons following a similar pattern of higher pay (64 per cent), more opportunities (54 per cent) and more high-end/large-scale projects further away (42 per cent).

Aside from the financial perks of travelling further, finding more opportunities was a key consideration. The survey also asked if respondents had noticed a change in local job availability over the past five years, with nearly 30 per cent saying they’ve seen fewer opportunities. It also asked about local competition, with over three in five respondents saying it increased during that time.

To support tradespeople looking to expand their reach, Tempcover offer some practical tips for working further afield:

1. Plan Efficient Routes: Use route-planning apps to avoid traffic congestion, reduce fuel costs, and arrive at jobs on time.
2. Combine Jobs in Similar Areas: Grouping multiple jobs in the same region can help reduce mileage, save time, and increase efficiency.
3. Consider Flexible Insurance: Temporary business van insurance offers tradespeople the flexibility to take on jobs further away from home without committing to an annual policy.
4. Keep Tools and Equipment Secure: Always lock and store tools securely to prevent theft, whether on-site, in transit, or at home.
5. Factor in Travel Costs: When quoting for jobs further afield, be sure to account for fuel, accommodation (if necessary), and potential toll charges.

Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary van insurance expert at Tempcover adds: 

“The survey shows a clear trend: tradespeople are travelling further for work, seeking greater opportunities and higher pay. This shift is likely to require increased flexibility to manage unpredictable schedules and travel requirements.

“Temporary business van insurance provides immediate coverage. Whether you need a van for a one-off job, to cover for a colleague at short notice, or to travel extended distances, this insurance allows you to adapt without committing to a long-term policy.”