The trades. What's changed in 20 years?

What’s Changed in the Trades Over the Past 20 Years?

It was 20 years ago last week that Arctic Monkeys released their debut album, Whatever People Say That I Am, That’s What I’m Not — and for those of A Certain Romance  vintage, it was a stark reminder that time waits for no one. And while this author’s days of looking good on the dancefloor are well and truly over (if they ever began - they didn’t), it got us thinking at Rhino HQ: what’s changed in the trades over the past twenty years?

Tools: Smarter, Faster, and Far More Expensive

It was only last week that we were chatting to Andy Cam about how much the industry has changed since he first started out, and tools came up straight away.

Twenty years ago, most tradespeople relied on a fairly basic kit. You had what you needed, you looked after it, and that was that. Today, though, it feels like there’s a specialist tool for every single job. From laser levels and cordless power tools to pipe crimpers, cable testers and dust-free cutting systems - whatever the trade, there’s something designed to make the job quicker, safer or more precise.

Cordless technology in particular has come on leaps and bounds. Better batteries mean plumbers, electricians and builders can often get through a full day without dragging extension leads around site or hunting for a plug socket. Fewer cables also means fewer trip hazards - reducing the risk of you, or a customer, taking a tumble and needing to make a claim on your insurance. You can read up on the importance of insurance here.

The downside? Cost. Vans now carry thousands of pounds’ worth of equipment, which has made tool theft far more common. In fact, over 80% of Rhino customers are worried about having their tools stolen.

The Rising Cost of Jobs and Materials

There’s no getting away from it - prices have gone up.

Material costs have risen sharply over the past two decades, with timber, metals, fuel and fixings all costing far more than they once did. For tradesmen and women, these fluctuations can have a big impact on quotes and timelines.

Pricing a job is now a careful balancing act. Customers still want competitive prices, but margins are tighter, and many trades worry about being priced out of work altogether. Clear quotes, written terms, and the right business insurance cover are now essential to protect against disputes and unexpected costs.

Technology: From Paper Diaries to Job Management Software

Technology has probably changed the trades industry more than anything else.

Paper diaries, handwritten quotes and carbon-copy invoices have largely been replaced by smartphones and apps. Many electricians, plumbers and heating engineers now rely on job management software such as Powered Now to schedule work, send quotes, invoice customers and track payments.

Photos taken on site are used to show progress, record damage or support insurance claims - whether that’s Public Liability Insurance, Contractor’s All Risks Insurance or Tool Cover following a break-in.

WhatsApp has also become part of everyday trade life. It’s quick, convenient and ideal for sharing updates, even if it’s made the working day feel a little longer than it used to.

Changing Customer Habits and Expectations

Customers behave very differently from how they did 20 years ago.

Word of mouth still matters, but it now sits alongside Google searches, online reviews and trade directories like Checkatrade. Customers can compare plumbers, electricians or builders in minutes by reading reviews before they ever make contact.

How customers get in touch has changed too. Many now prefer WhatsApp messages or online enquiries over phone calls, often asking for rough quotes before committing. Speed of response is crucial, even if it sometimes feels less personal than the old way of doing things.

Professionalism, Branding and Reputation

With everything being online, professionalism matters more than ever.

Customers expect clear communication, written quotes, tidy branding and reliable updates. A simple website, branded van and visible reviews are often seen as standard. Tradespeople today aren’t just skilled workers — they’re running businesses, managing customer experience and protecting their reputation.

That also means thinking more seriously about protection, from Public Liability Insurance to Employers’ Liability Insurance for those with staff or apprentices.

So, What’s the Biggest Change?

Twenty years really does feel like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it? Perhaps pen-and-paper quotes and a handful of tools can now sit alongside the “totalitarian doormen” and “Topshop princesses” we once danced to. And much like the smoke-filled dancefloors of my youth, the trades industry has changed beyond recognition.

So tell us - what’s been the biggest change in your trade?