Powered Now ‘Advice on Tap’: trade talk and tool theft troubles

Powered Now’s landmark event brings together tradespeople of all backgrounds. But conversations highlight the ongoing issue of tool theft, the ‘out of the box’ ways they’re keeping tools safe and a misconception of tools insurance that could be putting them at risk.

Held in Cardiff on 30th April 2026 at Par59, Powered Now kicked off their Advice on Tap pub-tour events. They welcomed plenty of tradespeople from across the industry for a “night all about having a good time”, with mini golf, goody bag giveaways and a chance to chat all things trade.

A first-of-its-kind event, Advice on Tap proved one thing straight away: when you put tradespeople in a room together, good conversations follow – and they love a good round of golf!

Powered Now scores a hole-in-one

As Powered Now’s Dan Hall put it on the night, “we’ve invited our users, our friends, some of the hardest working people around – tradespeople”.

And while Mark Tiff of M J Tiff Plumbing and Heating shared the “anticipation of who’s going to turn up” and if it’s “going to be a ‘thing’”, the natural worries faded. “Loads of people turned up, really good vibe [and] loads of people asking questions”, shared Mark.

The event went down a storm with the tradies who went, with many praising Powered Now for a “great night” and a fantastic way to “[connect] with fellow pros who share the same passion”.

A welcoming vibe for a mix of trades

Unlike some of the more formal industry conventions you find, Advice on Tap leaned into something more relaxed and inviting.

With a lively mix of experienced hands, newer business owners, different trades and even a ‘plumby mummy’, it fostered honest conversations about what’s going on in the trades right now.

The long and short of it, the event was down-to-earth and the perfect blend of “beers in hand, crazy golf clubs swinging, and proper conversations about what it takes to run a trade business in 2026”.

Real conversations about real challenges

One of the biggest strengths of the event was how this mix of trades naturally encouraged people to talk about their shared experiences.

The discussions weren’t staged or filtered – they reflected the real, day-to-day experience of being on the tools or running a trade business.

It wasn’t just networking for the sake of it, it was a chance to tap into the shared knowledge of the room – a sentiment shared by one of Kingsbridge’s Senior Business Development Managers, Joe Wadham.

Talking after the event, Joe shared how it was a great way to “[engage] in lots of conversations about what tradespeople are up to right now”.

One of Joe’s biggest takeaways though, was how tool theft is still an issue many trades are struggling to cope with.

Tradies turning to out-of-the-box methods to protect tools

It’s no secret that tool theft is a plague that tradespeople have been struggling to fight for many years. But with cases not looking to dwindle anytime soon, and a lack of support from a repeatedly delayed Theft of Tools of Trade Bill, tradies are turning to alternative ways to protect their gear.

Advice on Tap gave us the opportunity to listen to real stories of how tradies are having to “think outside of the box” to combat tool theft, as Joe put it.

“Their solution at the moment is that they should be locking away their tools in a safe container, that they’re renting and hiring, or…that they might have at their home like a garage.”

Discussions hinted at some tradespeople resorting to avoiding jobs in the city because they don’t want to be more exposed.

And one chat even referred to stories of tradies using an un-branded car to transport tools through fear that using a van signposts that there’s equipment inside.

It was surprising and worrying to hear that tradespeople are having to take these measures just so they can keep tools safe and get on with their job.

Tool insurance not a priority

Even more surprising for Joe was talking to those who felt weary of tools insurance: “Their solution is actually to not lean on tools insurance… I guess that was surprising for us to hear because we believe that tools insurance is a must-have”.

The sticking point? Proof.

There’s a strong feeling that you need “every receipt under the sun” to make tools cover worth it and be able to make a claim — something that’s easier said than done, especially for those who’ve built up their kit over years.

But the reality is that this misconception is putting more tradies at risk. While yes, having receipts is ideal, there are still ways a claim can be considered. If you’re missing receipts, being able to provide photos of your tools, serial numbers, brands and models could still be enough.

Is tool insurance worth it?

Only you can know if tools cover is worth it for you. If you need a help understanding it, we’ve broken down what it covers and how it works in our tool insurance guide.

But when you can get financial support to help you repair or replace your tools, get back to work quicker and not lose income from cancelled jobs, for some trades it’s a no-brainer.

And if talk of insurance makes you cringe at the thought of extra paperwork, then rest assured, it doesn’t have to be that laborious.

More than tools insurance

We get it – you have enough to worry about without navigating the world of insurance. That’s why we make it simple to get the cover you need.

Our in-house team can talk your through your insurance options and help you find the best policy for your trade.

Our Trades Insurance policy includes Goods and Tools cover as standard, alongside Public Liability, and Employers’ Liability, so you don’t have to juggle multiple policies across different providers.

Key highlights include: 

• Up to £2,500 Goods & Tools cover included as standard
• Covers tools stolen overnight from a secured van
• Optional add-ons like Contract Works, Hired in Plant, Owned Plant, and Professional Indemnity
• Nil excess on most professions covered
• Real support from in-house dedicated experts
• No hidden fees

Get a quote for our Trades insurance or call 01242 312 604 to speak to one of our in-house brokers.