Spike Says...

Our top tips to help tradies keep their tools safe!

Tool theft is a constant challenge for tradies throughout New Zealand and unfortunately it’s on the rise with claims for tool theft at an all time high! We know that your tools are essential to your livelihood and although they may be insured it can be stressful and time consuming to replace them. So we’ve [...]

How to cut down on costs in your trades business

Times are tough, and although you’re probably sick of hearing it, the reality is that times really are tough. With so many different weather events going on and an unpredictable economy, it makes sense that you want to keep your small business profitable. But how can you do that? One of the first and most [...]

How to prepare your business for a severe weather event

As we’ve seen over the past few weeks, severe weather events can hit at any time. Unfortunately it seems as though record rainfall and monumental wind gusts might be a regular occurrence going forward, so it’s important that your business is prepared. To help you out, we’ve put together some important safety considerations you should [...]

Impacted by flooding? Tips on what to do next

Where can you keep up with Essential Information? There are regular updates provided by local civil defence groups here. If you are in Auckland, the council is updating their website here. What to do if your contents or tools have been damaged 1. Keep record and evidence of all damaged contents Take photos of all damaged contents [...]

Supply chain problems? Here’s how to navigate them

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic, labour shortages, and numerous other goings-on in the world have created a pretty difficult situation for small businesses relying on a solid supply chain to get the job done. It can be tough being at the bottom of the pecking order when it comes to getting the supplies [...]

4 tips to keep your business cyber-safe this year

As a business owner, your goal is to grow your business and keep your assets and people protected. You might have cover for any mistakes made on-site, and you might store your supplies in a secure area. But what about protecting the parts of your business that aren’t so tangible? To help you keep your [...]

4 tips to help you stay on top of your finances this year

With Christmas and New Year’s feeling like a distant memory, it’s time to get down to brass tacks and focus on your business. Whatever happened in 2022, it’s a brand new year and you can set yourself up for financial success from the get-go. To help you get started, take a look at these tips [...]

Looking to motivate your team after the holidays? Try these 6 tips

Now that the Christmas holidays are winding down, you’ll likely be looking toward the new year and the goals you have for your business. As the owner of the business, you might be feeling ready to jump straight back in, but remember that not everyone will feel the same. Motivate your team to start the [...]

Want to host the best summer barbie? Try out these great tips!

If it’s your turn to have the family and friends over for a summer BBQ celebration, you’ll want it to be the best one yet. From cooking the meat to perfection to getting the atmosphere just right, there’s plenty to think about when it comes to hosting the best summer BBQ. Check out our tips [...]

How to actually stick to your New Year resolutions in 2023

Every new year, we set goals that we want to achieve with the hope of becoming a newer, better version of ourselves. We write them down and tell ourselves that this year will be our year, only to forget and wind up right back where we started a few weeks later. If you struggle to [...]

6 safety tips for the silly season

It’s almost the end of another hectic year and with the silly season about to be in full swing, it’s time to let loose and relax. However with more people out and about looking to enjoy the holiday break too, it’s important to make safety a priority. Whether you’re out at the beach or taking [...]

How to take a holiday from your small business

If you’re a small business owner, you might find that the Christmas holidays don’t feel any different from your usual day-to-day. It’ll feel like you have a tonne of things to catch up on, or some plans and strategies you want to implement before next year. But the reality is that if you don’t give [...]

5 tips for preparing your small business for Christmas

Christmas is often here before you know it - especially if you’re a small business owner. You’re running your business as usual, and then the next thing you know, it’s December and you need to start planning for the holiday period. Whether you close down over the break or keep operating through it, here are [...]

5 of the best NZ spots to visit this summer

There’s nothing quite like a New Zealand summer. Our beautiful country has it all, from stunning golden beaches to lush nature walks and ocean adventures. To help you make the most of all NZ has to offer this summer, we’ve put together a list of the 5 best spots that are must-visits, especially during the [...]

4 modern safety best practices you need to know

On the job site, safety should always be a priority, no matter what it is you’re doing. Obviously there are many of the typical risks to be aware of, including tripping hazards and dust from materials, but on the modern job site, there’s more to be considered. We’ve put together a few safety best practices [...]

4 ways SMEs benefit from working with an insurance broker

As the owner of an SME, protecting your business and your employees is absolutely essential. Having the right kind of risk management practices in place, and making sure that you have the business insurance you need is key. It can be tricky to figure out the kind of cover you need - who has the [...]

How to improve your productivity

We all want to make sure we’re being as productive as possible, but when things get really busy it’s not easy to keep it up. So how can you ensure that you stay on top of your tasks? Find out how to improve your productivity below. Work in intervals Keeping track of your time will [...]

4 ways to maintain supplier relationships

Building a good relationship with your suppliers is key, although you’re their customer it’s important to remember that it’s a two-way street. We’ve put together 4 ways to maintain supplier relationships. 1. Understand your supplier's process Each supplier will have a different way of doing things, whatever the process is it’s important that you respect [...]

5 things you need to know about driving a work vehicle

Getting your vehicles branded is a great way to promote your business. Don’t forget, you’re a rolling billboard so there are a few things you’ll need to know about driving a work vehicle. 1. You’re representing your company It’s important to remember when you’re driving a branded vehicle, that you’re essentially a billboard on wheels. [...]

4 reasons why you should should regularly review your insurance

When it comes to insurance, we tend to take a bit of a set and forget approach. This is fine if you’ve got the right cover you need at the time, but what if things change? We’ve put together 4 reasons why you should regularly review your insurance. 1. You’re working with more pros You [...]

Do you need Professional Indemnity insurance?

As a business owner, you want to protect your business in as many ways as you can. So what’s Professional Indemnity insurance and do you really need it? We’ve put together some of the main things you should consider. What is Professional Indemnity insurance? Professional Indemnity insurance will protect you against the costs of legal [...]

Thinking of starting your own construction business? Here are 4 key things to consider

If you’ve got years of experience in the construction industry under your belt, you might be thinking it’s time to go it alone. Starting your own business is an exciting time, but to make sure you get it right from the get-go, we’ve put together a few things to consider before you begin your new [...]

Subcontractor vs Employee – What’s the Difference?

On the job site, most people are used to working with a mix of employees and subcontractors - but what’s the difference? Subcontractors Subcontractors, or subbies, usually run their own business and complete one-off jobs for your business. They invoice you for any work they do and may subcontract to other companies. Subbies are great [...]

4 marketing tips for small business owners

If you’re a small business owner, marketing is absolutely key to getting your name out there. But it’s not always easy to know where to start and how to get it right. To help you out, we’ve put together 4 marketing tips to keep in mind. Use social media Social media is a great place [...]

Do you need insurance as a sole trader?

Going out on your own as a sole trader can be an exciting new chapter in your life. One of the many things to consider when you’re a sole trader is what kind of insurance you will need. To make it easier, we've put together a few different kinds of sole trader insurance you might [...]

Mental Health in Construction – How can business owners help?

The construction industry is known to be taxing on your physical health, but what about your mental health? As a business owner, it’s crucial to address mental health in the workplace as part of your health and safety. So, how can you help? Start the conversation In order to take a step forward and remove [...]

Business interruption insurance 101

If you own a business, you’ve probably heard of business interruption insurance, and you might even have this kind of cover in place already. But how much do you actually know about it? We’ve put together the basics of how business interruption insurance works to help you out.   So what is it, exactly? Business [...]

