Finding a trustworthy tradesperson is still a real problem for many homeowners. According to UK homeowner surveys cited by Voltimum, nearly 6 in 10 homeowners say they struggle to find trades they genuinely trust, and almost 20% describe the process as very difficult. When trust is low, many people either delay repairs or attempt DIY, often leading to higher costs later.
Figure 1. A local Sussex roofer performing a routine roof inspection, highlighting professional and trusted roofing services.
Public trust also varies by trade. Research highlighted by UK electrical training bodies shows that electricians are the most trusted trade, with around 80% of homeowners expressing confidence, followed by plumbers at roughly 73%. Roofers consistently rank lower, largely due to inconsistent quality and poor aftercare experiences reported by consumers.
How We Ranked the Top 10 Trusted Trades in Sussex
To create this list, we didn’t just look at who had the highest star rating. That wouldn’t be fair on its own.
Instead, we used a balanced and transparent scoring system that focuses on trust, reliability, and real homeowner experience; the things that matter most to new homeowners. We also looked for accreditation with reliable platforms, responsiveness, and value for money. This allowed us to compare roofers, plumbers, and electricians fairly in one list, without favouring any single trade.
Scoring Rubric: What We Measured & How
| Metric | What It Measures | % of Total Score |
| Google Score | Average star rating + number of reviews | 30% |
| Review Activity | How recent and frequent the reviews are | 20% |
| Accreditation & Certification | Verified credentials (e.g., Gas Safe, NICEIC, NFRC, trade memberships) | 15% |
| Responsiveness & Turnaround | How quickly they typically respond and start jobs | 15% |
| First time fix | Percentage of jobs completed without revisits | 15% |
| Service Quality Indicators | Quality, professionalism, punctuality, value | 10% |
Based on this evidence, these are our Top 10 Trusted Trades in Sussex for 2026.
1. East and West Sussex Roofing (5.0 ★★★★★, 160 Reviews)
Overall Score: 90/100
East and West Sussex Roofing is a well-reviewed and highly regarded roofing contractor serving homeowners across Sussex, especially in and around Brighton & Hove. The business has built a strong reputation for comprehensive roof repairs, replacements, guttering, chimney work, slating and tiling, and free roof health checks since 2007, giving it nearly two decades of local experience, one of the longest-standing roofing specialists in the region.
Key Metrics
- Google Reviews: 5.0 ⭐ average from approximately 160 verified reviews on Google and other listing platforms.
- Checkatrade Member: Rated 9.94/10 with 51 reviews on Checkatrade, a widely used UK trades verification platform.
- Services Offered: Full roofing services including repairs, replacements, guttering & fascias, lead work, flat roofs, slating & tiling, moss removal, and free roof health checks.
- Coverage Area: Sussex wide, especially Brighton & Hove, and surrounding postcodes.
- Business Structure: Operates as a sole trader roofing contractor (as described on the company website).
“East and West Sussex Roofing’s long-standing presence and near-perfect ratings across multiple platforms reflect dependable local expertise; a valuable choice for homeowners needing reliable roofing work and clear communication throughout a project,” says a Sussex home improvement analyst.
Best for
- Best for: Comprehensive roof repairs, replacements, and maintenance
- Strongest areas: Sussex wide, notably Brighton & Hove and surrounding BN postcodes
- Buyer type: New homebuyers, renovators, and property owners needing experienced roof contractors
East and West Sussex Roofing stands out for its consistently high ratings, long local track record, and strong third-party endorsement on Checkatrade. Its focus on quality work and customer satisfaction continues to make it a popular choice for roof projects throughout Sussex.
2. Bishops Plumbers (4.6 ★★★★★, 123 Reviews)
Overall Score: 87/100
Bishops Plumbers is a well-established plumbing and heating specialist based in Hove, Brighton & Hove, with a strong local reputation built over more than 15 years. The company provides a full range of plumbing services, from leak repairs and general plumbing to boiler servicing, central heating installation and gas safety checks. Its long history on trusted platforms and very high scores reflect reliability and consistency in service delivery throughout Sussex.
Key Metrics
- Google Reviews: 4.6 ⭐ average with 123 verified reviews.
