Tools DownGet early access

Apps for UK tradespeople, comparedNine apps for a one-person trade business, side by side.

Facts and prices checked 26 September 2026 on each company’s own website, help centre or UK App Store listing. Every fact about another app links to where it says so.

How we checked
  • Every fact about another app comes from that company’s own website, help centre or UK App Store listing, read on 26 September 2026. Each one links to the page, and the words it rests on are quoted in the evidence below.
  • Prices are as published, per month, on the lowest-priced plan that has the feature named. Where a company shows prices before VAT, the figure “inc VAT” is our calculation at 20%. Prices shown in US dollars stay in US dollars; App Store prices are labelled as such.
  • “Not documented” means we looked and found nothing on the company’s own pages. It doesn’t mean the app lacks the feature.
  • App Store ratings are from the UK App Store on 26 September 2026, with the number of ratings. Tools Down isn’t on the App Store yet, so it has none.
  • We make Tools Down. Its column describes the app as it launches. The rows are the ones a one-person UK trade business decides on, including the ones where other apps are ahead.

Written by Tools Down, the app we make. If you work on your own, on an iPhone, and want the admin done by chat or voice, Tools Down is our pick. If you run a team, need Android or card payments today, or issue electrical certificates, another app fits better, and this page says which.

See the table Get early access to Tools Down

Like for like

Side by side, for one person

Rows chosen for a one-person UK trade business. Prices are what one person pays a month on the plan named. “Our calculation” adds VAT at 20% to a price shown before VAT. “Not documented” means we couldn’t find it on the company’s own pages, not that the app can’t do it.