Money Saving Tips for your Business

No matter how long you’ve been in business for, you’ll want to make sure every dollar is going as far as possible. We’ve put together a few tips on how you can lower your costs and save some extra dollars for your business. Embrace online tools There are countless software programs and apps available to [...]

Stay cyber safe while working from home

Many businesses have adopted a hybrid model where employees are able to work from home when necessary. Unfortunately, this means your remote team can be more susceptible to cyber criminals taking advantage and attacking vulnerable systems. To help you stay cyber safe while working from home, we’ve put together a few key tips. Communication Being [...]

Business Risks in 2022

Compared to just a few years ago, doing business in 2022 has drastically changed. There are a number of new risks business now face, and that has caused uncertainty for many. It’s important that you understand these risks and how they’ll impact your business to make sure your insurance will cover you should any issues [...]

How stocking up on supplies can affect your insurance

With material shortages causing the cost of supplies to rise, it seems logical to stock up on materials while you can to keep yourself in business and safeguard yourself. Aside from being costly in the first place, stockpiling your supplies might not be such a good idea, especially if anything goes missing or is damaged. [...]

Insurance: Expectations vs reality

To some people, business insurance is a bit of a necessary evil, but if you don’t have it and things go pear-shaped, you’ll be hugely out of pocket. Getting your commercial insurance sorted doesn’t have to be a drain on your time and your finances, especially if you’ve got the right team on board.    [...]

Looking to recruit Gen Z employees? Here are 4 things to keep in mind

As more Baby Boomers are resigning and Millennials are climbing the ranks, the majority of your new workforce recruits will be Generation Z. As you’ll probably know, the way that Gen Z works is quite different to the likes of Baby Boomers. Here are 4 things you need to know if you want to recruit [...]

How the building material shortage might affect your insurance cover

Material shortages are now biting the construction industry hard with cost blowouts and project delays. The construction industry has had more than its fair share of curve balls, with limitations on the number of people on-site, additional compliance costs, and a two-speed construction market - commercial/high-rise has stalled while residential has seen significant growth. Supply [...]

Is your business culture toxic? Here’s how to spot the signs and fix it

A toxic workplace can cause serious issues for your team and be damaging to your business. Business owners can often miss the signs of toxic work culture until it's too late, so we’ve put together some signs for you to keep an eye out for, and how you can fix it. 1. Employee relationships are [...]

How Insurance advisers work on behalf of their clients

When you own a business, there are a lot of things to consider. Not only do you have to manage the day-to-day running of your business, but you also have to make sure you’ve got your valuable assets and people protected. Working with an insurance adviser can help make your life a little easier - [...]

How to get the most out of your team

A successful manager in any field will know the importance of keeping your team motivated. So how do you get the most out of your team? We’ve put together some tips for you to try. Celebrate the wins It’s important to celebrate the big and small wins for your team. Recognising when people have put [...]

4 winter wellness tips

Winter brings both mental and physical challenges so it’s important to look after yourself during the colder months. We’ve put together 4 wellness tips for you to try this winter. 1. Start your day off right We all love a good coffee in the morning to get us going! Try mixing it up and having [...]

4 ways to keep your team safe this winter

The New Zealand winter can be pretty damp and gloomy, leaving most of your team feeling unmotivated and tired. While you can’t change the weather, you can try to increase motivation and minimise any hazards on your site. We’ve put together a winter survival guide to get your team through the winter months in one [...]

Are you an SME owner? Here’s why you need to look after yourself

As the owner of an SME, you have a higher risk of experiencing burnout, especially if you haven’t been taking care of yourself. This will not only have a negative effect on your mental health, but it will also significantly impact your business’ productivity and success. Here are some ways you can reduce burnout and [...]

Do you need to review your business insurance?

If you own a business, you probably know that having insurance is essential. We often take a bit of a set and forget approach with insurance, but what if things change? If you don’t regularly review your insurance, you may get into a bit of trouble if anything goes wrong. You’re changing your business structure [...]

How to reduce high employee turnover

Attracting top talent to your business is an important goal, but actually keeping that talent is a different story. Employee turnover not only costs money, but it also takes valuable time to find a suitable replacement. To help you out, we’ve put together our tips on how you can reduce high employee turnover. Hire the [...]

4 ways to demonstrate a commitment to safety

No matter what industry you’re in, prioritising safety as a manager is essential. The last thing you want is for an accident to happen at work because proper safety procedures weren’t followed. This can be disastrous for your business, particularly if you work in the trades where you’re dealing with heavy machinery and harmful substances. [...]

Stuck in a rut?

Feeling like you’re stuck in a rut? If you’re not constantly striving to make changes and challenging yourself and your team, you can get stuck in the same cycle. We’ve put together some tips on how you can get out of your boring routine and drive your business forward. Reignite your spark Boredom can be [...]

How to avoid under Insurance

When you need to make a claim, the last thing you want is for it to be denied because you didn't have the right cover, or you undervalued your assets. That’s why we’ve put together some tips on how you can avoid underinsurance. Value your assets correctly Undervaluing their assets is one of the most [...]

Keeping safe in your work vehicle

Driving a work vehicle? There’s a few things that you should keep in mind while you’re on the road. We’ve put together some tips that will help you keep safe in your work vehicle. Secure your load If anything fell out of your vehicle or trailer, you could cause serious harm to the traffic around [...]

Training an apprentice?

Have you just started training an apprentice? We’ve put together a few tips that will help you get the best results for them and your business. Find out what they need to learn When you take on an apprentice, you’re responsible for training and supervising them. Their organisation will take care of facilitating their training [...]

Tips for lowering your business costs

If you’ve just started out or you’ve been in business a while, you want to make sure every dollar is spent wisely. We’ve put together a few ways you can lower your costs and save some extra dollars for your business. Outsourcing Outsourcing is a great option as it offers the benefit of spending only [...]

5 leadership Skills Every Manager Should have

Leadership skills allow managers to build team morale, motivate workers and get the best out of their team. Here are 5 key leadership skills we think every manager should have. Communication Communication is the most important skill you can possess as a manager. If you can’t get your ideas and decisions across, it will be [...]

End of Financial Year Checklist for tradies

The end of the financial year is coming up quick! There are a few things you’ll need to get sorted before the 31st of March, so we’ve put together an end of financial year checklist so you can get yourself prepped. Understand your Government payments If you received any COVID-19 resurgence payments, remember that they [...]

Managing a work life balance

Owning a business can feel overwhelming at times, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often be put on the back burner. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you manage your work-life balance. Get your body moving Sometimes there's not enough time to squeeze in a workout at the gym. On the days [...]

How to support mental health in the workplace.

There have been a lot of ups and downs over the past few years, and it’s important to acknowledge the impact this has had on people’s mental health and well-being. So how can you support mental health in the workplace? We’ve put together some tips for you to try. Promote a work-life balance Poor work-life [...]

Keep your tools safe

As a tradie, tools are one of your most valuable assets. Having them stolen would not only be an expensive cost to shoulder, but it may also impact your ability to work. Unfortunately, tools are a top target for theft in New Zealand and it's on the rise. If you’d be lost without your tools, [...]

Tips for a more productive meeting

In the world of hybrid working, many companies find themselves wasting hours in meetings that lack focus, pull staff away from more productive tasks, or go on for too long. We’ve put together some tips on how to keep these meetings productive. Create an agenda Creating an outline of the meeting will help you to [...]

What can happen if you don’t have Contract Works sorted?

From minor renovations to a new build, Contract Works insurance needs to be in place to avoid any nasty surprises.  Contract Works insurance is designed to cover accidental and sudden physical loss or damage to the property that is insured during the construction period.  There’s a lot that can go wrong during a build, so [...]

