Free weekly email · UK trades
Toolbox talk of the week, by email
A free weekly newsletter for UK tradespeople. One ready-to-read toolbox talk each week, plus practical AI and tax and admin tips.
I've spent over 20 years in UK construction, and I write The Toolbox Talk AI every week. You opt in by sending the form. Nothing is ticked for you.
Get the weekly email
One email a week. Free. Unsubscribe any time.
What you get each week
Same order every issue. The talk lives on the site. The email links to it.
Toolbox talk of the week
One short line, then a link to one talk on this site. The email does not write the talk out. The page is the talk. The week follows the 52-week planner, or the season when the week is not a clean match.
What changed
A short note, in plain English, on an AI change that could touch a UK trade. A link to the original sits with it.
Should you care?
A yes or a no in the first sentence. Prices in pounds when money comes up. UK rules only when they apply.
One thing to try
A prompt you paste into your own chat tool. You check every number before you send it or order from it.
Try this tomorrow
One job for the next day, with the prompt in a box. Issue 2 used it for a scam check before paying or changing bank details.
The talks are on the toolbox talks pages. The year of topics is the 52-week planner.
The practical tips are the prompt and the job for tomorrow. Issue 1 had a prompt for chasing an unpaid invoice. Issue 2 had a prompt that turns a voice note into a materials list, and a receipt habit before the Making Tax Digital dates.
Read the past issues
Both issues are on the site. Read them before you decide.
ISSUE #2
Scams with perfect spelling, and a materials list from one voice note
Issue 2. Trading Standards' AI scam list, phishing aimed at inbox helpers, a ChatGPT voice update, and a prompt that turns a voice note into a materials list.
ISSUE #1
Scam texts, smarter assistants, and a quote prompt that saves you an evening
Issue 1. Gemini's upgrade, Android scam-text protection, an AI agent that sent a made-up police tip, and a prompt for chasing an unpaid invoice.
Free downloads for an email
These pages ask for an email the first time you open or print the file. The address joins the same weekly list. You can unsubscribe from any issue.
- Toolbox talk pack
A free printable pack of all 25 toolbox talks for UK sites, plus a blank sign-off sheet. Opening it asks for an email the first time.
- 52-week planner
A free 52-week planner of toolbox talk topics for UK construction, grouped by season. Every week links to a talk on this site. Printing it asks for an email the first time.
- Free toolbox talk template (UK)
A free blank toolbox talk template for UK sites: topic, date, site, presenter, key points, and a sign-off for names and signatures. Printing it asks for an email the first time.
- Toolbox talk sign-off sheet
A free blank toolbox talk sign-off sheet for UK sites: site, date, supervisor, and a register for names, trades and signatures. Printing it asks for an email the first time.
- Plasterers and dryliners toolbox talk pack
A printable pack of toolbox talks for plasterers and dryliners, with a sign-off sheet for each talk. Opening it asks for an email the first time.
- Electricians toolbox talk pack
A printable pack of toolbox talks for electricians, with a sign-off sheet for each talk. Opening it asks for an email the first time.
- Plumbers and heating engineers toolbox talk pack
A printable pack of toolbox talks for plumbers and heating engineers, with a sign-off sheet for each talk. Opening it asks for an email the first time.
- Roofers toolbox talk pack
A printable pack of toolbox talks for roofers, with a sign-off sheet for each talk. Opening it asks for an email the first time.
- Painters and decorators toolbox talk pack
A printable pack of toolbox talks for painters and decorators, with a sign-off sheet for each talk. Opening it asks for an email the first time.
- Groundworkers toolbox talk pack
A printable pack of toolbox talks for groundworkers, with a sign-off sheet for each talk. Opening it asks for an email the first time.
- Self Assessment checklist for tradespeople
A free printable checklist for the 2025 to 2026 tax year, due 31 January 2027: dates, records, CIS deductions, and payments on account.
- UK trade quote template
A free blank quote for a UK sole trader or small trade. Copy it into Google Docs from the page. The Word file and the PDF need an email. You still set every price.
- UK trade invoice template
A free blank UK invoice with the lines GOV.UK requires, plus notes on CIS deductions and the domestic VAT reverse charge. Read it on the page, or download Word or PDF with your email.
Common questions
Is the email free?
Yes. The weekly email is free. There is no card and no paid tier on this page.
How often does it arrive?
Once a week.
How do I unsubscribe?
Use the unsubscribe link in any email. You can stop any time. The privacy notice explains what happens to the address.
Who is it for?
UK tradespeople and sole traders. People who price work, chase invoices, and want a toolbox talk they can read out.