A growing number of homeowners and property managers across the UK are turning to female tradespeople — and the demand is skyrocketing.
A recent feature in The Times reveals an unprecedented surge in interest for women working in traditionally male-dominated trades like plumbing, electrics, carpentry, and general building. Platforms such as TaskHer, which connect clients specifically with female tradespeople, report a 208% increase in inquiries, with many professionals now fully booked for months in advance.
🔧 Why the Sudden Demand?
Clients, especially women living alone or those with young families, cite comfort, trust, and safety as major reasons for choosing female tradespeople. Many say they feel less intimidated, more respected, and more at ease when inviting women into their homes for repair and maintenance work.
In an industry where customer service and communication are increasingly valued, female tradespeople are not just meeting expectations — they’re exceeding them.
“We get so many messages saying, ‘I didn’t even know this was an option,’” said the founder of TaskHer. “There’s clearly demand — but the supply is struggling to keep up.”
🚀 The SME Opportunity
This wave of consumer demand presents a major opportunity for female-led SMEs in the trades and construction sectors, which have historically been underrepresented and underfunded. As public perception shifts and platforms promote visibility, women in trades are carving out profitable, scalable businesses — and inspiring others to follow suit.
Coupled with increasing awareness and support for vocational training, the surge could lead to a broader movement of female entrepreneurship in the skilled labour economy — one that blends technical excellence with client-first business models.
💡 What’s Next?
- Investment in training and apprenticeships tailored for women in trades
- Mentoring programmes to support women launching their own contracting businesses
- Public and private procurement policies that prioritise supplier diversity
- Continued media exposure to challenge stereotypes and showcase success stories
As the UK looks to solve skills shortages and promote inclusive growth, supporting female tradespeople is more than a cultural shift — it’s a strategic economic opportunity.
🔗 Read the original article in The Times:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tradeswomen-swamped-plumbers-safety-ml7vjdjgd
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