How to lead the younger generation

Managing younger generations can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Here are some tips on how best to lead the younger generation. 1. Adapt A crucial element of leadership is the ability to adapt. What motivated someone 10-20 years ago may not motivate younger generations. This can also vary from person to person so [...]

Make 2022 a better year financially

We all hoped 2021 would be a fresh start, but It’s safe to say we all finished the year a little worn out. Make 2022 a better year for your business with these tips below. Set goals for the year As you begin the new year, it's important to reflect on 2021 and determine what [...]

Protect Your Small Business

After all the hard work it takes to get a business up and running, you want to make sure you have the right protection in place. There are a few things to consider to prepare yourself for what may be around the corner. That’s why we’ve put together some steps to plan ahead and protect [...]

Beat the heat on site

Summer in New Zealand can bring high temperatures which can take a toll on the body. It’s essential to understand how the body reacts to extreme temperatures and what you can do to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke. We’ve put together some things that will help you beat the heat on-site this summer. Stay [...]

Summer projects to sink your teeth into

Summer has arrived and with it, come the summer renos. All the jobs you’ve been thinking about during winter can now be added to your to-do list. We’ve put together a list of some summer projects you can sink your teeth into. A fresh lick of paint This may seem like a simple task, but [...]

New Year’s resolutions to avoid

Every year we get question after question wondering what our New Year's resolutions are going to be. Let's face it, there are just some that no one sticks to anyway. That’s why we’ve put together some resolutions to avoid making. Quit Drinking This is actually a great idea as you’ll feel better and healthier overall. [...]

Tips for a great summer roadie

With summer approaching and the holidays right around the corner, you may be heading off on a summer roadie. We've put together some tips on how to make your roadie stress-free and enjoyable. Stay hydrated There is nothing worse than getting a headache from not drinking enough water on a hot day. Make sure you [...]

Top tips to impress at the BBQ this summer

Sometimes the pressure of being in control of the BBQ can get to us all, whether you’re a seasoned pro or it's your first time at the plate. We’ve put together some tips to impress your family and friends this summer. Get the good stuff It might cost a little more, but if you really [...]

How to keep your business running during the holidays

As a business owner, the idea of taking a holiday might send you into a panicked state. Whether you are closing down or staying open during the holidays, it may seem daunting to sort out everything before the silly season. We’ve put together a list of a few things you can do to keep your [...]

We’ve Teamed Up with HazardCo

We’ve partnered with our health and safety mates at HazardCo to make it super quick to set up your site with a safety plan and Contract Works insurance all at the same time. Our partnership means you can tick off two jobs at once and save time filling in forms. Easy as.   Who is [...]

Who should have Contract Works insurance?

Whether you’re doing a new build or a renovation, Contract Works insurance needs to be in place to cover you should the worst happen. So, who should have Contract Works insurance?   Who should have it If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, you will need to have a contract in [...]

Why do you need Contract Works insurance?

Contract Works insurance is designed to cover accidental and sudden physical loss or damage to the property that is insured during the construction period. But do you really need it? The answer is yes. If any one of the below happened to you, it’s important you have Contract Works in place to keep you covered. [...]

What insurance do I need to protect my business?

It's important to have the right kind of insurance in place to manage risks and keep your business moving if anything goes wrong, especially if you work in construction and trades.  So what insurance do you need to protect your business? We have put together a list of a few types of insurance that you [...]

How to ask for client feedback

Feedback is a useful tool to grow your business but it can often feel pretty awkward to ask for. In the world we live in, online reviews charge word of mouth and potential clients will most likely be looking for what other people have to say about your business. So, how do you ask for [...]

What is Contract Works insurance?

No matter what size the job is, from minor renovations to a new build, Contract Works insurance needs to be in place. So, what is Contract Works insurance?  Contract Works insurance is designed to cover accidental and sudden physical loss or damage to the property that is insured during the construction period. Depending on your [...]

Tips to make you a better leader

Owning a business can come with many challenges along the way. Being a good leader not only supports your employees, but also supports the future growth of your company. We’ve put together a few tips to help make you a better leader. Structure As a leader, you can’t always be everywhere at once, this is [...]

Driving a work vehicle? Here are 5 things you need to remember

Getting your vehicles branded up is a great way to promote your business and get those leads coming through. But even though you’ve just unveiled the fancy new screenwriting and are excited to take it for a spin, there are a few things you need to remember when driving a company vehicle. 1. You’re driving [...]

4 tips for minimising distractions on the jobsite

A jobsite is a busy place, and distractions are everywhere you look. Some you can’t really help, but it’s important to minimise distractions where you can to avoid any accidents or injuries. From having a no-device policy to making sure you take regular breaks, here are 4 tips that can help you reduce distractions onsite. [...]

How to prevent the most common tradie injuries

While you’re managing your business, the last thing you want to deal with is a workplace injury. It’s impossible to eliminate dangers on the job, however, there are ways to reduce the risk and prevent the most common tradie workplace injuries. Strains while lifting heavy objects If you’ve ever had a muscular injury, you’ll know [...]

6 health and wellness tips for tradies

Although many of you will be back at Level 2, that doesn’t mean that you’re not still dealing with the mental effects of lockdown. It’s not an easy time for anyone so we’ve put together a few helpful tips to help you focus on your overall health and wellness - some you might already know, [...]

COVID-19 financial support for businesses

COVID-19 financial support for businesses If you own a business, being in another lockdown might be frustrating for you, especially if you’ve been struggling to build your business back up this year.  To ensure you’re making the most of the support available, we’ve put some key info below. And remember, whilst it might be difficult, [...]

Spotting hazards before they happen

You’ve probably got a pretty good hazard management plan in place, but does it actually cover the less obvious signs? From miscommunication to trying to get the job done as fast as possible, here are some things to look out for to prevent any incidents. Rushing to finish Even if you’re the most skilled tradie [...]

Managing millennials

If you’ve got a few younger members of your tradie team, it’s likely that some will be millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996). If you also have older workers, you’ll know that there can be quite a difference between the oldies and the young’uns. So here’s how to manage and make the most of [...]

How to defeat the wood dust

If you’re a tradie that often works with wood, you need to be careful of the dust that comes from any wood processing. Not only can these particles irritate your eyes, but if you breathe them in, they can also do some serious damage to your lungs. Here’s what you need to know about keeping [...]

Spike’s Survival Guide – Working near power lines

If you’re working near any live electric lines, you’ll need to take precautions to avoid seriously injuring yourself or others. You probably know the basics, but here’s a good refresher for you. Identify the risks It’s important to plan ahead so you know just what you’re working with and how you can reduce the risk [...]

Common cash flow problems for tradies

If you’re struggling to break even in your tradie business, it might be time to take a look at your cash flow. If you want to make sure you’re consistently making a profit, check out the most common cash flow problems to see if any apply! Letting late payments slide If you’re not actively following [...]

5 ways to increase employee retention

If you’ve got a fantastic team of tradies working for you, the last thing you want is for them to take their skills and know-how off to another company. So how can you make sure your employee retention and engagement is off the charts? Try out some of the tips below. 1. Create an exit [...]

Spike’s Survival Guide – How to manage noise on site

As a tradie, loud noises are probably just a normal part of your day. But if you’re not keeping yourself protected, it could lead to serious hearing damage. So how loud is too loud? If you’re standing about a metre apart from someone and you’re having to yell to have a normal conversation over the [...]