Tools Down and eight apps for tradespeople, checked 26 September 2026
Tools DownTradifyFergusServiceM8JobberPowered NowTradeMore (Checkatrade)Gas Engineer SoftwareYourTradebase
Least one person pays a monthFree plan, or Pro at £29.99 inc VAT (£24.99 + VAT at 20%), through Apple. One person, one price.£34 per user (Lite). £37 on Pro, the first plan with online quote acceptance and reminders. Its help centre says it adds no tax to UK subscriptions.Source: tradifyhq.comhelp.tradifyhq.comFrom £39 per user plus VAT: £46.80 inc VAT (our calculation).Source: fergus.comfergus.com(2)fergus.com(3)Free plan (1 user, 30 new jobs a month). Starter £25 plus VAT for 50 jobs: £30.00 inc VAT (our calculation).Source: servicem8.comCore (1 user): US$49 with no commitment, or US$29 billed annually, plus tax. UK App Store: Core Monthly £59.99.Source: getjobber.comapps.apple.comBusiness, one user: £28 plus VAT, £33.60 inc VAT (our calculation). Automatic chasing needs Premium: £40 plus VAT per user, £48.00.Source: powerednow.comFree Solo plan. Solo Pro, with the AI features, is £50 plus VAT: £60.00 inc VAT (our calculation).Source: trademore.uktrademore.uk(2)Core, with quotes and invoices: £25 plus VAT per user, £30.00 inc VAT (our calculation). Starter (£19 plus VAT) is certificates only.Source: help.gasengineersoftware.co.ukgasengineersoftware.co.uk£29 a month, “subject to VAT”: £34.80 inc VAT (our calculation). £15 per extra user.Source: yourtradebase.com
Free optionFirst month free, no card. Then 50 messages a month free, with every screen still working.14-day free trial, no card. No free plan on its pricing page.Source: tradifyhq.comtradifyhq.com(2)14-day free trial, no card. No free plan on its pricing page.Source: fergus.comYes: a free plan for one person, 30 new jobs a month. 14-day trial, no card.Source: servicem8.comservicem8.com(2)support.servicem8.com14-day free trial, no card. No free plan on its pricing page.Source: getjobber.com14-day trial, no card. No free plan on its website; its app listing still mentions a free account.Source: powerednow.comapps.apple.comYes: a free Solo plan with quotes, invoices and one inbox. The AI features are on Solo Pro. Trial length not documented.Source: trademore.uktrademore.uk(2)14-day trial, no card. No free plan.Source: gasengineersoftware.co.uk30-day trial, no card. Then a free account with limits it does not publish.Source: yourtradebase.com
iPhone, Android, webiPhone. Android after launch, no date yet. No web app.iPhone, Android and web.Source: apps.apple.comhelp.tradifyhq.comiPhone, Android and web.Source: apps.apple.comfergus.comhelp.fergus.comiPhone, Android (a full app since September 2026), web and a Mac or PC app.Source: apps.apple.comsupport.servicem8.comservicem8.comservicem8.com(2)iPhone, Android and web.Source: apps.apple.comgetjobber.comhelp.getjobber.comiPhone, Android and web.Source: powerednow.comiPhone, Android and web.Source: trademore.ukiPhone, Android and web.Source: help.gasengineersoftware.co.ukiPhone (app last updated January 2023), Android and web.Source: apps.apple.comhelp.yourtradebase.com
Admin done by chat or voiceYes, by chat or voice, on every plan: customers, jobs, the Diary, quotes, invoices, reminders and expenses.Not documented. Its AI writes descriptions and reads supplier bills, on the Plus plan (£44 per user).Source: tradifyhq.comYes: a chat that sets up jobs, builds quotes and prepares invoices, at no extra cost for now. Heavier work such as reporting is at the desk.Source: fergus.comhelp.fergus.comfergus.com(2)Yes, from Starter: Office Agent, typed on the web or spoken from a job in the app. You approve each action; daily allowance.Source: support.servicem8.comsupport.servicem8.com(2)Partly: Jobber AI voice creates quotes and invoices for admins on every plan (Beta); typed chat cannot create records.Source: getjobber.comhelp.getjobber.comNot documented. AI writes quote text on Premium; an AI receptionist for calls is an add-on.Source: powerednow.compowerednow.com(2)Partly, on Solo Pro: quotes from a chat or your voice.Source: trademore.ukNot as a general tool. On Pro (Beta): quotes drafted from a few typed or spoken words, and answers from boiler manuals.Source: gasengineersoftware.co.ukNot documented.Source: yourtradebase.com
Customer accepts a quote onlineYes: a quote page the customer accepts in one tap. Valid 30 days by default.Yes, on Pro and Plus: customers accept, decline or comment from a link.Source: help.tradifyhq.comtradifyhq.comYes: the customer accepts on a web page, with a deposit if you set one.Source: help.fergus.comYes: customers accept online from a link. No setting for how long a quote stays open.Source: servicem8.comsupport.servicem8.comYes, on every plan, through its client hub.Source: getjobber.comYes: customers accept or reject from a link.Source: support.powerednow.comQuotes as web pages with open tracking; online acceptance not documented.Source: trademore.ukNot documented: the customer gets a PDF and you mark the quote accepted.Source: gasengineersoftware.co.ukYes: customers view, ask questions and accept online.Source: yourtradebase.com
Automatic invoice chasingOn from the start and free: reminders 3, 7 and 14 days after the due date, stopping when paid.Yes, on Pro and Plus, once turned on for each invoice (off by default). Texts 10p each.Source: help.tradifyhq.comtradifyhq.comhelp.tradifyhq.com(2)Yes: automatic reminders on overdue invoices by email, text or both. Texts £8 per 100.Source: help.fergus.comhelp.fergus.com(2)Yes, on every plan, once you switch it on and set the timings. Texts use plan credits, then 5p each.Source: support.servicem8.comsupport.servicem8.com(2)servicem8.comOn Connect and up (US$139 a month for one user, no commitment): up to two reminders.Source: help.getjobber.comgetjobber.comPremium only: up to three chase emails.Source: support.powerednow.comsupport.powerednow.com(2)Invoice chasing not documented. Quote follow-ups by text and phone on Solo Pro.Source: trademore.uktrademore.uk(2)Yes, on Core and Pro: up to three emailed reminders on overdue invoices.Source: gasengineersoftware.co.ukYes, per its website: automatic reminders and ready-written messages.Source: yourtradebase.com
Card and bank paymentsBank transfer from the invoice page, which shows your bank details. A QR code on your phone opens it at the door. No card payments yet.Cards at 1.7% + 20p inc VAT, online or by QR code on site. Bank details print on the invoice; no pay-by-bank documented.Source: help.tradifyhq.comhelp.tradifyhq.com(2)Fergus Pay: cards at 1.6% + 20p, Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android, Direct Debit at 1% capped at £4.Source: fergus.comfergus.com(2)help.fergus.comCards at 1.65% + 20p, Tap to Pay, and PayByBank at 0.75% + 20p on online invoices.Source: support.servicem8.comservicem8.comsupport.servicem8.com(2)Cards at 1.4% + 20p in the UK (help article last updated March 2024). No UK bank payments: ACH is US only.Source: help.getjobber.comhelp.getjobber.com(2)Cards through SumUp or PayPal (Powered Now publishes no fee). No pay-by-bank button documented.Source: powerednow.comsupport.powerednow.comBank details on invoices. Trademore Pay’s fee is not published.Source: trademore.uktrademore.uk(2)Pay by bank through Crezco, £1 plus VAT per paid invoice. Card payments not documented.Source: help.gasengineersoftware.co.ukCards through Stripe at 2.0% + 20p. Bank payments not documented.Source: help.yourtradebase.com
Gas safety recordsBuilt in, landlord and homeowner. Issue with no signal; the next check shows in your Diary; tenant copy only with the landlord’s agreement.Built in on Pro and Plus, with oil forms too. Needs a connection.Source: tradifyhq.comhelp.tradifyhq.comBuilt in, listed as free on both plans, including the landlord record (CP12).Source: help.fergus.comThrough a partner’s CP12 form, bought separately from its Form Store.Source: servicem8.comNot documented.Source: help.getjobber.comBuilt in on Professional and Premium.Source: support.powerednow.compowerednow.comMentioned in its app listings, not on its website. Types and plan not documented.Source: apps.apple.comBuilt in on every plan, including landlord and homeowner records, warning notices, and service and breakdown records.Source: gasengineersoftware.co.ukNot documented.Source: yourtradebase.com
Electrical certificatesNot yet. Use a certificate app such as iCertifi alongside it.Built in on Pro and Plus: EICR, EIC, Minor Works and more, updated to BS 7671 A4:2026.Source: tradifyhq.comtradifyhq.com(2)Built in, listed as free on both plans, including Minor Works.Source: help.fergus.comNo BS 7671 EICR form found in its UK Form Store (our observation, not ServiceM8’s statement).Source: servicem8.comNot documented.Source: help.getjobber.comBuilt in on Professional and Premium, including A4:2026 certificates and the EICR.Source: powerednow.comMentioned in its app listings, not on its website. Types and plan not documented.Source: play.google.comMinor Works only.Source: help.gasengineersoftware.co.ukNot documented.Source: yourtradebase.com
CIS and reverse chargeBuilt in, set by customer: the CIS deduction on labour and the reverse-charge wording on the invoice.Only through Xero or Sage. Tradify says it has no native CIS or reverse-charge options.Source: help.tradifyhq.comCIS: its UK blog says it is managed through the Xero integration. Reverse charge: not documented.Source: fergus.comCIS: not documented. Reverse charge: a documented setup with a 0% tax rate and a custom template.Source: support.servicem8.comNot documented.Source: help.getjobber.comYes: CIS deductions and the domestic reverse charge.Source: support.powerednow.comsupport.powerednow.com(2)Not documented.Source: trademore.ukYes, on Core and Pro.Source: help.gasengineersoftware.co.ukYes: CIS deductions and the reverse charge, per invoice or per customer.Source: yourtradebase.com
AccountingNo live sync. Expenses export as CSV (Xero and FreeAgent layouts, plain CSV for QuickBooks and Sage), and you can export everything.Live sync on every plan: Xero (two-way), QuickBooks Online and Sage.Source: tradifyhq.comtradifyhq.com(2)Live sync with Xero and QuickBooks.Source: fergus.comhelp.fergus.comLive sync with Xero and QuickBooks Online. No Sage integration.Source: support.servicem8.comsupport.servicem8.com(2)Xero (one way, into Xero) and QuickBooks Online, on Connect and up.Source: help.getjobber.comhelp.getjobber.com(2)Xero and QuickBooks on Professional and Premium. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax on every plan.Source: powerednow.comXero, per its listing on Xero’s app marketplace.Source: apps.xero.comXero, QuickBooks and Sage, on Pro.Source: gasengineersoftware.co.ukXero and QuickBooks, one way.Source: help.yourtradebase.comhelp.yourtradebase.com(2)
Works with no signalGas safety records issue with no signal and send when it returns.No. Tradify says it needs a live internet connection.Source: help.tradifyhq.comPartly: the phone app keeps time, photos and notes with no signal and syncs later.Source: help.fergus.comYes for jobs already synced; final PDFs and sending wait for signal.Source: support.servicem8.comPartly: timers, forms, notes and photos work offline and sync later.Source: help.getjobber.comYes in the phone apps: quote and invoice with no signal, then sync.Source: powerednow.comNot documented.Source: trademore.ukYes: the phone apps work offline and sync later.Source: gasengineersoftware.co.ukNot documented; it is web-based.Source: help.yourtradebase.com
UK App Store ratingNot on the App Store yet.4.8 from 2.7k ratings.Source: apps.apple.com4.7 from 128 ratings (Fergus Go).Source: apps.apple.com4.5 from 1.2k ratings.Source: apps.apple.com4.8 from 446 ratings.Source: apps.apple.com4.1 from 243 ratings.Source: apps.apple.com3.7 from 23 ratings.Source: apps.apple.com4.7 from 1.5k ratings.Source: apps.apple.com5.0 from 15 ratings.Source: apps.apple.com

