Latest news with #MAccountforBusiness
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
How many cuppas should you offer a tradesperson?
And based on your answers, the tool will reveal how many drinks should be offered. It follows research which revealed the average homeowner offers tradespeople three cups of tea per day – but 21 per cent have never pulled out the biscuits. A poll of 2,000 adults who have used a tradie by Virgin Money revealed 61 per cent 'always' offer a drink, while 18 per cent are more selective. However, one in 20 (six per cent) go into overdrive, offering in excess of five hot beverages a day. Although 36 per cent have made the initial offer in the hope they say no. Three quarters (77 per cent) see offering a drink as a polite and respectful gesture, however, 48 per cent draw the line at anything beyond a brew, believing they should bring their own biscuits. The research was commissioned by Virgin Money, which has launched its M Account for Business Trades exclusively for tradespeople, which includes perks such as cashback on trade and home improvement store spending, plus discounts on mobile and gadget insurance and business insurance. Simon Norman, head of business bank at Virgin Money, which is also rewarding customers with a free monthly voucher for a popular high street coffee chain, said: 'Anyone that's had to call upon a tradesperson has found themselves in the situation of when and how often to offer up a brew. 'Our research has shown that for many, it's a no brainer and they're quick to offer up a drink. 'But there are factors that sway whether they'd like to or not, such as familiarity and professionalism – with many seemingly a lot more selective on opening up any biscuits.' The top considerations on whether to offer a hot drink or not are based on how long they'll be at the property, whether they seem friendly or approachable – and whether it's a hot or cold day. While 22 per cent will do so to build rapport with them, according to the data. Coffee, tea and water are the most common drinks on offer, with six per cent having experienced a tradie critique the hot beverage they've made for them. A quarter (23 per cent) have offered a beverage where they've said no, so then never offered again – while 30 per cent have gone for the 'leave everything out' method, so they can help themselves if they want one. Plumbers, electricians and gas engineers were the most common trades hired in the last 12 months according to the respondents, who have called upon two disciplines on average in that timeframe. It also emerged 53 per cent believe tradespeople's jobs are difficult, due to the physically demanding work, complexity of what they deal with and the fact they manage their own business. While 53 per cent pointed out the long and irregular hours, so a cuppa is no doubt a welcome offer. Simon Norman from Virgin Money, which has launched a business current account for tradespeople offering breakdown cover, and with no monthly fee and free day-to-day digital banking, added: 'It can be hard work to be a self-employed tradesperson. 'On top of the expert work taken on and long hours, they're also managing the paperwork that comes with running your own business. 'That's why we've launched this particular account, built specifically to support tradespeople and recognise the value of what they do.'
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
How many cuppas should you offer a tradesman? Here's the answer
61 per cent of Brits 'always' offer a drink to a tradie | Ever wondered how many cuppas to offer a tradesperson? Use this calculator to find out. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... You'll need to input how long they'll be at your property for, both in hours and days – as well as how talkative you anticipate they'll be. And based on your answers, the tool will reveal how many drinks should be offered. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It follows research which revealed the average homeowner offers tradespeople three cups of tea per day – but 21 per cent have never pulled out the biscuits. A poll of 2,000 adults who have used a tradie by Virgin Money revealed 61 per cent 'always' offer a drink, while 18 per cent are more selective. However, one in 20 (six per cent) go into overdrive, offering more than five hot beverages a day. Although 36 per cent have made the initial offer in the hope that they say no. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Three-quarters (77 per cent) see offering a drink as a polite and respectful gesture; however, 48 per cent draw the line at anything beyond a brew, believing they should bring their own biscuits. The research was commissioned by Virgin Money, which has launched its M Account for Business Trades exclusively for tradespeople, which includes perks such as cashback on trade and home improvement store spending, plus discounts on mobile and gadget insurance and business insurance. Simon Norman, head of business bank at Virgin Money, which is also rewarding customers with a free monthly voucher for a popular high street coffee chain, said: 'Anyone that's had to call upon a tradesperson has found themselves in the situation of when and how often to offer up a brew. 'Our research has shown that for many, it's a no-brainer and they're quick to offer up a drink. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But there are factors that sway whether they'd like to or not, such as familiarity and professionalism – with many seemingly a lot more selective on opening up any biscuits.' Six per cent of us have experienced a tradie critique the hot beverage they've made for them | 'It's a no-brainer' to offer up a brew The top considerations on whether to offer a hot drink or not are based on how long they'll be at the property, whether they seem friendly or approachable – and whether it's a hot or cold day. While 22 per cent will do so to build rapport with them, according to the data. Coffee, tea and water are the most common drinks on offer, with six per cent having experienced a tradie critique the hot beverage they've made for them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A quarter (23 per cent) have offered a beverage where they've said no, so then never offered again – while 30 per cent have gone for the 'leave everything out' method, so they can help themselves if they want one. Plumbers, electricians and gas engineers were the most common trades hired in the last 12 months, according to the respondents, who have called upon two disciplines on average in that timeframe. It also emerged 53 per cent believe tradespeople's jobs are difficult, due to the physically demanding work, the complexity of what they deal with and the fact that they manage their own business. While 53 per cent pointed out the long and irregular hours, a cuppa is no doubt a welcome offer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Simon Norman from Virgin Money, which has launched a business current account for tradespeople offering breakdown cover, and with no monthly fee and free day-to-day digital banking, added: 'It can be hard work to be a self-employed tradesperson. 'On top of the expert work taken on and long hours, they're also managing the paperwork that comes with running your own business. 'That's why we've launched this particular account, built specifically to support tradespeople and recognise the value of what they do.'