Tradie Biz 101 – Are you including these 8 things on your invoices?

Invoices are part of the dreaded paperwork, but they need to get done so that you can get paid. You’re probably all over your invoices and how they look, but to help you get paid faster and avoid any confusion, make sure you can check off all of the boxes below!   ⬜ 1. Your [...]

How to handle conflict on the jobsite

We’ve talked about how to keep your cool when dealing with client conflicts, but what about when the conflict is within your own team? Sparks are flying, tempers are high, and you know that the work is not going to get done well. So how do you make sure that everyone walks away feeling better [...]

5 productivity tips for tradies

We all want to make sure we’re being as productive as possible, but when things get really busy or really boring, it’s not easy to keep it up. So how can you ensure that you and your tradie team are productive no matter what’s going on? Try out these five handy tips! 1. Get on [...]

Tradie Tips – How to create a business risk management plan

If you own a tradie business, you might already know just how much risk you take on every day. From making sure your team is safe on site, to keeping an eye on any changes to supply availability, it's your role to monitor and mitigate any risks that come up. If you don’t have a [...]

Why tradies should regularly review their insurance

When it comes to insurance, we tend to take a bit of a set and forget approach. This is fine if you’ve got the right cover you need at the time, but what if things change? You might have purchased a couple more work trucks, or a new range of tools, but if you haven’t [...]

Tradie Tips – Build customer loyalty with these 5 tips

Once you’ve completed a job for a client, you want to be their go-to for any future work. To get yourself to that point, you need to get the job done right, you also need to go above and beyond to make sure you’re at the top of the list when they think of tradies. [...]

Recruitment guide for tradie businesses

Looking to hire some new blood for your tradie team? Here’s everything you need to know, from writing a great job description to what to look for in a background check. Get the job description right First things first, you need to lay out exactly what you’re after and what the new team member will [...]

How tradies can prevent no-shows and cancellations

Dealing with no-shows and cancellations as a tradie can be incredibly frustrating. You’ve taken time out of your busy day to get a job sorted, and then surprise - no one’s home. Of course some cancellations are understandable if something urgent crops up, but sometimes you know people are just taking the p*ss. So how [...]

Cashies – what tradies need to know

Offering a cash discount to a client or doing a job for a mate might have left you flush with cold hard cash, but do you actually need to declare it? The answer is yes. Some tradies think that a little bit here and there won’t matter, but it’s better to get it all straightened [...]

4 times tradies should actually turn down a job

It goes against everything we’re taught, but sometimes turning down a job is actually the best thing you can do for your tradie business. From rush jobs to unmanageable clients, there are some cases where it might actually just save your sanity and your cash flow to just say ‘no’. 1. When the hagglers are [...]

Website mistakes you might be making in your tradie business

Most people are now looking online for tradies to complete their projects, and they often get their first impression of you and your business from your website. So here are a few mistakes you might be making with your website and how you can sort them out ASAP. Not having your contact info front and [...]

4 little things you can do to impress your clients

When it comes to winning over clients, many people think that the loudest and flashiest methods will do the trick. You might make a bit of money that way, but it’s unlikely you’ll get repeat business or even referrals from that approach. As they say, it’s actually the little things that count, so here are [...]

How tradies can switch off after work

Once you’ve finished a hard day on the tools, it can be difficult to switch out of work mode. Your downtime is super valuable and helps you to be your best self at work, so it’s important that you make the most of it. If you’re struggling to switch off after work, we’ve put together [...]

5 tips for dealing with difficult clients

Clients might be your livelihood, but they’re not always the easiest to get along with. You’ll have some stellar ones who are fantastic to work with, and then you’ll have some clients who are just that bit trickier. So how do you deal with the ones who are more ‘difficult’ without letting things get out [...]

How to do a SWOT analysis for your tradie business

If you have your own tradie business, you’ve probably heard of a SWOT analysis. If you’ve never done one before, it’s definitely time to get one sorted! A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is a fantastic tool to keep on top of your business’ performance and figure out your goals. Given all of [...]

4 EOFY tips for tradies

If you own a tradie business, you’ll know that the end of the financial year is coming up quick! There are a few things you’ll need to have sorted before 31 March, so here are some tips to help you get prepped. Check if you’ve got bad debt to write off Got clients who haven’t [...]

COVID-19 Level 2 & 3 reminders for tradies

Now that the COVID-19 alert levels have changed again, it’s time for a few reminders about how you need to operate as a tradie. You’ve probably got it all under control and are using the processes you set up last time, but there might be a couple of things you’ve forgotten. So here's the info [...]

4 ways to actually use your client testimonials

Now that you’ve got a stack of 5 star reviews from your clients (if you don’t, here’s how you can get ‘em), you’ll need to put them to good use to build your brand and generate new leads. So how can you do that? Here are 4 ways to actually use your epic client feedback [...]

Ute Wars – Brand new or second-hand?

Looking at buying a ute? You might be thinking that a new Ford Ranger is the go but it’s a lot of cash to spend. Maybe you could find a second-hand one floating around? We’ve put together some pros and cons to help you decide what it’s gonna be - brand-spanking new, or tried-and-true second-hand. [...]

Get 5 star reviews for your tradie business this year

As a tradie, you probably know that there’s nothing like that good ol’ word of mouth to get the jobs coming in. In the digital world we live in though, potential clients will mostly be judging you based on what other people have said on Facebook and Google. Here are some tips to get you [...]

4 ways to boost your tradie business post-COVID

While we’re not quite 100% post-COVID just yet, we’re in a much better position in New Zealand than a lot of other countries, so it’s important to make the most of it. Here are a couple of things to do for your tradie business now to prepare for the year ahead. Worker smarter not harder [...]

How to smash your business goals in 2021

If you own a tradie business, last year would likely have played havoc with your plans. Hopefully you're now back on track, but you might have a bit of ground to cover, so here’s how you can smash your business goals this year! Work backwards The best place to start is actually from your end [...]

5 hacks to keep you cool this summer

As we’ve been feeling, the temperatures are rising and it’s going to get hot! We’ve already done a summer survival guide for on site, but what about when you’re at home sweating your butt off? Here are 5 great hacks to try to keep yourself cool this summer. 1. Maximise your fan Got a ceiling [...]

How to avoid a New Year’s hangover

Last year we shared some handy hangover cures with you, but this time, it’s all about avoiding one in the first place! And yes, the answer is usually just drink less, but here are some other tips that might help you feel a little less rough on New Year’s Day. Line your stomach You might [...]

4 BBQ recipes to try this summer

So you’ve got your barbie skills down, now to try your hand at something new! We’ve rounded up a few top barbecue recipes for you to try out this summer.   Smokey Chilli BBQ Pork Ingredients 1/2 cup Wattie's Smoked Hickory Flavoured BBQ Sauce 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh red [...]

Be the BBQ king this summer

Whether you’re a pro at cooking on the summer barbie, or you’re in charge for the first time and are just hoping for the best, here are some great tips to help you be the BBQ king this year! Cook it like a pro If you’re a seasoned professional (haha see what we did there…), [...]

Best NZ travel spots for summer

Following on from our best NZ roadies list last week, we’ve got some more awesome NZ destinations for you! These ones don’t need to include a roadie, so even if you’ve only got a long weekend off, you’ll be able to check ‘em out.   Queenstown/Wanaka Bet you saw this one coming, didn’t you? Queenstown [...]

5 of NZ’s top roadies

As Kiwis gearing up for the summer holidays, road trips are at the top of our list. Even if you’re working through most of the holidays, hopefully you’ve got some time off planned to take one of these epic NZ roadies.   Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula If you’re a Jaffa, you’ve probably already done [...]