Our pick for a sole trader, and why

Working on your own? Here’s the case for Tools Down.

Each reason rests on what the other companies publish, linked below it. Tools Down is coming soon to iPhone; its side describes the app as it launches.

One price for one person, and a free plan that keeps working

Tools Down Pro is £29.99 a month including VAT. After the first month the free plan keeps every screen working, with 50 messages a month. For the same one person: Tradify is £34 a user on Lite and £37 on Pro; Fergus starts from £39 plus VAT, £46.80; Powered Now is £28 plus VAT, £33.60, or £48.00 on Premium for automatic chasing; Jobber is US$49 plus tax, or £59.99 on the UK App Store. ServiceM8 Starter is level at £30.00 with VAT. ServiceM8 also has a free plan, for 30 new jobs a month, and TradeMore’s Solo plan is free, with its AI features on Solo Pro; Tradify, Fergus, Jobber and Gas Engineer Software offer trials.

Sources:Tradify Tradify source: tradifyhq.comhelp.tradifyhq.comtradifyhq.com(2)Fergus Fergus source: fergus.comfergus.com(2)fergus.com(3)Powered Now Powered Now source: powerednow.comJobber Jobber source: getjobber.comapps.apple.comServiceM8 ServiceM8 source: servicem8.comservicem8.com(2)support.servicem8.comTradeMore (Checkatrade) TradeMore (Checkatrade) source: trademore.uktrademore.uk(2)trademore.uk(3)Gas Engineer Software Gas Engineer Software source: gasengineersoftware.co.uk

Chasing that’s on from the start, and free

Every Tools Down invoice gets reminders 3, 7 and 14 days after it’s due, until it’s paid. Tradify’s reminders are on Pro and off by default on each invoice; Jobber’s start on its Connect plan; Powered Now’s are Premium only; ServiceM8’s need switching on and setting up.

Sources:Tradify Tradify source: help.tradifyhq.comtradifyhq.comhelp.tradifyhq.com(2)Jobber Jobber source: help.getjobber.comgetjobber.comPowered Now Powered Now source: support.powerednow.comsupport.powerednow.com(2)ServiceM8 ServiceM8 source: support.servicem8.comsupport.servicem8.com(2)servicem8.com

CIS and the reverse charge on the invoice

Set by customer, with no accounting app needed. Tradify does both only through Xero or Sage; Fergus’s blog points to Xero for CIS; ServiceM8 documents a reverse-charge setup; we found neither documented by Jobber.

Sources:Tradify Tradify source: help.tradifyhq.comFergus Fergus source: fergus.comServiceM8 ServiceM8 source: support.servicem8.comJobber Jobber source: help.getjobber.com

Gas safety records with next year lined up

Issued with no signal, the next check in your Diary with the landlord’s message drafted, and the tenant copy only with the landlord’s agreement. ServiceM8’s landlord record is a partner’s form bought separately, and we found none documented by Jobber.

Sources:ServiceM8 ServiceM8 source: servicem8.comJobber Jobber source: help.getjobber.com

When another tool fits better

Where the others are the better choice

You run a team, or dispatch other people

Tools Down is one person per account. ServiceM8 doesn’t charge per user on paid plans and has dispatch; Jobber, Tradify and Fergus schedule teams and crews.

Sources:ServiceM8 ServiceM8 source: servicem8.comJobber Jobber source: getjobber.comTradify Tradify source: tradifyhq.comFergus Fergus source: fergus.com

You need Android, or a web app

Tools Down is iPhone first, with Android after launch and no date yet. Every other app here runs on Android and the web.