- Checkatrade: Rated 9.83/10 with 556+ reviews and a member since 2009, showing extensive independent vetting and customer feedback.
- Accreditation: Gas Safe Register, an important legal safety certification for any gas-related plumbing and heating work.
- Services: General plumbing, leak repair, radiator & appliance installation, boiler servicing & repair, central heating, CP12 gas safety certificates.
- Insurance: Public liability coverage and transparent service quotes (platform and site information).
“Bishops Plumbers’ long tenure on Checkatrade and consistent high scoring across multiple platforms demonstrate its ability to deliver safe, compliant plumbing and heating services, particularly for homes needing comprehensive gas and water system work,” says a Sussex plumbing industry analyst.
Best for
- Best for: Full plumbing and central heating service with certified gas safety work
- Strongest areas: Brighton & Hove and wider Sussex postcodes (BN & nearby areas)
- Buyer type: Family homes, landlords, and long-term property owners seeking certified service
Figure 2. Sussex plumber carrying out a repair under a kitchen sink, representing reliable and trusted plumbing services.
Bishops Plumbers stands out for its longstanding local presence and strong independent scores, particularly on Checkatrade, making it a trusted choice for homeowners concerned with safety and compliance, especially for boiler, heating and gas-related services.
3. PlumbSussex Ltd (5.0 ★★★★★, 130 Reviews)
Overall Score: 85/100
PlumbSussex Ltd is one of the top ranked and most trusted plumbers in Sussex, known for its strong local reputation for emergency plumbing, leak detection, and general heating work. The company operates from Portslade in Brighton and serves the full Sussex area, from Worthing to Eastbourne, offering 24/7 response with no call out fees. Founded as a private limited company in late 2022, it has quickly built a large base of highly positive customer feedback across Google and other local platforms.
Key Metrics
- Google Reviews: 5.0 ⭐ average with 130 verified reviews.
- Registered and verified on MyBuilder, 5.0 ⭐ from 42 reviews.
- Listed with a business profile, 5.0 ⭐ from 5 reviews, on Yell.
- Services Coverage: Full Sussex coverage (Worthing through Eastbourne), offering general and emergency plumbing, heating services, leak detection, installations, and drain work.
- Operational Hours: 24/7 service availability with no call out fees, improving accessibility for urgent homeowner needs.
- Liability & Insurance: Covered by public liability insurance.
“PlumbSussex’s 24/7 service, no call-out fees, and perfect ratings make it a reliable choice for homeowners needing fast plumbing solutions,” says a Sussex plumbing industry expert.
Best for
- Best for: Emergency plumbing & leak detection with fast response
- Strongest areas: Sussex wide (notably BN41/Portslade, Brighton & Hove)
- Buyer type: New homebuyers and landlords needing rapid, reliable service
In closing, PlumbSussex Ltd stands out for trust and operational readiness in Sussex’s competitive plumbing sector. Its perfect rating and 24/7 approach reflect a strong commitment to solving homeowner issues quickly and professionally.
4. RD Wired Electrical Services Ltd Sussex (5.0 ★★★★★, 59 Reviews)
Overall Score: 82/100
RD Wired Electrical Services Ltd Sussex is a highly rated electrician based in Billingshurst, West Sussex, known locally for dependable domestic and commercial electrical work, including safety checks, consumer unit upgrades, rewiring, and emergency call-outs.
The company was founded to bring professional NICIEC-approved electrical services to homes and businesses across Sussex and beyond, with coverage into neighbouring counties. It has built a solid reputation with customers for professionalism, clear communication, and practical solutions.
Key Metrics
- Google & Checkatrade Reviews: While Google shows 59 total combined reviews with an overall 5.0 ⭐ average, on Checkatrade the business holds a 10/10 score from 21 reviews, a strong independent validation of quality.
- NICEIC Accreditation: Approved contractor under NICEIC, including Part-P Domestic Installer status, which means it meets UK electrical installation and safety standards.
- Services Offered: Comprehensive electrical services such as safety inspections (EICR), house rewiring, consumer unit and fuseboard installation/repair, fault finding, outdoor lighting, and underfloor heating work.
- Coverage Area: West Sussex base in Billingshurst with service reach extending ~50 miles to neighbouring areas.