How to create an SSSP for summer

We’ve already been feeling the heat these past couple of months so you know it’s only going to get worse. To make sure that you and your team avoid dehydration, heat stroke and fatigue, we’ve got some important things to include in your SSSP this summer.   Risk: UV exposure As we all know, New [...]

Preparing your tradie business for the holidays

It’s almost that time, guys. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, what a bloody year it’s been! Whether you’re shutting up shop for the summer or working through, you’ll still need to make a plan to get your business through the holiday period. We’ve put together some pointers to help you out! [...]

4 tips to get your site safety up to scratch

When was the last time you checked out your SSSP? With everything that’s happened this year, you’ve probably had a lot of different safety protocols thrown together. So now that things have *hopefully* calmed down, here are some tips to get your site safety back up to scratch in time for 2021.   1. Put [...]

What expenses can you claim in your tradie business?

If you own a tradie business, you probably know all about expenses. But if you’re just starting out, there might be a few things that could catch you out when claiming business expenses. Better to be safe than sorry, so we’ve put some common tradie business expense claims below. Vehicle expenses A lot of self-employed [...]

Which is better – subbies or employees?

If you’re a tradie business owner who’s looking to hire a new team for a job, do you go for employees or subbies? Employees might have more loyalty, but subbies might be more specialised. So how do you decide?   What’s the difference? You probably already know this, but for those a little late to [...]

Back to Basics: Asbestos 101

Asbestos. The word instantly makes any tradie shudder. And so it should, asbestos exposure can lead to some really nasty health problems. You probably know how to deal with asbestos, but when was the last time you had to put it into practice? Here’s a bit of a refresher for you on how to reduce [...]

How you can support the mental health of your tradie team

Given the year that we’ve had, you might be feeling a little exhausted and a bit overwhelmed by it all. And if you’re feeling that way, the rest of your team probably are too. So how can you support the mental health of your tradie team as we push towards the end of such a [...]

5 tradie business mistakes to avoid

Running a tradie business? It’s not always easy to keep on top of it all and make sure that everything is working according to plan (if you don’t have a business plan, get one sorted, stat!). So we’re back with our tradie business tips to help you out - this time, we’ve got 5 business [...]

Keep your prized possessions safe with these tips

Whether you’ve just treated yourself to some new tools, or you’re keen to hang on to your tried and tested set, it’s not ideal if any of your gear goes missing. Even worse if your prized wheels end up in the same boat. So what can you do to make sure your tools are protected? [...]

How to give good feedback to your tradie team

It can be difficult to give constructive feedback to your team at the best of times, but during times like these (bet you’ve heard that phrase a lot lately), it can be a bit trickier. People might already be on edge, or might be worried that if they receive negative feedback that they might be [...]

How to handle negative reviews as a tradie

You might be trucking along quite nicely and getting some great client referrals, when suddenly out of nowhere you get hit with a negative review. Whether this is a Google review or a review on your social media channels, you’ll need to have an action plan in place to deal with it quickly and professionally [...]

Tradies – don’t get caught out by these common insurance claims pitfalls

As a tradie, getting your insurance sorted correctly is paramount. The last thing you want is for your claim to be denied because you didn’t have the right cover, or you undervalued one of your assets. If you reckon you need to double check your cover, get in touch with the pros here at Cactus [...]

How to build a good relationship with your suppliers

Whether your usual suppliers are your best mates or whether you only really deal with them when you need something, building a good relationship with your suppliers is key. Although you’re their customer, you still need them to provide the resources to get the job done so it’s important to remember that it’s a two-way [...]

4 out of the box ways to find leads for your tradie business

If business has slowed, or you’re just looking to ramp things up, you’ll need to find leads. You might have had clients calling you for jobs left, right and centre, but if that stops, it’s time to get creative. So we’ve put together 4 out of the box ways for you to find leads and [...]

How to beat the lockdown blues

Even though we've been here before, level 4 lockdown might still be taking a toll on your mental health. Here are some helpful actions you can take to beat the mental stress of COVID-19. Get some fresh air Make sure you’re actually taking a breather to properly enjoy the outdoors when you can. You should [...]

How to manage workflow ups and downs

Even if you’ve got a good handle on your tradie business and you’re getting a steady stream of business, there’ll likely be times when your workload fluctuates. Here are some great tips for managing a busy workload, but also for keeping your business going when you’ve got some downtime.   When you’re busy… Organise your [...]

How healthy is your trade business? 5 questions you should ask

In light of recent events, your trade business might not be doing as well as you’d hoped. If it is, then that’s great! But you can’t get complacent, so this is still relevant for you. It’s important to keep track of just how ‘healthy’ your business is - that is, how much money are you [...]

Get paid faster with our 5 invoicing tips for tradies

We all have a love/hate relationship with invoices - they’re a bit of a chore and mean more paperwork that we don’t really have time for, but we also wouldn’t get cash in the bank and make our business profitable without them. So to really streamline your invoicing process and make it easy for you [...]

Back to Basics – Manual Handling 101

You probably know the drill with lifting by now - bend your knees, etc. etc. but do you actually practice this regularly? Sometimes when we’re busy or thinking about other things, we can forget to cover the basics and that’s when things can go wrong. So let’s take it back to the beginning, this is [...]

Keep ending up with unused materials? Here are some things to think about

Even if you’re pretty strict with your supply orders, you might still be ending up with more excess material than you’d like. In this particular climate, you’re probably looking to save as much money and material as possible, so here are some things for you to think about and put into practice. Can you return [...]

4 tips for choosing your public liability insurance

As a tradie, public liability insurance is one of the key types of insurance you need in place to make sure that your business is protected in the event of an unforeseen incident. With public liability insurance, you can operate your business knowing that should the worst happen, customers’ property could be repaired, their possessions [...]

How to learn from your competition

Although you might have a laser focus on your own business and not really care much about what others are doing, it’s a good idea to have some understanding of who you might be going up against. This isn’t to get you all riled up or feeling less-than; there’s actually a lot you can learn [...]

The pros and cons of hiring an apprentice

Hiring an apprentice might be the last thing on your mind right now, but it could actually be in your best interest to get some new blood on board. If you’ve been tossing up whether to hire an apprentice or not, we’ve put together a great list of pros and cons to help you decide! [...]

Time-saving tips for tradies

When you’re running low on time, everything becomes that much more frantic and stressful. You want to get everything done to standard, but some things just take so much more time than others. So how can you manage your day better? We’ve got some helpful tips to help you get everything done with time to [...]

How to follow up quotes like a pro

Quoting is such an important part of the process when you’re a tradie, so you need to make sure you’re getting it right, especially now when you’re likely needing the jobs more than ever. Think you’ve got quoting follow-up pretty down pat? Take a look through our tips below and make sure you can check [...]

5 steps you can take right now to build your tradie business back up

Even if you’re back up and running and getting into the swing of things again, your trade business has probably taken a bit of a hit during this time. To help you build it back up and recoup your losses ASAP, we’ve put together five steps you can take below. 1. Get all the assistance [...]

How to win more work when things are slow

You might be well and truly back into the swing of things with projects and jobs galore, but if you’re not, and you’re struggling to get the work flowing in during this time, here are some things you can try. Get your business online If your business doesn’t have a website or a social media [...]

Are you eligible for the Small Business Cash Flow Loan Scheme?