Sources:ServiceM8 ServiceM8 source: apps.apple.comsupport.servicem8.comservicem8.comservicem8.com(2)Tradify Tradify source: apps.apple.comhelp.tradifyhq.comFergus Fergus source: apps.apple.comfergus.comhelp.fergus.comJobber Jobber source: apps.apple.comgetjobber.comhelp.getjobber.comPowered Now Powered Now source: powerednow.comTradeMore (Checkatrade) TradeMore (Checkatrade) source: trademore.ukGas Engineer Software Gas Engineer Software source: help.gasengineersoftware.co.ukYourTradebase YourTradebase source: apps.apple.comhelp.yourtradebase.com

You want card payments or Tap to Pay today

Tools Down takes bank transfers from the invoice page, with no card payments yet. Fergus and ServiceM8 have Tap to Pay; ServiceM8 also has PayByBank; Tradify and Jobber take cards online.

Sources:Fergus Fergus source: fergus.comfergus.com(2)help.fergus.comServiceM8 ServiceM8 source: support.servicem8.comservicem8.comsupport.servicem8.com(2)Tradify Tradify source: help.tradifyhq.comhelp.tradifyhq.com(2)Jobber Jobber source: help.getjobber.comhelp.getjobber.com(2)

You issue electrical certificates

Tools Down doesn’t make them yet. Use a certificate app such as iCertifi alongside it (£125.99 for 12 months, prices including VAT), or pick an app with them built in: Tradify on Pro, Fergus, or Powered Now on Professional.

Sources:iCertifi iCertifi source: icertifi.co.ukTradify Tradify source: tradifyhq.comtradifyhq.com(2)Fergus Fergus source: help.fergus.comPowered Now Powered Now source: powerednow.com

You want more gas forms, warning notices included

Tools Down does gas safety records only. Gas Engineer Software has landlord and homeowner records, warning notices, and service and breakdown records on every plan.

Sources:Gas Engineer Software Gas Engineer Software source: gasengineersoftware.co.uk

You want Making Tax Digital for Income Tax in the same app

Tools Down exports your records for your accountant. Powered Now says it has MTD for Income Tax built in on every plan.

