Start for free
Language: EN

Accounting and invoicing for shutter and awning firms

Roller shutters, awnings, venetian blinds and insect screens: the firm measures on site, orders from the manufacturer and fits weeks later. Saldiqo issues the deposit on order, the final invoice after fitting and reminds customers who do not pay after the installation.

Updated:

What comes up for shutter and awning firms

Measurement, order, fitting

Four to eight weeks often pass between measurement and fitting. The manufacturer supplies made to measure.

Many small jobs

Shutters for a house or an awning for the terrace are single jobs with one client.

Repairs and servicing

Motors and straps break. Repairs are quick call-outs by the hour.

How Saldiqo helps

  • Quote with measurementUnits, dimensions and fitting as lines.
  • Deposit on orderFrom the quote you issue the deposit invoice.
  • Manufacturer invoicesRecord invoices and assign them to the job.
  • Repairs by the hourRecord time and material and write the invoice on site.

Typical invoice lines

Examples that often appear on invoices in this industry. You set the prices yourself.

  • Aluminium roller shutter, size 120 by 140, supply and fitting
  • Terrace awning, 4 by 3 metres, with motor
  • Venetian blind for a window, each
  • Insect screen, tension frame
  • Motor repair, hour
  • Deposit 40 % on order

Tax and invoicing in the UK

What applies to invoices in the UK, in short. As of October 2026.

VAT
Standard rate 20 %, reduced rate 5 % and zero rate 0 %. Saldiqo calculates each invoice line with the rate you pick.
VAT registration
You must register once your taxable turnover passes £90,000 over any 12 months, or you expect to pass it within the next 30 days. You can deregister below £88,000. Until you are registered, your invoices show no VAT, and Saldiqo adds up your 12-month turnover for you.
What goes on an invoice
If you are VAT registered: your VAT number, the tax point, unit prices and the VAT total in pounds. A limited company shows its registered name on every invoice, and its company number, registered office and part of the UK on letters, order forms and the website.
E-invoicing
There is no mandate today. From April 2029 e-invoicing is planned for all B2B and B2G sales that carry VAT, through Peppol. The exact date and standard are not yet in law, and the government’s roadmap follows with the Budget on 28 October 2026.
VAT returns
VAT returns go to HMRC through Making Tax Digital, usually quarterly, due one month and seven days after the period. Saldiqo shows sales and VAT per rate and exports CSV. It does not submit to HMRC, and for Making Tax Digital you need software recognised by HMRC.
Record keeping
Keep VAT records for 6 years.
Late payment
Statutory interest on late business payments is the Bank Rate (3.75 % in the second half of 2026) plus 8 points, so 11.75 %. On top comes fixed compensation of £40, £70 or £100, depending on the amount owed (under £1,000, from £1,000, from £10,000). Consumers have no statutory interest.
Getting paid
Your sort code and account number are on every invoice. Customers pay by Faster Payments or Bacs, and banks check the account name with Confirmation of Payee. There is no QR standard in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

How do I secure pre-financing?

With a deposit on order, straight from the quote.

Can I bill repairs on site?

Yes. You record time and material and write the invoice on site.

Do shutter and awning firms in the UK have to charge VAT?

Only once they are VAT registered. Registration is required when taxable turnover passes £90,000 over any 12 months, or is expected to within the next 30 days. Below that you may register voluntarily. If you are not registered, you must not show VAT on your invoices.

Do shutter and awning firms in the UK need e-invoicing?

Not today. A mandate for B2B and B2G sales with VAT is planned from April 2029, and the details were still open as of October 2026. You can keep sending PDF invoices for now.

How long should shutter and awning firms keep invoices?

Keep VAT records for 6 years. You can store receipts digitally in Saldiqo. The legal duty to keep records stays with you.

Try Saldiqo for free

Write invoices, match payments, collect receipts and send reminders: free and without a trial period.

Start for free

This page for other countries

Related niches

More industries

All industries

As of October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice, without guarantee. For your case ask your tax adviser.