93% of trade business owners say running their business causes them stress or anxiety, and 45% feel it regularly, according to the Powered Now, NOW Report 2026, published ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10th October.
The research found that admin and late payment drive much of the pressure. Tradespeople who do their own admin spend 5 hours 20 minutes a week on it on average, and 62% do it in the evenings after work.
On average, tradespeople are owed £5,901 in unpaid invoices. Half have been ghosted by a customer after finishing a job, and 60% have written off money because chasing it was too much hassle.
Benjamin Dyer, CEO and co-founder of Powered Now, said: “You finish on site, and then the other shift starts. Tradespeople aren’t stressed by the work. It’s everything around it.”
Anyone struggling can call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night. The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity also supports people in the trades.
Powered Now’s mobile app aims to make it easier for plumbers, heating engineers and other trades to run their businesses, and Powered Now Receptionist answers customer calls when they can’t.
Image: Powered Now