Sources:Powered Now Powered Now source: powerednow.com

Who each app suits best

The evidence

In each company’s own words

Tradify: the evidence
Least one person pays a month
£34 per user/month. tradifyhq.com/uk/pricing
£37 per user/month. tradifyhq.com/uk/pricing
Tradify does not currently charge tax on subscriptions for regions outside of New Zealand and Australia. help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035857734-Is-Tax-Charged-on-the-Tradify-Subscription-Outside-of-New-Zealand
Free option
Free for 14 Days! Our free trial includes all the features, giving you the freedom to find out what plan will work best for your business. tradifyhq.com/uk/pricing
Yes, you get full access free for 14 days, no credit card required. tradifyhq.com/uk/features/quoting-software
iPhone, Android, web
Requires iOS 14.0 or later. apps.apple.com/gb/app/tradify-quote-invoice-tool/id984378901
A device running Android 9 Pie or later help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026792973-Tradify-s-Recommended-Devices-Specs
Tradify can be accessed on any computer with an active internet connection and adequate processing capabilities. help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026792973-Tradify-s-Recommended-Devices-Specs
Admin done by chat or voice
Tradify harnesses AI to make your life easier. Unlock faster and more accurate quoting, cost tracking, and invoicing. Available on our Plus plan only. tradifyhq.com/uk/pricing
£44 per user/month. tradifyhq.com/uk/pricing
Customer accepts a quote online
Your customers can accept, decline and comment on quotes from a trackable link. help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016571573-Accept-a-Quote
Quote Options & Online Acceptance tradifyhq.com/uk/pricing
Automatic invoice chasing
click the toggle to ‘Enable payment reminder emails on this invoice’. This setting will be off by default help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/22210582335001-Use-Invoice-Payment-Reminders
Quote & Invoice Reminders tradifyhq.com/uk/pricing
£0.10 GBP the United Kingdom help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/26130939769497-Understanding-Text-Messages-in-Tradify
Card and bank payments
1.7% (Inc VAT) of the invoice total + 0.20 (Inc VAT) for standard cards. help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/48229104937625-Tradify-Card-Payments-Integration-Overview
In Tradify you can add your Bank Account details, and any other payment instructions to your Document Theme, so that is automatically added to the bottom of every invoice. help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/22976547777305-Adding-Bank-Account-Details-to-Invoices
Gas safety records
Create, sign, and send digital oil & gas safety certificates. tradifyhq.com/uk/features/gas-safety-certificates
Tradify does not work offline as, both the Web Console and the Mobile App are dependent on a live internet connection to operate. help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026848353-Does-Tradify-Work-Offline
Electrical certificates
Quickly create, sign, and send digital versions of the EICR, EIC, PAT, and other electrical safety certificates. tradifyhq.com/uk/features/forms-certificates
Added a new version of the UK Minor Electrical Installation Certificate (MEIC), aligned to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. tradifyhq.com/product-updates
CIS and reverse charge
Tradify does not have any native Reverse VAT / CIS tax options. If you need to generate reverse VAT / CIS invoices then you must be linked with either Xero or Sage which have facilities to enable this. help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/22160556318617-Can-I-create-Reverse-VAT-CIS-Invoices-without-an-accounting-platform-in-Tradify
Accounting
Tradify and Xero have a two-way sync, meaning that whatever you update in Tradify will update in Xero and vice versa. tradifyhq.com/uk/xero-and-tradify-addon
Invoices, bills, payments, suppliers, and customer information are shared with Sage automatically. tradifyhq.com/uk/sage-and-tradify-addon
Works with no signal
Tradify does not work offline as, both the Web Console and the Mobile App are dependent on a live internet connection to operate. help.tradifyhq.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026848353-Does-Tradify-Work-Offline
UK App Store rating
2.7k Ratings 4.8 apps.apple.com/gb/app/id984378901
Fergus: the evidence
Least one person pays a month
Plans starting from £39 per month fergus.com/uk/pricing/
Our Fees are exclusive of all taxes, levies, or duties imposed by taxing authorities fergus.com/terms-of-service/
No lock-in contracts! Month-to-month per user, priced, so you add or remove users as the crew changes. fergus.com/uk/
Free option
Experience the benefits of Fergus for free with a 14-day trial. fergus.com/uk/pricing/
Start using Fergus right away, no credit card required. fergus.com/uk/pricing/
iPhone, Android, web
Requires iOS 15.1 or later. apps.apple.com/gb/app/fergus-go/id1484018778
The Fergus mobile app works seamlessly across Apple iOS and Android. fergus.com/uk/
You will need to cancel through the Fergus web app (browser version) at app.fergus.com. help.fergus.com/en/articles/5068313-cancelling-your-account
Admin done by chat or voice
Use Assistant to find information, set up jobs, build and review quotes, prepare invoices, adjust the schedule, coordinate outstanding work, draft customer messages, run reports and schedule supported checks. fergus.com/uk/assistant/
The new AI tools are included in your current monthly Fergus subscription at no extra cost for now. If that changes in future, we’ll let you know clearly before any new pricing applies. help.fergus.com/en/articles/16915626-fergus-assistant-faqs
Assistant on Fergus Go is built for work on the move, including finding job details and capturing time, notes, tasks and updates. The heavier work like reporting, lives in Fergus Assistant at the desk. fergus.com/uk/go-assistant/
Customer accepts a quote online
This single page is used for both accepting and declining quotes and estimates. Here, they can enter their name, and agree to the terms of service. help.fergus.com/en/articles/11381674-deposits-for-quotes-and-estimates
Automatic invoice chasing
You can arrange automatic invoice reminders that are sent via SMS, email, or both when an invoice is overdue. help.fergus.com/en/articles/1634555-invoice-reminders
The cost is £8 per 100 text messages. help.fergus.com/en/articles/1420951-sms-communication-in-fergus
Card and bank payments
Credit Card Payments 1.6% + £0.20 per transaction fergus.com/uk/pricing/
tap to pay on iPhone or Android, direct debit, buy now pay later (Clearpay), Link, Apple Pay, credit and debit card payments, and online payments. fergus.com/uk/
United Kingdom 1% max £4 help.fergus.com/en/articles/13757649-direct-debit-with-fergus-pay-faqs
Gas safety records
Landlord / Homeowner Gas Safety Record (CP12) help.fergus.com/en/articles/8286236-list-of-uk-certificates-available
Note: Fergus Certificates is a free Add-On available for the United Kingdom. help.fergus.com/en/articles/8286236-list-of-uk-certificates-available
Electrical certificates
Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate help.fergus.com/en/articles/8286236-list-of-uk-certificates-available
Note: Fergus Certificates is a free Add-On available for the United Kingdom. help.fergus.com/en/articles/8286236-list-of-uk-certificates-available
CIS and reverse charge
With Fergus, you can make managing CIS payments a breeze with Xero integration. fergus.com/uk/tradehub/blog/what-is-cis-and-who-has-to-pay-it/
Accounting
Two-way sync with your accounting system fergus.com/uk/pricing/
Fergus integrates with three accounting platforms to streamline your workflow and decrease admin time. help.fergus.com/en/articles/3492011-accounting-software-fergus-integrates-with
Works with no signal
Offline Mode has come out of beta and rolled out to all users. help.fergus.com/en/articles/13627195-release-notes-2026
Keep working with no signal - time entries (timer or manual), photos, and job notes are all queued and synced automatically once you're back online. help.fergus.com/en/articles/13627195-release-notes-2026
UK App Store rating
128 Ratings 4.7 apps.apple.com/gb/app/id1484018778
ServiceM8: the evidence
Least one person pays a month
Free £ 0 /mo 1 User 30 Jobs per month 5p per SMS servicem8.com/uk/pricing
Starter £ 25 /mo Unlimited Users 50 Jobs per month 100+ SMS per month servicem8.com/uk/pricing
Due to the nature of ServiceM8's services, prices do not include VAT. ServiceM8 will issue you reverse charge invoices for you to account for VAT to HMRC servicem8.com/uk/pricing
Free option
The free plan is made for sole trader businesses. servicem8.com/uk/pricing-free-plan
Free £ 0 /mo 1 User 30 Jobs per month 5p per SMS servicem8.com/uk/pricing
Yes. ServiceM8 offers a 14-day free trial, and you do not need a credit card to start the trial. support.servicem8.com/questions/general/does-servicem8-offer-a-free-trial-and-do-i-need-a-credit-card
