Builders, Tradesman and Manufacturers Insurance

Ensure you have the right insurance for your construction, plant hire or manufacturing business

In the heart of the North of England, Cumbria’s building, trades and manufacturing sectors remain the lifeblood of the local economy. From small joinery workshops in Penrith to steel fabricators in Carlisle, and from self-employed builders to family-run fencing manufacturers, these businesses are built on skill, reliability and years of hard work. But while the work is hands-on and often high-stakes, many local tradespeople remain exposed to significant risks without the right insurance in place.

Whether you're installing a bespoke staircase, manufacturing custom gates, or transporting machinery to a client site, your day-to-day operations come with challenges. A dropped tool, a damaged product, a sudden flood in your workshop - these are not just disruptions, but events that could lead to serious financial setbacks if you’re not properly covered. That’s why specialist business insurance for tradespeople and manufacturers in Cumbria isn’t a luxury - it’s essential protection for your livelihood.

At H&H Insurance Brokers, we understand the real-world pressures faced by sole traders and SMEs in this region. We work with builders, joiners, fabricators, and rural manufacturers who rely on their tools, their stock, their premises, and – crucially - their reputation. A single accident on a client site or a machinery breakdown in your workshop could have wide-reaching consequences. That’s why we tailor every insurance policy to meet the unique risks of your trade, ensuring peace of mind no matter how complex the job.

Imagine a scenario where a client trips over your tools while you're fitting custom woodwork in their home. Without public liability insurance included in your policy, that incident could lead to a costly legal claim and reputational damage. Or consider the theft of high-value power tools from a van overnight (without the right cover) the replacement cost falls entirely on your shoulders, along with the lost income from delayed jobs.

Manufacturers and fabricators also face specific risks. If you produce goods that are later found to be faulty, product liability exposure can be enormous. Meanwhile, custom-built machinery and expensive raw materials need cover not just against theft or fire, but against breakdowns that could bring production to a standstill. In such situations, having insurance that includes business interruption cover could be the difference between surviving a disruption - or closing your doors permanently.

Environmental liability is another growing concern. Many Cumbrian fabrication businesses operate in rural areas where strict environmental regulations apply. Should an incident occur involving waste disposal or accidental pollution, specialist insurance ensures you’re not left struggling with unexpected legal costs or cleanup expenses.

And for those who employ staff - whether one apprentice or a full production team - having the right employer’s liability insurance is not just a regulatory requirement, but vital for protecting both your team and your business should workplace injuries or illnesses arise.