AI tools for UK tradespeople: what's actually available
The AI that UK plumbers, electricians and builders can use today, from AI receptionists to quoting apps, with real UK prices. Updated weekly.
| Arrival | Status | Category | UK arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI RECEPTIONISTS | Landed | AI at work | On sale now |
| AI TRADE APPSUpdated | Landed | AI at work | Live in UK apps now |
| GEMINI WORKSPACEUpdated | Landed | AI at work | Bundled since Jan 2025 |
| M365 Copilot | Landed | AI at work | Available now |
| AI agents | Landed | AI at work | Available now |
For UK tradespeople, AI has arrived in two practical forms rather than one big product. Neither is a robot that turns up and does the job.
1. Something that answers the phone
Missed calls are missed jobs. AI receptionists answer when you can’t, take the customer’s details, and in some cases book the job straight into your diary. Several are on sale in the UK now, from big names and from the job-management apps many trades already use. Prices are usually a monthly fee with a cap on calls, so check the cap against how many calls you actually miss.
2. AI inside the software you already pay for
The quieter change is that the apps you already use have gained AI features: drafting quotes and job descriptions, reading receipts, and summarising emails. That includes the trade job-management apps and the office suites from Google and Microsoft. You often don’t need a new product, just the right plan. The catch is that AI features are frequently limited to the higher plans, so check which tier you’re on before you pay for anything extra.
What AI can’t do yet
None of these tools prices a job on its own. It can’t see the boiler, measure the room or know your supplier’s prices this week. Treat AI quotes as a first draft you check, not a number you send.
Where to start
- If you miss calls while you’re on the tools: try an AI receptionist on a monthly plan and see how many jobs it catches in a month.
- If paperwork eats your evenings: check whether your job-management app’s AI features are on your plan before you buy anything new.
- If you already pay for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365: you may already have an AI assistant included, or one add-on away.
The board above tracks each of these with current UK prices, and it’s checked every week.
Quick answers
Is there an AI receptionist for small businesses in the UK?
Already here: several UK AI call-answering services are on sale now, with BT Business launching its own on 1 October 2026. Available now from UK providers including BT Business and Fasthosts, and inside trade software such as Jobber. Price: Fasthosts from £39/month ex VAT (30 calls) to £99/month (unlimited); Jobber add-on $29/month (USD list, 30 conversations); BT sells 100-minute bundles on monthly rolling terms with no list price published (50% off 100/300-minute packages for six months, offer to 20 Nov).
Full record, timeline and sources for AI receptionists for small firms
Can AI write quotes for tradespeople?
Landed: AI writing, receipt-reading, assistant and call-answering features are live in UK editions of Tradify, Fergus and Jobber. Available now inside UK editions of Tradify, Fergus and Jobber; which features you get depends on the plan. Price: Tradify Plus £44/user/month (AI tools on Plus only); Fergus Essentials from £39, Professional from £45/month per business (AI plan inclusion not stated); Jobber Receptionist $29/month (USD list).
Full record, timeline and sources for AI in trade job-management apps
How much does Microsoft Copilot cost for a small business in the UK?
Available now in the UK (launched 1 Dec 2025). Available to UK organisations with up to 300 users on an eligible Microsoft 365 Business plan. Price: £16.10/user/month on annual commitment, ex VAT (promo £13.80 for the first year on sign-ups to 31 Dec 2026); £19.32 monthly billing. Bundled with Business Standard £18.10 or Premium £24.60/user/month annual (£21.72/£29.52 monthly), ex VAT.
Full record, timeline and sources for Microsoft 365 Copilot Business
Is Gemini included in Google Workspace in the UK?
Landed: Gemini has been bundled into Google Workspace Business plans since January 2025, including in the UK. Available now in every Workspace Business plan sold in the UK; no separate Gemini add-on needed. Price: Business Starter £5.90, Standard £11.80, Plus £18.40 per user/month ex VAT on annual commitment (flexible: c. £7/£14/£22); AI Expanded Access add-on not publicly priced by Google.
Full record, timeline and sources for Gemini in Google Workspace