iPhone, Android, web
Field staff use the ServiceM8 app for iPhone & iPad. Office staff can access the ServiceM8 dashboard online via web browser on Mac or PC. apps.apple.com/gb/app/servicem8-job-management-app/id378062736
ServiceM8 is available for Android with almost all the same functionality as the iOS app. support.servicem8.com/help-center/app/basics/about-the-servicem8-android-app-servicem8-lite
The all-new, full-featured ServiceM8 app for Android. servicem8.com/september-2026-update
Work faster in the office with the ServiceM8 Desktop app for your Mac or PC. servicem8.com/uk/pricing
Admin done by chat or voice
Office Agent Standard includes chat in the ServiceM8 app and Online Dashboard with a daily usage allowance on current Starter, Growing, Premium and Premium Plus ServiceM8 plans. support.servicem8.com/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/office-agent/office-agent-plans-and-daily-usage
Office Agent prepares supported actions for your approval. Approving carries out the action. support.servicem8.com/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/office-agent/introducing-office-agent
Customer accepts a quote online
Email or TXT clients a special link to view and accept your quotes online. A built-in question form gives clients an easy way to ask any questions they have before proceeding. servicem8.com/uk/features-quoting-invoicing
No, ServiceM8 does not have a feature in which you can set the period of time for which your quotes are valid, and can be accepted, before they expire and are no longer possible for the client to accept. support.servicem8.com/questions/quotes/include-specific-date-pdf-quotes-quote-valid-til
Automatic invoice chasing
With the Automation Add-on, you can set ServiceM8 to automatically follow up clients with outstanding invoices support.servicem8.com/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/automation/payment-follow-up-automation
The Automation add-on is available on all ServiceM8 plans. Each SMS (text) sent will consume a text credit under your plan. support.servicem8.com/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/automation/quote-follow-up-automation
Additional SMS 5p per SMS 5p per SMS 5p per SMS 5p per SMS 5p per SMS servicem8.com/uk/pricing
Card and bank payments
Standard Domestic 1.65% + 20p support.servicem8.com/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/servicem8-pay/servicem8-pay-card-processing-fees-payout-speed
Tap to Pay on iPhone Accept credit & debit card payment on site, with nothing but your iPhone. servicem8.com/uk/pricing
The PayByBank processing fee is 0.75% + 20p support.servicem8.com/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/servicem8-pay/how-to-use-paybybank-with-servicem8-pay-uk
Gas safety records
Issue compliant CP12 Gas Safety Certificates from ServiceM8 in minutes. Professional and fully editable for Gas Safe engineers, suitable for landlord checks or homeowner inspections. servicem8.com/uk/form_store_install?uuid=063335f7-e9b7-469e-b44c-1626946e569b
Electrical certificates
Looked through the UK Form Store on 26 September 2026; no BS 7671 EICR, EIC or Minor Works form listed. servicem8.com/uk/form-store
CIS and reverse charge
If you’re in the United Kingdom, you may need to generate invoices for some jobs/customers on a Domestic Reverse Charge basis support.servicem8.com/help-center/advanced-setup/invoice-quote-templates/how-to-invoice-with-domestic-reverse-charge-drc-vat-in-the-uk
Works with no signal
However, tasks that need a live connection still will not work offline. For example, you cannot produce final PDF quotes, invoices, or Forms, or send emails or text messages until the device has coverage or internet again. support.servicem8.com/questions/mobile/does-servicem8-work-offline-without-mobile-coverage-or-internet
UK App Store rating
1.2k Ratings 4.5 apps.apple.com/gb/app/id378062736
Jobber: the evidence
Least one person pays a month
For 12 months, then $29/mo | Save $15 for 3 months, then $39/mo | For 3 months, then $49/mo getjobber.com/pricing/
*All prices in USD. Annual options billed annually. getjobber.com/pricing/
Subscription plan prices exclude sales tax where applicable. getjobber.com/pricing/
Core Monthly £59.99 apps.apple.com/gb/app/jobber-field-service-software/id1014146758
Free option
For 14 days you get full access to all of Jobber’s features on the Grow plan—no credit card required. getjobber.com/pricing/
iPhone, Android, web
Requires iOS 16.4 or later. apps.apple.com/gb/app/jobber-field-service-software/id1014146758
Run your day-to-day operations from anywhere with our iOS and Android mobile apps. getjobber.com/pricing/
You can use Jobber through web browsers, including Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/faqfrequently-asked-questions/
Admin done by chat or voice
Ask Jobber to create quotes, update schedules, send messages, and more while you’re in the field, using just your voice. getjobber.com/pricing/
Note: While you can type or speak to Jobber AI in the app, creating new items (like quotes, jobs, or other records) is only available when using Voice mode. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/jobber-ai-voice-and-chat-beta/
Jobber AI is available on all plans. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/jobber-ai-voice-and-chat-beta/
Customer accepts a quote online
Client hub is a self-serve, online experience that allows your clients to approve quotes, check appointment details and pay invoices—all in one place. getjobber.com/pricing/
Automatic invoice chasing
Invoice follow-ups are on Jobber’s Connect Plan and up. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/automations/
There are two invoice follow-up automations available, so that you can send your clients up to two reminders about their invoices in “past due” status. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/automations/
For 12 months, then $99/mo | Save $47 for 3 months, then $119/mo | For 3 months, then $139/mo getjobber.com/pricing/
Card and bank payments
The rates for Jobber Payments in the UK are 1.4% + 20p per transaction across all plans. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/setting-up-jobber-payments-in-the-uk/
Since bank payments (ACH) are processed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, bank payments are only available in the United States. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/bank-payments-ach/
Gas safety records
Searched Jobber’s help centre and features on 26 September 2026; no gas safety record or electrical certificate forms documented. help.getjobber.com/
Electrical certificates
Searched Jobber’s help centre and features on 26 September 2026; no gas safety record or electrical certificate forms documented. help.getjobber.com/
CIS and reverse charge
No mention of CIS or the domestic reverse charge across Jobber’s English help articles (checked 26 September 2026). help.getjobber.com/
Accounting
The Xero integration is available in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand on the Connect and Grow plan. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/jobber-and-xero-integration/
The sync is one way, from Jobber into Xero. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/jobber-and-xero-integration/
If you are in Canada or the UK, select the Global version during setup. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/how-items-sync-between-jobber-and-quickbooks-online/
Works with no signal
When you’re offline, you can still complete key tasks like starting and stopping timers, filling out job forms, and adding notes or attachments. help.getjobber.com/en/articles/troubleshooting-tips-how-to-help-us-help-you/
UK App Store rating
446 Ratings 4.8 apps.apple.com/gb/app/id1014146758
Powered Now: the evidence
Least one person pays a month
Business is a single-user plan at £28 a month, so if you work on your own that is the whole bill. powerednow.com/pricing/
No, all prices shown exclude VAT. VAT is added at checkout. powerednow.com/pricing/
£40/month Per user, billed monthly Excludes VAT powerednow.com/pricing/
Free option
Every plan starts with a free 14-day trial, no card required. powerednow.com/pricing/
Once the trial is complete you can either move to the free account or subscribe. apps.apple.com/gb/app/id622739610
iPhone, Android, web
Works on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android phone & tablet. powerednow.com/pricing/
Admin done by chat or voice
Turn a few words into a properly written quote description or customer message. powerednow.com/pricing/
Answers every call in a natural voice and captures the lead powerednow.com/receptionist/
No chat that does the admin found on its pricing, features or help pages (checked 26 September 2026). powerednow.com/pricing/
Customer accepts a quote online
At the top of the page, they will see an Accept or Reject quote button. support.powerednow.com/en/knowledge/how-does-a-customer-accept-or-reject-a-quote
