How to Start a PAT Testing Business in the UK: The Ultimate Guide
Starting a PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) business in the UK can be a smart move if you’re technically minded, enjoy helping businesses stay safe and compliant, and want to run your own business with relatively low startup costs. With legal requirements for regular electrical safety testing increasing across sectors such as offices, retail, schools and rented property, demand for reliable PAT testers remains strong.
Whether you’re planning to start solo, build up a team, or add PAT testing as an upsell to an existing electrical or facilities service, this guide walks you through everything you need to launch successfully.
📌 What Is PAT Testing and Why It Matters
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) refers to the process of inspecting electrical appliances to ensure they’re safe to use. In the UK, many businesses are legally required to check electrical equipment regularly under health and safety regulations, though there’s no single law saying all businesses must PAT test, local enforcement and insurance often effectively make it necessary.
Well-run PAT testing services help employers and landlords:
comply with UK health & safety rules
reduce the risk of electrical accidents
protect staff, customers, and property
fulfil insurance requirements
🔌 Services You Can Offer
When you’re starting out, keep your service list clear and focused but scalable:
Core PAT Testing Services
PAT testing for small business appliances
Office equipment testing (computers, monitors, tea urns)
Landlord property checks before tenant changeovers
Portable appliance test reports and certificates
Re-testing and reminders at regular intervals
Optional Add-Ons
Emergency call-outs for failed equipment
EICR support (Electrical Installation Condition Reports)
Fire safety risk assessments
Training for in-house staff
Starting with the basics lets you build trust and cash flow quickly, then expand as your skills and reputation grow.
🧰 Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need a huge investment to begin, but good tools do matter. Typical PAT testing startup kit includes:
PAT tester device (UK-approved model)
Test leads and adaptors
Laptop/tablet for record-keeping
Professional site kit (labels, tags, stickers)
PPE (eye protection, gloves)
Reliable vehicle for travel
Quality equipment boosts efficiency and credibility, but early on, start with core tools and reinvest profits into upgrades.
🎓 Qualifications, Training & Insurance Needed
Unlike some trades, you don’t need a specific licence just to run a PAT testing business, but having recognised training makes you more credible and effective. Typical recommended steps:
Training & Certification
City & Guilds 2377 / 2391 or equivalent PAT testing certificate
Electrical safety courses related to inspection
Health & Safety training (e.g., manual handling)
Legal & Compliance
Register your business with HMRC (sole trader, partnership or limited company)
Get a business bank account
Insurance
Essential protections include:
Public Liability Insurance (crucial)
Professional Indemnity (for reports/clients)
Employers’ liability insurance (if you hire others)
Insurance not only protects you - it reassures clients you’re professional.
💷 How Much You Can Charge
Earnings in the PAT testing world vary by client size, sector and complexity. As a rough guide:
Smaller businesses: £50–£150 per visit
Larger sites: £150–£600+ per visit
Regular contracts: Monthly or annual retainer deals
Experienced testers with strong documentation and reliability can build recurring income with retest contracts and compliance packages.
📊 Create a Business Plan (Optional)
A business plan doesn’t have to be long, but it should cover:
Your services & target customers
Pricing and financial forecasts
Equipment and cost budgeting
Marketing & sales strategy
Growth goals (e.g., hiring staff, adding new services)
A clear roadmap helps you make better decisions and outpace competition.
📍 Marketing Your PAT Testing Business
You could be skilled, but if clients can’t find you, you won’t grow. Your marketing should include:
Local Search & Website
A simple professional website with services, prices, and contact info
Contact form + online booking
Customer reviews/testimonials
Offline Outreach
Leaflets and business cards in local business parks
Networking with trades, property managers and facilities teams
Digital Channels
Google Business Profile listing
Social media presence
Email newsletter for clients (reminders, special offers)
Aligning your marketing with the way businesses search locally online makes a huge difference.
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This is whereSMB Booster comes in.
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What You Get for Just £25 per Month:
FREE website design (no upfront cost)
Custom pages for your services and locations
Lead-generating quote forms
Click-to-call buttons
Google Business Profile integration
Fast UK hosting & SSL security
SEO-optimised pages to help you rank
Google review button + QR code
Fully managed, we handle everything
💡No contracts. Upgrade or downgrade anytime.
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This means you can start your pat testing business professionally online for less than the cost of a coffee & cake per week.
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🧩 Tips for Success
Here are a few practical tips:
Focus on reliability - clients need dependable schedules
Use clear reporting - give professional certificates every time
Offer retest reminders - build recurring business
Build partnerships - electricians and landlords are great referral sources
🚀 Ready to Start?
Launching a PAT testing business in the UK is one of the lower cost, high demand ways to go self-employed in the health and safety sector. With the right training, equipment and marketing, you can build a professional service that clients value year after year.