Has your trade business been negatively affected by COVID-19? If you haven’t already, and could do with some extra cash to get you through the next few months, make sure you apply for the Government’s Small Business Cash Flow Loan Scheme (SBCS) before the 12th of June. This scheme allows small businesses impacted by the [...]

Working as a tradie at Level 2 – what you need to know

Now that most of the country is at Alert Level 2 (sorry Auckland!), you might need a bit of a refresher for what that means for you. Like last time, there doesn't seem to be too much of a difference for tradies between Levels 2 and 3 in terms of distancing and hygiene, but here’s [...]

Working in clients’ homes safely during COVID-19

Now that we’ve been in Level 3 for about a week now, you’re probably all over what you need to be doing when you’re working on site. Maybe you already know the drill for working in clients’ homes too, but we thought we’d go over it just one more time for those who haven’t ventured [...]

5 tips to get back into work at Level 3

Now that we’re at Alert Level 3, a lot of tradies will be heading back to work. As much as you might be raring to go after being stuck at home for so long, make sure that you’re still looking after yourself and others, and following all of the on-site protocols to keep everyone safe. [...]

Site Safety at Level 3 – What you need to know

Now that we’re moving to Alert Level 3 next week, there are some things you’ll need to have in place on your work site. You’ll need to sort some changes to your Health & Safety requirements and protocols, including cleaning procedures and sign-in and -out steps. Check out an overview of these below.   Before [...]

Freaking out about your KiwiSaver? Let’s put it in perspective

You probably don’t normally give your KiwiSaver much thought, but now that you might have seen it drop during this unstable time, you’re freaking out a bit. Here are some tips to help you put it all in perspective. KiwiSaver is an investment Did you think KiwiSaver was a big savings account? You’re not alone. [...]

Why your insurance is more important than ever right now

These are crazy times we’re living in, huh? With such unprecedented things happening, it’s easy to get a little panicky and make some knee-jerk decisions. But if there’s one thing we can tell you (not just from an insurance perspective but also because we’re tradies ourselves), it’s really important to keep your insurance in place [...]

How to keep your skills up during the COVID-19 lockdown

Being at home sounds all good and well until you have a few kids screaming the house down and you’re sitting on the couch like a zombie. For those of you who will be at home during this lockdown, here are some great tips to keep your minds and bodies sharp! Build a treehouse for [...]

COVID-19 – A note from our Chief Cactus

To our clients, These are unprecedented and uncertain times. A lot of our clients were too young to see the real effects of the Global Financial Crisis in the mid-late 2000’s, however I am sure that quite a number of you saw them first hand. With what looks to be like an impending similar situation [...]

How to make a killer first impression

As much as clients can sometimes be the bane of your existence (changing the plans again?!), because their work means money for you, you need to make sure you’re treating them with respect and being the bigger person. So how do you get clients to choose your business over someone else’s? It’s all down to [...]

I, Robot – a look at some of the craziest new tradie tech

As a tradie, there are probably a few things in your job that you think could be made easier or done better, but there just isn’t the tech or cash to make it happen. But the good thing is that there are some epic new tech innovations happening right now in the industry and one [...]

4 top budgeting tips for tradies

No matter how much you love your role as a tradie, whether you’re a business owner or you’re still working for the man, money is always going to be a focus. How much you’re getting paid, how much a job is going to cost, and what expenses you have are going to be front of [...]

Trade business owner? Here’s how to keep that stress at bay

With great power comes great responsibility. If you’re the owner of a trade business, you’re not only responsible for making sure your team gets the job done well, you’re also responsible for paying them, keeping hazards to a minimum, making a profit and all of the other stuff that comes with being the big dog. [...]

Teaching an old dog new tricks – benefits of hiring older tradies

Being a tradie seems like it’s now a young mate’s game, after all there’s a huge physical component involved and you’re often working in less-than-ideal conditions. But old mates are actually worth their weight in gold and, besides dealing with the heavy-lifting without whining about it, they also have a wealth of patience and experience [...]

Workplace accidents – why they happen and how to avoid them

Aah the dreaded ‘workplace accident.’ We all spend hours reading boring paperwork to make sure that one doesn’t happen and as serious as it is, we probably don’t think too much about it as we just get on and do what we need to do. So here’s a little reminder about why most workplace accidents [...]

4 things tradies need to keep an eye out for in their insurance

If you’re a tradie, you know that insurance is pretty important. You’ve probably already got it sussed (and if you don’t, get in touch with us!) but do you know exactly what you’re covered for? There are a few important things that you need to be aware of with your insurance so take another look, [...]

You’re a tradie – how does KiwiSaver work for you?

Do you have your KiwiSaver sorted? Or does it seem like too much hassle? As a tradie, you might be keen to set yourself up for retirement ASAP, but is it worth it? And how does it really work with your role? What do you get out of KiwiSaver? KiwiSaver is a great way for [...]

How to defeat the dust this summer

‘Tis the season of surf, sun, sand and….dust? Being a tradie in summer is hard enough - the extreme working temperatures, the constant sweat, and the awkward tan lines - without adding in the dangers of breathing in a tonne of dust from a dry worksite. Here’s how you can minimise your exposure to the [...]

Goal-setting for your tradie business

It’s a new year in a new decade, and now is the perfect time to get your A into G and work on those business goals you’ve been meaning to get to. But how can you actually achieve them this time around? We’ve got the best tips for you! How did you go last year? [...]

New Year’s resolutions NOT to make this year

It’s that time of year guys, we’re all out there thinking that maybe this year’s going to be different, we’re going to go to the gym more, drink less, save more money...but these are actually pretty pointless since by February we’ve given up on them. So here are some resolutions NOT to make this year [...]

Best New Year hangover cures

Anyone else feeling a bit worse for wear after New Year’s Eve? To help you start the year off right, and maybe to keep in mind for any future times, here are some great tips to get rid of that hangover. 1. Get some grease This one’s probably more for next time but apparently if [...]

How to host the best barbie this summer

Whether it’s a casual get together with your mates or a full-on feast with the whole family, we all love a good old Kiwi barbie. Having hosted a few ourselves here at Cactus, we like to think that we’re definitely pros now, so here are some handy little hints to help you be the BBQ [...]

Christmas prep for tradies

With Christmas literally around the corner, you’ll be looking forward to a well-deserved break, or hopefully at least a couple of days off to chill and spend time with your family and your mates. Before you switch off though, here are a few things to check off your list and get sorted before you down [...]

Spike’s Survival Guide – Beat the heat this summer

You’ve likely worked in the heat before and you know how stinking hot it can be when you’re doing hard labour and sweating like crazy. Not only is it annoying, but the heat can also have pretty bad effects on your health, so we’ve put together this handy list of tips to help you beat [...]

Team Cactus does Movember

Well team, Movember is over! Here’s a couple of highlights from Team Cactus to show you how the guys went with growing their ‘staches to fundraise for men’s health! Good job guys, let’s do it all again next year! Related articles SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER CONTACT US

5 of the best moustache styles

So with it coming up to the final days of Movember, you should (hopefully) have grown enough hair on your face to style it into something spectacular. Looking for inspiration? Check out these legendary mo styles and try them on for size! 1. The Chevron Features: This mo style covers your top lip and its [...]

10 interesting facts about the mighty mo

Movember is almost over but we’re still going strong! To keep the mo-mentum going (see what we did there?) through the last couple of weeks, here are some interesting facts about the mighty mo! 1. There are between 10,000 and 20,000 hairs on a man’s face and the average moustache makes up about 600 of [...]