- Insurance & Compliance: Fully insured with public liability and indemnity cover (as noted in company Checkatrade profile).
“RD Wired Electrical Services demonstrates strong technical compliance with NICEIC standards and consistently positive customer feedback, making it a reliable choice for domestic electrical safety and installation work across Sussex,” says a Sussex electrical services analyst.
Figure 3. An electrician in Sussex inspecting wiring, showcasing professional and safe electrical services for homeowners.
Best for
- Best for: Detailed safety checks, rewiring, consumer unit upgrades, and emergency electrical work
- Strongest areas: West Sussex, especially Billingshurst and surrounding BN/RH postcodes
- Buyer type: New homeowners wanting certified, safety-compliant electrical professionals
In closing, RD Wired Electrical Services Ltd Sussex combines industry-recognised accreditation with top-tier customer feedback, making it a solid choice for homeowners who prioritise safety, quality and certified electrical work.
5. Swift Electrical Sussex Ltd (4.9 ★★★★★, 48 Reviews)
Overall Score: 80/100
Swift Electrical Sussex Ltd is a well-rated electrical contractor based in Chichester, with a proven track record in domestic electrical installation and repair services. The business is known for reliable, friendly service and a professional approach to everything from basic socket installations to safety upgrades. It has developed its presence locally through positive customer feedback and strong Checkatrade performance.
Key Metrics
- Google Reviews: 4.9 ⭐ average with 48 reviews on online platforms (Birdeye/Google).
- Checkatrade Score: 9.88/10 based on 54 reviews, with excellent work quality, communication and reliability scores.
- Accreditations & Qualifications:
- CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) certified
- City & Guilds qualified (Level 2 & Level 3)
- NAPIT – Electrical accreditation
- VAT Registered: Yes (VAT number 376717557) as confirmed via Checkatrade business profile.
- Services Offered: General electrical installation and maintenance, underfloor heating repairs, fuseboard/consumer unit work, immersion and lighting work, and free estimates.
“Swift Electrical Sussex’s combination of strong qualifications and high independent platform scores shows a balanced capability in both technical competence and customer satisfaction across a range of domestic electrical services,” says a Sussex home electrical expert.
Best for
- Best for: Domestic electrical installations, safety testing, and general repairs
- Strongest areas: Chichester and surrounding South West Sussex postcodes
- Buyer type: Homeowners looking for qualified and well-reviewed electrical professionals
In closing, Swift Electrical Sussex Ltd stands out for its solid accreditation mix and high independent ratings, making it a dependable local choice for many everyday electrical needs in Sussex.
6. N PRICE Plumbing (4.6 ★★★★★, 84 Reviews)
Overall Score: 79/100
N PRICE Plumbing is a well-reviewed and established plumbing and heating contractor operating throughout Sussex. The business appears regularly in homeowner referrals and holds strong independent scores on Checkatrade with 9.82/10 from over 500 reviews, showing a sustained record of customer satisfaction. It is Gas Safe registered, Worcester Bosch Accredited, and holds BPEC certification for unvented hot water systems, indicating proficiency with safety-critical equipment and installations.
Key Metrics
- Google Reviews: 4.6 ⭐ average with 84 verified reviews across Google and other directories.
- Checkatrade: 9.82/10 with 512+ reviews, one of the most extensive independent feedback records among local plumbers.
- Accreditations:
- Gas Safe Register, legally required for gas work (safety compliance)
- Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer, recognised plant and boiler installation standard
- BPEC Certification Ltd – Unvented Hot Water, qualification for specialist hot water systems
- VAT Registered: Yes (VAT number 896457067), showing formal tax and business compliance.
- Services Offered: General plumbing, heating services, boiler installs, emergency repairs, unvented hot water systems and more.
Best for
- Best for: Comprehensive plumbing services and certified boiler/heating work
- Strongest areas: Sussex wide with strong Checkatrade coverage
- Buyer type: Established homeowners and landlords needing accredited plumbing services
N PRICE Plumbing’s wide-ranging accreditation and large independent review footprint make it a strong candidate for delivering reliable, quality plumbing solutions with recognised competence across Sussex.