Automatic invoice chasing
You can send up to three chase emails support.powerednow.com/en/knowledge/invoice/quote-chasing-reminders
Please note that payment reminders are exclusively available to Premium tier subscribers of Powered Now. support.powerednow.com/en/knowledge/payment-options
Card and bank payments
A pay-now link on the invoice. Customers pay by card before you have left the drive. powerednow.com/pricing/
Currently, we do not have a direct connection to your Bank outside of our Xero Integration support.powerednow.com/en/knowledge/does-powered-now-link-to-your-bank-account
Gas safety records
Gas Safety Record support.powerednow.com/en/knowledge/what-certificates-do-you-have
Compliant certificates & custom forms powerednow.com/pricing/
Electrical certificates
A4:2026 electrical certificates & EICR powerednow.com/pricing/
CIS and reverse charge
There is automatic calculation of expected CIS deductions when sending a CIS invoice to a contractor support.powerednow.com/en/knowledge/full-construction-industry-scheme-support
you can set the tax for that pricing line to Domestic Reverse Charge support.powerednow.com/en/knowledge/cis-drc-invoices
Accounting
Xero & QuickBooks integration New powerednow.com/pricing/
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is built directly into Powered Now and recognised by HMRC, on every plan including Business. powerednow.com/pricing/
Works with no signal
Keep quoting and invoicing in a loft or a basement. It syncs when you get signal back. powerednow.com/pricing/
UK App Store rating
243 Ratings 4.1 apps.apple.com/gb/app/id622739610
TradeMore (Checkatrade): the evidence
Least one person pays a month
Monthly price £0 £50 £200 £320 £520 Annual price £0 £500 - - - trademore.uk/pricing-and-usage-guide
All prices are exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise. trademore.uk/pricing-and-usage-guide
All AI features included trademore.uk/pricing
Free option
Quotes, invoices, and one inbox to manage it all. trademore.uk/pricing
All AI features included trademore.uk/pricing
The length of the trial period will be confirmed at sign-up. trademore.uk/terms
iPhone, Android, web
TradeMore is available on iOS, Android, and web browsers. trademore.uk/faq
Admin done by chat or voice
Generate professional quotes from a chat or your voice. trademore.uk/features/quotes-and-invoices
Customer accepts a quote online
View when your customers open your quotes. trademore.uk/features/quotes-and-invoices
Automatic invoice chasing
Automatic SMS and phone follow-ups at 24 hours and 3 days, plus real-time open tracking, help you close more jobs. trademore.uk/features/quotes-and-invoices
AI Communications - messages sent or received through AI Features (for example, automated chasers and customer messaging). trademore.uk/pricing-and-usage-guide
Card and bank payments
Yes - when you send an invoice, your bank details are automatically included for direct bank transfers. trademore.uk/faq
If you select payments through Trademore Pay any applicable payment processing fee will be shown at the point that selection is made. trademore.uk/pricing-and-usage-guide
Gas safety records
Generate Gas, Electrical & other certificates instantly apps.apple.com/gb/app/id6745899409
Electrical certificates
Generate Gas, Electrical & other certificates instantly play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.checkatrade.trademore&hl=en_GB&gl=GB
CIS and reverse charge
No mention of CIS or the reverse charge on trademore.uk (checked 26 September 2026). trademore.uk/
Accounting
As you create invoices in TradeMore, you can instantly sync them with Xero in just one click. apps.xero.com/uk/app/trademore
Works with no signal
No offline use described on trademore.uk (checked 26 September 2026). trademore.uk/faq
UK App Store rating
23 Ratings 3.7 apps.apple.com/gb/app/id6745899409
Gas Engineer Software: the evidence
Least one person pays a month
Cost: £25 per month per user (excluding VAT) help.gasengineersoftware.co.uk/en/articles/3678805-how-much-does-it-cost
Cost: £19 per month (excluding VAT) help.gasengineersoftware.co.uk/en/articles/3678805-how-much-does-it-cost
Prices exclude VAT. gasengineersoftware.co.uk/pricing/
Free option
Start a 14-day free trial, pick a plan later gasengineersoftware.co.uk/pricing/
No card details required gasengineersoftware.co.uk/pricing/
iPhone, Android, web
iPad/iPhone (app and website) - Requires iOS version 13 or higher help.gasengineersoftware.co.uk/en/articles/3678858-which-devices-does-gas-engineer-software-support
Android tablets and phones (app and website) - Requires OS version 11 or higher help.gasengineersoftware.co.uk/en/articles/3678858-which-devices-does-gas-engineer-software-support
Windows desktops and laptops - Website access help.gasengineersoftware.co.uk/en/articles/3678858-which-devices-does-gas-engineer-software-support
Admin done by chat or voice
Type or say a few rough words about the job. gasengineersoftware.co.uk/software/ai-features-for-heating-businesses/
AI features in GES are available on the Pro plan. gasengineersoftware.co.uk/software/ai-features-for-heating-businesses/
Customer accepts a quote online
From the job page, you can mark whether the quote has been accepted or not. gasengineersoftware.co.uk/software/quotes/
Automatic invoice chasing
Customise the wording, and set up to 3 sequential reminders gasengineersoftware.co.uk/software/invoices/
Card and bank payments
The only fee associated with the Crezco integration is the £1.00 (plus VAT) per invoice paid via the Crezco system. help.gasengineersoftware.co.uk/en/articles/7338574-integrating-with-crezco-link-qr-code-payments
Gas safety records
Landlord Gas Safety Certificate gasengineersoftware.co.uk/software/records-certificates/
Electrical certificates
Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate help.gasengineersoftware.co.uk/en/articles/10022507-what-records-does-gas-engineer-software-provide
CIS and reverse charge
Gas Engineer Software supports both CIS line items and the Domestic Reverse Charge (DRC). help.gasengineersoftware.co.uk/en/articles/12109187-adding-cis-and-drc-to-your-invoices-quotes
Accounting
Accounting Integrations (Xero, Quickbooks & Sage gasengineersoftware.co.uk/pricing/
Works with no signal
GES works fully offline. Drafts auto-save to your device and sync the moment you're back online — nothing gets lost. gasengineersoftware.co.uk/software/records-certificates/
UK App Store rating
1.5k Ratings 4.7 apps.apple.com/gb/app/id771853285
YourTradebase: the evidence
Least one person pays a month
£29 per month. yourtradebase.com/pricing/
Prices subject to VAT yourtradebase.com/pricing/
Add additional users for £15 per month. yourtradebase.com/pricing/
Free option
Get started with a 30 day free trial yourtradebase.com/pricing/
If you do nothing, your account will automatically be downgraded to a free account, which has some usage limits. yourtradebase.com/pricing/
iPhone, Android, web
The UK App Store version history shows version 1.9.4, dated 19 January 2023, as the latest (checked 26 September 2026). apps.apple.com/gb/app/id1536395722
Because YourTradebase is web-based, you can access your data from anywhere, at any time. help.yourtradebase.com/article/23-which-browsers-and-devices-can-i-use
Admin done by chat or voice
No AI, chat or voice features found on its features, pricing, updates or help pages (checked 26 September 2026). yourtradebase.com/blog/category/ytb-updates/
Customer accepts a quote online
Let customers view quotes online, ask questions and accept them instantly, on any device. yourtradebase.com/features/all
Automatic invoice chasing
Chase up customers with automatic reminders and ready-written messages that get unpaid invoices straightened out fast. yourtradebase.com/get-paid-faster
Card and bank payments
2.0% + 20p for standard* UK and EU debit and credit cards** help.yourtradebase.com/article/115-what-are-the-fees-for-online-payments
Gas safety records
No gas safety records listed among its features (checked 26 September 2026). yourtradebase.com/features/all
Electrical certificates
No electrical certificates listed among its features (checked 26 September 2026). yourtradebase.com/features/all
CIS and reverse charge
Make automatic Construction Industry Scheme deductions from the labour costs on your invoices. yourtradebase.com/features/all
Show when invoices are subject to the VAT reverse charge, and apply it with just one click. yourtradebase.com/features/all
Accounting
Invoice and payment information is only sent to Xero. help.yourtradebase.com/article/96-how-does-yourtradebase-work-with-xero
Invoice and payment information is only sent to QuickBooks: it's a one way sync. help.yourtradebase.com/article/131-how-does-yourtradebase-work-with-quickbooks
Works with no signal
YourTradebase will work on any mobile device that can access the Internet. help.yourtradebase.com/article/23-which-browsers-and-devices-can-i-use
UK App Store rating
15 Ratings 5.0 apps.apple.com/gb/app/id1536395722

