The rise of specialist contractors and self-employed trades is creating new challenges around risk, compliance and insurance.

Kingsbridge, a specialist insurance provider with more than 25 years in the market, is responding with tailored insurance products designed specifically for self-employed workers in construction and related sectors.

Originally focused on white-collar professionals such as consultants, IT specialists and engineers, the business has expanded into trade-focused insurance over the past two years after identifying a growing gap in the market.

Speaking at the  InstallerSHOW, Kingsbridge said many self-employed tradespeople are not well served by traditional insurance providers.

“We started the business because we saw a niche not being served properly:-the UK,” a spokesperson said.

“In construction, many clients require insurance as a condition of work, but the cover available is often generic, expensive and not reflective of actual risk.” 

One-size-fits-all insurance creates problems says Kingsbridge

A key issue facing self-employed construction workers is that many insurance products fail to account for the reality of individual roles.

Trades are often grouped into broad risk categories, which can lead to workers paying more than necessary.

For example, gas engineers are frequently classed as high risk due to working with heat and hazardous systems. However, some may primarily carry out inspections, consultancy or compliance work rather than physical installation.

Similarly, risk levels can vary significantly between scaffolders, electricians, installers and specialist subcontractors.

Kingsbridge says understanding those differences is essential.

“We encourage customers to speak to someone directly,” the spokesperson explained. “That conversation matters because risk can vary hugely depending on what someone actually does day to day.”

Addressing major issues like tool theft

Kingsbridge’s trade-focused packages combine core cover with optional add-ons, allowing policies to be tailored around real working conditions.

The company says product development was heavily influenced by research into the biggest challenges facing self-employed trades.

One major concern is tool theft, which continues to plague construction workers across the UK.

Many tradespeople assume tools stored in vans are fully protected, only to discover gaps in cover after theft occurs.

Tool theft can be financially devastating for sole traders and subcontractors, often preventing them from working altogether.

Kingsbridge evolving new types of insurance 

As MMC grows, the construction workforce is becoming increasingly specialised, with more hybrid roles spanning installation, consultancy, offsite assembly and technical compliance.

These workers often fall outside traditional insurance categories.

Kingsbridge believes insurance products must evolve alongside the sector.

Alongside insurance, the firm also supports clients on self-employment issues including IR35 compliance, helping both contractors and end clients navigate employment status fairly.

“Blanket decisions around IR35 don’t help anyone,” the spokesperson said. “Clients need confidence when engaging self-employed workers, and contractors need fair treatment.”

As construction embraces MMC, offsite manufacturing and specialist delivery models, tailored insurance is becoming increasingly important in supporting a flexible and resilient workforce.

Contact and more information: https://www.kingsbridge.co.uk/ Call  01242 808740