If you’re looking to grow your business and take on more ambitious projects, then at some point, you’ve probably asked yourself how to win bigger contracts as a tradesperson. Whether you’re a builder, plumber or electrician, moving beyond small domestic jobs into commercial work or council contracts can feel like a big step up, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one.

With the right approach, a bit of planning, and some confidence in what you already do well, you can start landing larger, better-paying jobs without needing to transform your business overnight.

So, in this guide, we’ll walk through what bigger contracts can do for you, how to attract the right clients, and how to get your name on those all-important supplier lists.

Why Go Bigger? The Benefits of Larger Contracts

Larger contracts can feel daunting, but they often bring steadier work and more predictable income. Instead of juggling ten smaller jobs, one larger client can keep your team busy for months. This means:

• Better cash flow (once you’re set up right)
• Stronger reputation – people trust those doing commercial or council work.
• Growth opportunities – more consistent work lets you plan, hire better, and maybe even take a holiday (imagine that)

Plus, working with bigger clients means you’re more likely to get repeat business if you do a solid job.

How to Attract Bigger Clients and Higher-Paying Jobs

You don’t need a glossy brochure or to speak like a corporate robot, but you do need to show you can handle the job. Here’s how:

Lay the Foundations Online

If you’re hoping to land bigger contracts, then chances are your next client will look you up online before anything else, especially if it’s a council or commercial job. In other words, your website and social media platforms need to look the part.

To start with, show off your recent projects, include a few words from satisfied customers, and clearly outline the services you offer. Most importantly, when it comes to photos, quality matters; go for clear shots of finished work, not ones with paint tins and ladders still lying about.

Still don’t have a website? Check out this article from the archives.

Get Your Docs in a Row

Public liability insurance? Tick. Health and safety policy? Tick. Risk assessments? Tick. Bigger clients love a bit of admin, and being prepared shows you’re serious.

Think Bigger Than the Next Job

Start talking about your business in terms of value and reliability, not just price. Show you can stick to deadlines, manage a team, and communicate clearly.

Rub Shoulders, Not Just Sandpaper

That might be a local business networking event, a property developer event, or even LinkedIn (yes, really). You’re more likely to win bigger work if they already know who you are.

Getting on Commercial & Local Council Supplier Lists

Local councils and bigger clients often like to use trades from their own patch, but they need to know you’re available for work. You don’t need to be the biggest firm on the block, but you do need to be easy to find, look professional, and have the necessary documents in place. Here’s a good place to start:

Lay the First Brick in the Bidding Process

Sites like Constructionline are goldmines for tenders. Yes, it takes time to set up a profile, but once you’re on there, you’ll start seeing relevant opportunities. The government also has a central hub for public sector tenders (find it HERE). You can filter by region, industry and contract value.

Knock on the Right Doors

Many councils have a “Doing Business with Us” section on their websites. Find the contact and send a friendly email with your company information and a description of the work you do. Keep it short and human.

Build Your Way Up, One Job at a Time

You won’t jump straight into a million-pound school refurb, but councils often have smaller maintenance contracts and reactive work. Proving yourself here builds a strong case for the bigger opportunities that lie ahead.

Ready to Build Bigger?

Pitching for larger contracts isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not; it’s about showing you can scale what you already do well. With a bit of preparation and the right approach, there’s no reason your business can’t win bigger, better jobs.

Need a hand keeping your books in order while you scale up?

We help tradespeople stay on top of their finances, allowing them to focus on growing their business. Get in touch today for a no-nonsense, jargon-free chat.