3069: Checkatrade and the Tech Transforming the £59B Home Services Market

Can finding a tradesperson be as effortless as ordering a pizza? Today, we explore this question with Jambu Palaniappan, CEO of Checkatrade and former Uber executive, as he leads the digital transformation of the £59 billion UK home services industry. In this episode, Jambu shares his vision for bringing trust and efficiency to a sector that, while essential, has largely remained offline. Since its founding in 1998, Checkatrade has built a reputation as a trusted platform for connecting homeowners with vetted tradespeople, addressing a critical need that emerged after a natural disaster highlighted the risk of rogue traders. Now, Jambu is focused on evolving Checkatrade from a traditional lead-generation platform into a comprehensive, end-to-end marketplace that simplifies every step of the home services journey—from finding a qualified tradesperson to payment and review. Imagine a world where scheduling, cost estimation, and invoicing are all streamlined on one platform, giving users peace of mind and tradespeople a business management toolkit that’s intuitive and effective. Checkatrade’s digital roadmap includes innovations like a new consumer app, launched to enhance accessibility and engagement, and business tools that make quoting and invoicing seamless. But with rapid innovation comes the challenge of balancing trust and quality. Checkatrade’s rigorous 12-step vetting process remains central to its mission, and the company continues to reject potential members who don’t meet its standards—because, as Jambu puts it, “no one checks trades like Checkatrade.” Alongside technological advancements, Checkatrade is also addressing a shortage in skilled trades by partnering with over 500 schools to promote careers in the industry, making this digital transformation as inclusive as it is innovative. In our conversation, Jambu reflects on lessons from his career, including insights from Uber’s rapid growth and his gratitude toward mentors who saw his potential. With new features on the horizon and plans to transform the home services market, what does the future hold for Checkatrade’s digital journey? And will this blend of innovation and trust reshape how we navigate home improvement? Share your thoughts with us after tuning in!