7. Mid Sussex Roofing LTD (4.8 ★★★★★, 64 Reviews)
Overall Score: 75/100
Mid Sussex Roofing LTD operates as a private limited company with decades of local experience, incorporated long before the 2000s. It is a seasoned roofing contractor based in Shoreham-by-Sea with a well-reviewed local choice for roof repairs, re-tiling and maintenance, known for professional service and friendly tradespeople.
Key Metrics
- Google Reviews: 4.8 ⭐ average with 64 reviews across platforms, reflecting strong customer satisfaction.
- Accreditation: Listed as a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) since 2002, indicating adherence to recognised industry standards.
- Services: Roof repair, re-tiling, maintenance, leak fixes, storm damage repair, customer communication praised.
- Coverage: Sussex roofing services across Worthing, Shoreham and surrounding postcodes.
Best for
- Best for: Roof repairs, re-tiling and maintenance work
- Strongest areas: Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing and West Sussex coastal postcodes
- Buyer type: Homeowners seeking trusted traditional roofing expertise
In closing, Mid Sussex Roofing LTD offers strong roofing skills reinforced by NFRC membership and positive customer reviews, making it a dependable choice for a wide range of domestic roofing needs.
8. Sussex Roofing & Guttering — Roofer Worthing (5.0 ★★★★★, 42 Reviews)
Overall Score: 70/100
Sussex Roofing & Guttering is a specialist roofing and guttering contractor serving Sussex from its base near Storrington and Worthing. Customers praise the business for professionalism, punctuality, quality workmanship and clean job sites, covering everything from guttering and downpipe replacements to flat and pitched roof repairs. Its strong ratings reflect both work quality and clear communication throughout the project.
Key Metrics
- Google & Online Reviews: 5.0 ⭐ from 42 verified reviews across Google and local listings.
- Checkatrade Score: 9.87/10 with 79+ reviews on Checkatrade earlier.
- Services: Roofing repairs, gutter installation & maintenance, roof leak fixes, flat roof services, and downpipe work.
- Coverage: Sussex wide including Worthing and nearby BN/RH postcodes.
- Business Structure: Sole trader roofing contractor with industry-verified ratings on major platforms.
Best for
- Best for: Roofing repairs and gutter installations
- Strongest areas: Worthing, Storrington, and surrounding Sussex postcodes
- Buyer type: Homeowners needing dependable routine roofing service
In closing, Sussex Roofing & Guttering stands out in the Sussex roofing segment for its excellent review profile and strong Checkatrade endorsement, offering reassurance for homeowners looking for quality roofing and gutter solutions.
9. Simpsons of Sussex Electrical Ltd (4.7 ★★★★★, 28 Reviews)
Overall Score: 66/100
Simpsons of Sussex Electrical Ltd is a locally trusted electrical contractor based in Brighton & Hove, offering a wide range of domestic and commercial electrical services across Sussex. Known for rewires, consumer unit upgrades, inspections, lighting work, fault finding, and safety reports, the company balances strong independent platform presence with personal service.
Key Metrics
- Google Reviews: 4.7 ⭐ average from 28 verified reviews.
- MyBuilder: 5.0 ⭐ from 64 reviews, showing strong homeowner recommendations on this UK trades platform.
- Checkatrade: Profile shows 10/10 score based on 16 reviews, indicating excellent quality and reliability.
- Accreditation: NAPIT registered and fully insured (ensures compliance with UK electrical safety standards).
- Services Offered: Includes full electrical rewiring, consumer unit work, inspections (EICRs), lighting installations, landlord safety certificates, fault repair and maintenance.
“Simpsons of Sussex Electrical’s strong multi-platform ratings and NAPIT registration reflect both technical compliance and dependable service delivery, ideal for homeowners focused on safety and quality in electrical work,” says a Sussex electrical services commentator.
Best for
- Best for: Full electrical installations, safety certificates & rewiring
- Strongest areas: Brighton & Hove and surrounding East Sussex postcodes
- Buyer type: New homeowners and renovators seeking qualified, reliable electricians
Simpsons of Sussex Electrical Ltd merges trusted industry certification with consistently high customer feedback, making it a credible choice for a range of home electrical work from safety checks to rewiring and upgrades.
