Lead generation for trades, 2026 update
Rated People has joined Checkatrade: what UK tradespeople should do now
By Andrew Heppinstall, founder of Unavoidable Marketing, Leeds. Last updated 14 October 2026.
In September 2026 Checkatrade Group bought the Rated People brand and website. Rated People jobs are now matched to Checkatrade members, so tradespeople who relied on Rated People need a new source of work. The main options are a Checkatrade membership, pay-per-shortlist sites such as MyBuilder, Bark, and Google Local Services Ads, where customers call you directly from the top of Google.
What happened
Checkatrade Group announced on 21 September 2026 that it had acquired selected assets from Rated People, including the brand and website. Homeowners can still post jobs on Rated People, but those jobs now go to Checkatrade's network of trades. LocalAdder's lead cost tracker reports Rated People closed to tradespeople on 16 September 2026.
Your options compared
| Option | How you pay | Leads shared? | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checkatrade | Monthly, from £30 on the basic plan, lead plans from £59 | Customers compare listed trades | Usually 12 months |
| MyBuilder | Per shortlist, from £7 | Yes | None |
| Bark | Credits at about £1.80 each, roughly £9 to £36 per lead | Yes | None |
| Google Local Services Ads | Per lead, roughly £10 to £50 | No, the customer contacts you | None |
| Your own Google profile and website | Your time, or an agency | No | None |
Figures from LocalAdder's UK trade lead cost tracker, verified 30 September 2026, and UK agency guides. Prices vary by trade and area.
What we would do in your position
- Download your Rated People reviews and job history while you still can, and add the best reviews to your website with the customer's first name and town.
- Get your Google Business Profile complete. It is free and it is where most local customers and AI assistants look first. See our profile guide.
- Ask recent Rated People customers for a Google review. Those reviews then work for you forever, on a platform you control.
- Try Local Services Ads if you can answer calls quickly. You only pay for leads and there is no contract. Read our Local Services Ads guide.
- Only take a Checkatrade contract if your customers already look for the Checkatrade badge, and work out the cost per job won before you sign for 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rated People closing down?
The brand and website continue for homeowners, but they are now part of Checkatrade Group and jobs go to Checkatrade members.
Do I have to join Checkatrade to keep getting these leads?
Rated People jobs are now matched to Checkatrade members, so yes for those particular leads. You have plenty of other ways to win work without a membership.
What is the cheapest way to replace Rated People leads?
A complete Google Business Profile with regular new reviews costs nothing but time. For paid leads, MyBuilder and Local Services Ads both have no monthly fee.
Need to replace your Rated People work fast?
We help UK trades get calls from Google instead of shared lead sites. Book a free call and we will show you what is possible in your area.
Sources: InsightDIY, Checkatrade acquires selected assets from Rated People (21 September 2026); Rated People blog, Rated People joins Checkatrade Group (2026); LocalAdder UK trade lead cost tracker (September 2026).