5 top tips for growing a mo

Movember’s now in full swing and we’re all getting our mo on! Whether you’re joining us in growing a mo for the month, or you’ve already grown a pretty stellar ‘stache and are holding on to it for dear life, here are some great tips to grow and look after your mo. Get the right [...]

10 of the most iconic mo’s of all time

As you might have seen, Cactus is all about the mo this month - we’re getting involved with the epic fundraising challenge that is Movember. So to kick it off, we’re sharing the top 10 iconic mo’s to get us all inspired! If you’re feeling inspired too, you can donate to us here or set [...]

How NOT to operate a forklift

How NOT to operate a forklift Some of you might be Formula 1 forklift drivers and some of you might have only messed around with one on site. Either way, to help you stay safe, we’ve put together some great tips for how NOT to operate a forklift. Note the NOT in capital letters… 1. [...]

Spike’s Survival Guide – Road Safety Tips

Tradies know all about safety, right? Safety with tools, safety with lifting, safety with eating your damn lunch. But how many of you actually have done some sort of road safety course that doesn’t involve forklifts? Hopefully you’ll know all of the road rules if you’re driving, but here are some site-specific tips that might [...]

Need new tools? Here are some tips!

So you’ve scored the tradie role of your dreams. Well, maybe it’s just an apprentice but you’re on your way, right? Now you need every tradie’s prized possession - your tools. But where do you start? How do you know which ones are good? And what do you need to do once you’ve got them?  [...]

Cellphones on site – yay or nay?

Seeing as we’re all glued to our cellphones nowadays, we thought we’d do a little pro/con list about having them on site. Every job site probably has different rules on this - no cellphones allowed at all, cellphones allowed only on breaks, or maybe your boss is all good and doesn’t really care either way. [...]

Spike’s Survival Guide – Staying Safe at Heights

If you’re a fairly experienced tradie, chances are you’ve already dealt with being up at a height and know the drill with safety. If you haven’t had the pleasure of this experience just yet, we’ve put together some great tips to help you stay safe when you’re getting high. (For legal purposes, by getting high [...]

5 tips to help you go it alone

You’ve racked up years of trade experience and a tonne of great skills, so what’s next for you? Starting a business can be f*cking terrifying but it’s also a great way to take control and finally do things how you want to do them. Whether you’re just thinking about going it alone, or you’ve already [...]

Young mate or old boss – KiwiSaver tips for every life stage

Whether you’ve just left trade school or you’ve been in the game for a while now, making sure your KiwiSaver is giving you the best bang for your buck at each stage of your life is pretty important. Depending on what your goals are, saving for your first home (or trying to!) or preparing to [...]

How to nail your tradie job interview

Got an interview for your first (or next) tradie role lined up? We’ve got the low-down on how to nail it and take the next step in your tradie career. Do your research This one’s pretty important - you need to know as much as you can about the company you’re looking to work for. [...]

6 ways to piss off a tradie

Whenever you’re working with clients, there are likely to be a few little hiccups along the way. We’ve chucked a list of the worst things that clients do to piss off tradies - feel free to pass it along as a point of reference for anyone who needs to hear it! 1. Haggle with the [...]

How to avoid those client complaints

We all know clients are a tradie’s livelihood - without them, you wouldn’t have projects, and without projects and jobs, you wouldn’t be making money. Knowing this makes it all the more difficult when your clients are being right d*cks. So how do you make sure that both you and your clients are always happy? [...]

Finding new blood for your business

Is it time for a new round of recruits? Maybe you’ve got a tonne of applicants but how many really cut the mustard? Or maybe you’re struggling to even get a couple of people to interview? Here’s the definitive list of how to find new blood for your business and make sure they’re the next [...]

Business 101 – Marketing tips for tradies

Getting your name out there might seem like an easy task, but it often falls into the ‘too-hard’ basket, or you just don’t have the time to set it all up. Marketing your business properly is key to attracting new clients and getting referrals from existing clients - but it doesn’t have to be difficult. [...]

5 ways to handle the newbies on site

This one’s more for the big bosses, but some of you might need a little reminder that you were all newbie tradies once! It can be hella annoying having someone new getting under your feet and asking annoying questions, but there’s actually a lot to learn from the apprentice. Don’t believe us? Keep reading! 1. [...]

How to keep your tradie staff sweet

Running a tight tradie ship? Then you need to make sure you’re keeping your staff sweet so that you’ll get the most out of them. Tradies are among the hardest workers out there, but if you don’t have your management sh*t together, they won’t be putting in 110% and you could lose those valuable skills [...]

5 perks of being a tradie

If you’re a tradie, you probably already know the best bits about your job, but we’ve put together a list so you can show your mates and convince them that you’ve definitely got the better deal! If you’re pretty green and your boss is trying to hire some new blood, this is also something you [...]

Spike’s Survival Guide – Staying safe on site

A tradie’s job is basically a minefield of risks and hazards - you’re like the James Bonds of the working world, dodging falling debris, dealing with red wire/blue wire situations, and doing all the heavy lifting to get the job done. But even James Bond isn’t invincible and needs to keep his sh*t together to [...]

How to get those ace referrals

We all know that in this world, word of mouth is key. You know you’re going to get the best service for whatever you need if your cousin, his mate, and his mate’s brother have all recommended it. So how do you end up being the guy they’re all talking about? Check out our tips [...]

Quoting tips for tradies

We get it, quoting for a job isn’t the most exciting thing - there’s always a lot of work to put in at your end and then the inevitable response from the client wondering if there’s aaaany way you could cut it down, just a little? Or the more blunt response that they’re flat out [...]

5 tradie myths busted

Tradies get a fair bit of flack for being late, eating junk food and lazing around, but we know that you actually work your asses off all day every day so we’re here to bust some of the myths about tradies! Tradies get afternoons off Even if this is the case for you, because you [...]

Spike’s Survival Guide: Your first week as a tradie

Most of you probably remember your first week as a tradie pretty well, even if you’d rather forget some of it. If you’re just starting out and you’re green as grass, here’s a handy survival guide to make sure you make a good impression and get through your first week in one piece! Be on [...]

Want to step up? Here’s how

Been feeling a little restless lately? Feeling like the same old stuff just isn’t cutting it anymore? Reckon you could run circles around your work mates? Maybe it’s time to step up. So how can you get promoted, take on more responsibility and hopefully get paid more? Try focusing on a few of these key [...]

Spike’s Survival Guide – Winter on the job site

Most of us think of winter and think of gloomy days and bloody freezing temperatures, but for tradies, it’s that and so much more. It’s muddy boots and cold socks, it’s early starts made harder and most of the team feeling pretty sh*t most of the time. While we can’t change the weather, we can [...]

Business 101: How to improve your cash flow

We all want more cash-money right? We’ve got the tips for making sure that you’re getting out more moolah than you’re putting in. This one’s more for the big bosses out there but it’ll also be handy for those tradies that work for themselves. FYI, cash flow isn’t just the money you’re making, cash flow [...]

How to beat fatigue on the job

It’s pretty cool to be working on your gains while you’re working on-site, but because of the nature of the work, tradies can get hit with the big bad f-word quite often. We’re talking about fatigue, or extreme tiredness, where you’re finding it hard to keep your eyes open and you’re struggling to concentrate on [...]

Tips for tradies – Vehicle insurance

Making sure your wheels are covered is probably one of the first things on your insurance to-do list if you’re a tradie. As your pride and joy, your vehicle is probably very well-looked after - maybe more than you look after yourself - so if anything happened to it, you’d be pretty pissed. Here’s some [...]

