Industry playbook

Subcontractor readiness for UK construction teams

Construction runs on subcontractors, and subcontractors run on paperwork. This playbook is how modern site teams keep readiness live without turning the site office into an archive.

6 min read Updated 1 July 2026

The site-ready record

Each subcontractor is a record with typed, expiring documents: insurance, RAMS, COSHH, training cards, right-to-work. Credbase turns the pre-start check into a phone-friendly green-tick screen so site managers see 'go' or 'wait' at a glance.

Trade-tailored packs

A scaffolder's pack isn't a groundworker's. Build per-trade request templates once and reuse them for every new subcontractor. Recipients only see what applies to them.

The pre-start ritual

  1. Confirm the trade and works.
  2. Open the subcontractor record on your phone.
  3. Check green ticks; resolve any red flags via upload link.
  4. Complete site induction.
  5. Grant site access.

Sharing readiness with principal contractors

Send the principal contractor a live share pack instead of chasing 10 PDFs. They see current versions any time; you don't get another email at 8pm.

Frequently asked questions

Put this into practice today.

Start a free Credbase workspace, add your first supplier and share a live evidence pack in ten minutes.