Wickes has launched a new business information website for tradesmen, providing industry-specific advice and guidance.
The retailer has joined up with the Government's online resource Business Link to create www.wickestradebuilder.co.uk, which has the key information an independent tradesman needs to run a successful business, including template invoices, tips on getting and keeping customers, legal advice on hiring employees and apprentices and tax assessment guidelines.

According to new research from Wickes, 38% of British tradesmen do not seek any business advice, yet 35% say they find it difficult to find the business information they need.

Wickes board director Rob Murray said: "Today's tough economic climate means that working for yourself is harder than ever... It's imperative that tradesmen understand how to protect and grow their businesses effectively, but our research has show that many tradesmen don't know where to find this kind of advice easily.

"As experts in the trade, Wickes recognises that it has a responsibility to provide the essential information a tradesman needs to run a successful business, from tax return dates to managing money. This means that tradesmen get exactly what they need to know in just a couple of clicks."