Straight answers

Questions tradespeople ask

What’s the best app for a sole-trader tradesperson in the UK?

It depends on how you work. If you’re on your own, on an iPhone, and want the admin done by chat or voice, our pick is Tools Down; we make it, and the reasons are on this page with sources. If you run a team, need Android or card payments today, or issue electrical certificates, one of the others fits better, and this page says which.

Which apps for tradespeople have a free plan?

ServiceM8 has a free plan for one person with 30 new jobs a month. TradeMore’s Solo plan is free; its AI features are on Solo Pro. Tools Down is free for the first month, then 50 messages a month with every screen still working. YourTradebase moves you to a free account with limits it doesn’t publish. The others offer trials (checked 26 September 2026).

Which apps do CIS and the reverse charge?

Tools Down, Powered Now, YourTradebase and Gas Engineer Software (on Core and Pro) put them on the invoice. Tradify does them only through Xero or Sage, and Fergus’s blog says CIS is managed through Xero. ServiceM8 documents a reverse-charge setup; we found no CIS documented by ServiceM8, Jobber or TradeMore.

Which apps do landlord gas safety records?

Tools Down, Tradify (on Pro and Plus), Fergus, Powered Now (on Professional and Premium) and Gas Engineer Software have them built in. ServiceM8 offers a partner’s form from its Form Store. We found none documented by Jobber or YourTradebase, and TradeMore mentions certificates in its app listings only.

Why is there a Tools Down column when it isn’t on the App Store yet?

Because we make it, and it’s coming soon to iPhone. The Tools Down column describes the app as it launches, so it has no App Store rating to show yet.

How is this page kept up to date?

Every fact about another app was checked on 26 September 2026 on that company’s own pages. We change the date only after a full re-check. If you spot something out of date, email hello@toolsdown.app.

Price and the free plan

Working on your own? Be first to try Tools Down.

Free to start. One price if you need more.

  • Your first month is free, with no card.
  • After that, 50 messages a month to Tools Down stay free for good.
  • Every screen works on the free plan: quotes, invoices, chasing, reminders, the customer’s pay page, gas safety records and export.
  • Tools Down Pro is £29.99 a month including VAT, through Apple. It lifts the message limit and nothing else, and the price you join at is the price you keep.
  • Tools Down’s ceiling is 2,000 jobs a month on every plan, so there’s no allowance to watch. A weekly fair-use limit on messages applies on every plan.

Coming soon to iPhone.

Be first to hear when Tools Down is ready for your iPhone.