How to stay motivated

Ever feel like some days you just don’t wanna get out of bed? Maybe sometimes you think you would have been better off sitting on your ass at a desk drinking coffee and watching funny YouTube vids. Even though some days are harder than others, you know deep down you wouldn’t trade being a tradie [...]

Kiwi Tradie Slang

Most Kiwis know these words but tradies use them so often it’s like they have their own language - how many of these do you and your mates use on the daily?   Barbie - BBQ - ‘Come for a barbie after work mate.’ Beaut - beauty, beautiful - ‘Your new ute is a beaut.’ [...]

KiwiSaver 101

So unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about this thing called KiwiSaver. You probably also have money from your pay going into it every week but you figure it’ll just do its thing in the background and you don’t have to worry about right? Wrong. If you want more moolah when [...]

Things You Should Know About Insurance

You might already know a fair bit about insurance given that it’s super important for tradies, especially those working on building sites, but here are some things about insurance that if you don’t know, well now you know! Vehicle Insurance Make sure you check this one out pretty carefully - if you have private vehicle [...]

How to be a Top Tradie

You might already consider yourself a top tradie, but can you answer yes to all of these questions? Have a read and you might just learn how to take out your competitors and be even more kickass at what you do. Are you easy to find? We don’t mean letting people find where you live [...]

Health Tips for Tradies

Before you roll your eyes and scoff about being lectured, we’re not here to tell you to cut out the beersies and the pies - we’re just giving you some easy tips to keep you and your mates healthy as so you can keep on truckin’ and do what you do best! Take regular breaks [...]

Back to Basics: Mortgages 101

Whether you own a home or just wish you did, you should probably know what a mortgage is and how it works. You’ve probably heard of fixed interest rates, market value and yadda yadda, but the main thing you need to know about mortgages is that it’s a long term commitment. Like loooong term (unless [...]

Don’t Lose a Job Because You’re Not the Cheapest!

Times are tough out there. It seems like every man and his dog are running their own operation and undercutting you. What do you do? Do you lower your prices, devaluing your abilities and reducing your profit, or do you stick to your guns and show people why you’re worth the higher price? If you [...]

Don’t Get Caught Short: How to Make Sure You Get Paid!

Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Cash flow issues are more crippling than a torn ACL and will drastically impact every aspect of your business. It will affect your ability to buy supplies, pay staff, commute to jobs and ultimately, it will impact your ability to work. Getting paid on time and in [...]

I’ve Completed My Apprenticeship, Where to From Here?

So you’ve finished your apprenticeship and now you’re qualified. First off, well done! Secondly, what’s next? There are a number of options available, you’ve just got to discover which one is best for you. Do I stay or do I go? Chances are you’ve been with the same company for the past four years. They’ve [...]

Don’t Let These Common Mistake Trip Your Business Up!

It doesn’t matter how big your business is or how many employers you have, there are a few common mistakes that could have a massive impact on the success of your business. Don’t let these common mistakes trip you up. They are easily avoidable if you take the time to get them under control now. [...]

Insly Customer Story: Cactus Insurance

This was a Customer Story published on Insly website on the 26th of February, 2018. Cactus launched an online trading platform in New Zealand for commercial combined and contract works insurance covers based on Insly software. Founded in 2012, Cactus is an innovative insurance wholesaler with the aim to provide brokers with effective online tools [...]

5 Simple Tips to Stop Thieves from Nicking Your Tools

Every tradie knows, your most valuable assets are your tools and truck, they literally go everywhere with you. Not only are they expensive but for many, they possess high sentimental value, especially tools that you’ve had from the start of your apprenticeship. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the same set your old man passed [...]

Become Part of a Thriving Industry (Without the Uni Fees)

Our industry is currently in a very good position. It’s like we’re 3-points ahead in the 2011 RWC with 10-minutes left and Stephen Donald has just pulled on Cruden’s XS jersey, the outcome was never in doubt. All around the country, the building and construction industry is thriving. Whether you’re a plumber, sparkie or roofer [...]

Major Tradie Insurer in Liquidation. Are you affected?

One of the construction industry’s largest insurers has entered into interim liquidation leaving thousands of tradies in the dark and potentially out of pocket. CBL Corporation, a major underwriter for tools, vehicle and worksite insurance, has been forced to put all claims on hold until the liquidation has been resolved. Are you affected? If you [...]

How are You Going to Attract That Gun Apprentice?

The building industry is booming and we mean booming! You take one look around Auckland and chances are you’ll spot a new scaffold up or building knocked down. Between Auckland’s housing and infrastructure programs and the continued Christchurch rebuild, chances are your company is involved in one way or another. And if you're not, what [...]

Watch Out, Robots are Taking Over – How Technology is Going to Shape the Way You Build

One of the wonderful things about the building industry is that we are always finding new ways to implement technology to create safer and more efficient worksites. Over the past decade, we have witnessed an unprecedented boom in the way technology is being utilised. Remember the old days, the ones Jim and Dave constantly reminisce [...]

Tradesman Business Advice: Covering Financial Risk

As a small business owner, your finances are the key to understanding your business. Making sure you understand how they can negatively effect your business is one of the keys to success. The main two financial risks that you must to cover in the financial side of your business are liquidity and credit. Liquidity Risk:   This [...]

Growing a construction business in New Zealand

As a contractor or sole trader in the construction industry, word-of-mouth and referrals are going to be the biggest tools for growing your business. Reliable and friendly customer services is the easiest way to ensure people refer your business and you beat out your competition. Focus on exceeding expectations of current customers - you never [...]

Business risk – protecting yourself

Business risk should be a fundamental consideration for any tradesman or small business  owner, and properly protecting yourself can be the difference between swimming in cash or being in the sh*tter. Most small business owners don’t spend as much time as they should understanding risk and how it can affect their business, let alone implementing [...]

Who are we?

Cactus insurance. The urban dictionary definition of the word cactus is dead or not functioning. Why would we call our insurance company by a name that essentially means it's f***ed? Well, in truth we think that a lot of the current insurance offerings for tradesman are f***ed. They are complicated and niggly, simple as that, and you [...]

Best tradesman accounting software

From tracking subbie or employee time sheets to, quoting jobs or full project management, Xero is an accounting software with a whole bunch of time-saving tools for tradesman.   Here are a couple of ways you can use this tradesman accounting software (and it's awesome ‘add-ons’) to make your business run smoother:   Tracking employee time sheets, this [...]

Cactus Insurance tool cover for tradesman

 Tool Insurance. It’s not just for your tools!   If you’re a hands on tradie your tools are the be all and end all of your business. Your day to day ability to lay blocks or run cables comes downs to having your tools on hand to get the job done. Tool theft has become [...]

Cactus Insurance vehicle cover for tradesman

When your truck is cactus, we help you get back on the road. Keeping your truck or work vehicle insured is something that every builder must do, how else are you going to get from site to site when you’ve got jobs to get through or if you’re running a team? When your vehicle is [...]

Cactus Insurance liability cover for tradesman

S*** happens when you’re in business, we protect you when things go cactus up.   Liability insurance for tradesman is there to cover you when you are legally responsible for something, when a third party holds you legally liable for loss or damages. This is one of the most important covers a builder or tradesman [...]

Cactus Insurance professional indemnity cover for tradesman

We all f*** up sometimes, no need to throw the cactus out with the bath water. As you grow your business and gain experience most tradesman will branch into giving more and more advice to their clients. A tradesman ‘duty of care’ states that the work completed must be ‘fit for purpose’ and is the [...]