Scotsman
12-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
How many cuppas should you offer a tradesman? Here's the answer
61 per cent of Brits 'always' offer a drink to a tradie | Ever wondered how many cuppas to offer a tradesperson? Use this calculator to find out. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... You'll need to input how long they'll be at your property for, both in hours and days – as well as how talkative you anticipate they'll be. And based on your answers, the tool will reveal how many drinks should be offered. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It follows research which revealed the average homeowner offers tradespeople three cups of tea per day – but 21 per cent have never pulled out the biscuits. A poll of 2,000 adults who have used a tradie by Virgin Money revealed 61 per cent 'always' offer a drink, while 18 per cent are more selective. However, one in 20 (six per cent) go into overdrive, offering more than five hot beverages a day. Although 36 per cent have made the initial offer in the hope that they say no. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Three-quarters (77 per cent) see offering a drink as a polite and respectful gesture; however, 48 per cent draw the line at anything beyond a brew, believing they should bring their own biscuits. The research was commissioned by Virgin Money, which has launched its M Account for Business Trades exclusively for tradespeople, which includes perks such as cashback on trade and home improvement store spending, plus discounts on mobile and gadget insurance and business insurance. Simon Norman, head of business bank at Virgin Money, which is also rewarding customers with a free monthly voucher for a popular high street coffee chain, said: 'Anyone that's had to call upon a tradesperson has found themselves in the situation of when and how often to offer up a brew. 'Our research has shown that for many, it's a no-brainer and they're quick to offer up a drink. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But there are factors that sway whether they'd like to or not, such as familiarity and professionalism – with many seemingly a lot more selective on opening up any biscuits.' Six per cent of us have experienced a tradie critique the hot beverage they've made for them | 'It's a no-brainer' to offer up a brew The top considerations on whether to offer a hot drink or not are based on how long they'll be at the property, whether they seem friendly or approachable – and whether it's a hot or cold day. While 22 per cent will do so to build rapport with them, according to the data. Coffee, tea and water are the most common drinks on offer, with six per cent having experienced a tradie critique the hot beverage they've made for them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A quarter (23 per cent) have offered a beverage where they've said no, so then never offered again – while 30 per cent have gone for the 'leave everything out' method, so they can help themselves if they want one. Plumbers, electricians and gas engineers were the most common trades hired in the last 12 months, according to the respondents, who have called upon two disciplines on average in that timeframe. It also emerged 53 per cent believe tradespeople's jobs are difficult, due to the physically demanding work, the complexity of what they deal with and the fact that they manage their own business. While 53 per cent pointed out the long and irregular hours, a cuppa is no doubt a welcome offer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Simon Norman from Virgin Money, which has launched a business current account for tradespeople offering breakdown cover, and with no monthly fee and free day-to-day digital banking, added: 'It can be hard work to be a self-employed tradesperson. 'On top of the expert work taken on and long hours, they're also managing the paperwork that comes with running your own business.
Daily Mirror
12-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
How many teas and coffees to offer tradespeople revealed with new calculator
One in five (21 %) of us have never even offered a biscuit to a tradesperson, according to new research - and now there's a calculator to help you suss out how many hot drinks to offer them Ever puzzled over how many brews to offer your tradesperson? Well now there's a handy new calculator to help work it out. You'll need to input the duration of their stay at your property, both in hours and days, as well as gauge how chatty they're likely to be. Based on your responses, the tool will suggest the appropriate number of drinks to offer. This comes after research showed that the average homeowner offers tradespeople three cups of tea per day – but a surprising 21% have never offered biscuits. A survey of 2,000 adults who have hired a tradesperson, conducted by Virgin Money, revealed that 61% 'always' offer a drink, while 18% are more selective. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment. However, one in 20 (6%) go above and beyond, offering more than five hot beverages a day. Interestingly, 36% have made the initial offer hoping for a refusal. A whopping 77% view offering a drink as a polite and respectful gesture, however, nearly half (48%) draw the line at anything beyond a cuppa, believing tradespeople should bring their own biscuits. The research was commissioned by Virgin Money, which has launched its M Account for Business Trades exclusively for tradespeople, offering perks such as cash back on trade and home improvement store spending, plus discounts on mobile and gadget insurance and business insurance. Simon Norman, head of business bank at Virgin Money, which is also rewarding customers with a free monthly voucher for a popular high street coffee chain, said: "Anyone that's had to call upon a tradesperson has found themselves in the situation of when and how often to offer up a brew. "Our research has shown that for many, it's a no brainer and they're quick to offer up a drink. But there are factors that sway whether they'd like to or not, such as familiarity and professionalism – with many seemingly a lot more selective on opening up any biscuits." The primary factors determining whether to offer a hot drink include how long they'll be working at the property, whether they appear friendly or approachable – and the temperature outside. Meanwhile, 22% will do so to establish a connection with them, according to the research. Tea, coffee and water are the beverages most frequently provided, with 6% having witnessed a tradesperson criticise the hot drink they'd prepared for them. Nearly a quarter (23%) have offered refreshments only to be declined, then never bothered asking again – whilst 30% have adopted the 'leave everything accessible' approach, allowing workers to serve themselves if desired. Plumbers, electricians and gas engineers were the trades most frequently employed over the past 12 months according to those surveyed, who have engaged an average of two different specialists during that period. It has also been revealed that 53% of people believe tradespeople's jobs are challenging due to the physically demanding work, the complexity of their tasks and the fact they manage their own business. Additionally, 53% highlighted the long and irregular hours, making a cup of tea a much-appreciated gesture. Simon Norman from Virgin Money, which has introduced a business current account for tradespeople offering breakdown cover, with no monthly fee and free day-to-day digital banking, commented: "It can be hard work to be a self-employed tradesperson. "On top of the expert work taken on and long hours, they're also managing the paperwork that comes with running your own business. That's why we've launched this particular account, built specifically to support tradespeople and recognise the value of what they do."