10. D E Plumbing & Heating Sussex (5.0 ★★★★★, 29 Reviews)
Overall Score: 61/100
D E Plumbing & Heating Sussex is a smaller but highly rated plumbing and heating provider serving houses and small properties in Sussex and neighbouring areas. It specialises in general plumbing repairs, heating installations, boiler work, and related services. The company earns strong trust signals among its customers, though its review volume is lighter than some of its larger competitors.
Key Metrics
- Google Reviews: 5.0 ⭐ average with 29 verified reviews on Google and other online listings.
- Online Presence: Business profile on Yell with a perfect rating, reflecting local homeowner satisfaction.
- Service Coverage: Plumbing repairs, heating services, boiler installs, leak fixes and related work across Sussex and nearby postcodes.
- Insurance & Compliance: Public liability insurance and standard service assurances noted on business listings.
Best for
- Best for: Personalised plumbing & heating solutions with high satisfaction
- Strongest areas: Sussex region including Crawley and surrounding areas
- Buyer type: First-time buyers and small property owners needing responsive plumbing support
D E Plumbing & Heating Sussex stands out for its perfect customer rating and attentive service, making it an appealing option for homeowners who prioritise straightforward, high-quality plumbing and heating work.
Comparing Sussex’s Most Trusted Trades
| Trade / Business | Google Rating (Reviews) | Key Platform Score | Accreditations / Certification | Special Notes |
| East & West Sussex Roofing | 5.0 (160) | Checkatrade: 9.94/10 (51) | Longstanding local roofer | Free roof health checks |
| Bishops Plumbers (Hove) | 4.6 (123) | Checkatrade: 9.81/10 (558) | Gas Safe Registered | Longest presence with large feedback |
| PlumbSussex Ltd | 5.0 (130) | MyBuilder: 5.0 (42); Yell: 5.0 (5) | Public liability insurance | 24/7 response with emergency focus |
| RD Wired Electrical Services Ltd Sussex | 5.0 (59) | Checkatrade: 10/10 (21) | NICEIC (Part-P Installer) | Focus on safety, rewires & consumer units |
| Swift Electrical Sussex Ltd | 4.9 (48) | Checkatrade: 9.88/10 (54) | CITB, City & Guilds, NAPIT | Well-qualified electricians |
| N PRICE Plumbing | 4.6 (84) | Checkatrade: 9.82/10 (512) | Gas Safe Register; Worcester Bosch Installer; BPEC | Extensive reviews & broad plumbing expertise |
| Mid Sussex Roofing LTD | 4.8 (64) | NFRC Member since 2002 | NFRC | Industry membership shows technical trade quality |
| Sussex Roofing & Guttering (Worthing) | 5.0 (42) | Checkatrade: 9.87/10 (79) | Verified Checkatrade listing | High quality roofing & guttering work |
| Simpsons of Sussex Electrical Ltd | 4.7 (28) | Checkatrade: 10/10 (16); MyBuilder: 5.0 (64) | NAPIT | Safe electrical compliance focus |
| D E Plumbing & Heating Sussex | 5.0 (29) | Yell: high local rating | Public liability insurance | Highly rated small specialist |
Sources & References
1. Review & Rating Platforms
- Checkatrade.com: Independent trade verification and ratings (scores and review volumes cited for roofing, plumbing, and electrical companies).
- MyBuilder.com: Verified reviews for plumbing and electrical services.
- Yell.com: Local business directory reviews and ratings.
2. Accreditation & Professional Registers
- Gas Safe Register: Certified plumbing and heating professionals.
- NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors & Testers): Electrical safety certification.
- CITB & City & Guilds: Trade qualifications for electricians.
- NICEIC Part-P Domestic Installer: Verified electrical work compliance.
- NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors): Roofing industry membership and standards.
- Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer & BPEC Certification: Plumbing and heating qualifications.
3. Company Websites & Official Business Profiles
- Direct company websites were referenced for service coverage, operational hours, and founding information.
- VAT registration numbers and incorporation details confirmed via public business records.
4. Homeowner & Industry Surveys
- Voltimum UK Homeowner Survey (2014–2025): Data on homeowner trust and difficulty finding tradespeople.
- Electrical Trade Confidence Data (UK Electrical Training Bodies): Insights on trust levels for electricians vs other trades.
