Episodes
Today it's lighthearted Thursday, where we like to have a laugh, so today we asked: in your wildest dreams: what would you do if you weren’t in the trade? What if you never picked up a spanner... never laid a single brick... never wired up a socket? Where would life have taken you instead? Rock star? Professional golfer? Ice cream seller in Ibiza?Today, we were daring you to wonder, if trade wasn’t your path, what would be?There’s been no judgment from us, just good vibes and big imaginations! We heard great responses from across the country. Our good mates at Wickes helped someone out in n...
The clocks are changing this Sunday! Don’t get caught out! Well today we want to talk about sleep throughout the year - not just when the clocks change. We want to know - how do you sleep at night? Are you getting a full 8 hours? Hearing the sounds of the angle grinder in your dreams? Do you have a young family who keep you up all night? Figures show that 44% of tradespeople feel “very tired” or “fatigued” every week, and 18% struggle with getting quality sleep. So what’s your experience - how are you sleeping at night? Our guests this week were sleep expert Doctor Lindsay Browning & Liam ...
The phrase "work-life balance" is everywhere, but for tradespeople, it often feels like a constant, draining battle. When is the right time to clock off? How do you reconcile the demanding needs of your career with the desire to make time for family, hobbies, exercise, and relaxation?In this honest, in-depth episode, we dive into the core conflict: When have you had to pick between family and work? Tune in to learn how successful professionals navigate this high-stakes choice, manage the guilt, and finally define what a sustainable balance looks like for them.Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday...
Vans, let's be honest, they need a lot of love. Today we wanted to know: How much are you spending on your van?We looked at new research from Tempcover which has compared 27 of the most popular UK van models, combining data on reliability, average repair bills, and claim rates on things such as engines and gearboxes to show how repair costs vary across models.It turned out, the van with the lowest repairs costs - The Nissan NV200! With an average repair cost of £303.94 - so we wanted to investigate how much are you REALLY spending on your van?Today we spoke to Carl Brookes from Trade Vans a...
Today, we tried to settle the most important debate of the season for any UK tradesperson: Are you still rocking the shorts on site?🤣 As it's Lighthearted Thursday, we're taking a break from the heavy stuff for a proper, no-nonsense check-in. Is sticking to your work shorts a matter of pride, practicality, or are you just freezing your knees off? We wanted to know where our listeners stand.Plus, Clive is at Foundations Live and there's the lunch quiz, and, as always, the very best messages we've received from you lot. Enjoy!Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM Across The ...
Today, we tackle the question every UK tradesperson is asking: Is the sustainable home a reality, or just wishful thinking? According to NatWest research, a massive 65% of homeowners are planning green upgrades in the next decade. However, there's one major hurdle: the cost! So, are people actually putting their money where their mouth is, or is it just a dream? We spoke to sustainability champion Phil Davis and General Builder Noal Bardle to get find out what customers are really asking for, from basic insulation installation to high-value projects like heat pumps and solar panels.Plus, of...
Today, we were talking about a piece of kit that has truly earned its place in your arsenal. Whether it’s a time-saving upgrade or a surprise game-changer, we want to know what’s been your must-have purchase this year! Did you finally splurge on that premium cordless drill? Or did a small, cheap gadget become your new site essential? We spoke with Will the Roofer and Alice Illidge, AKA Little Miss Heating & Plumbing, to get their honest reviews on their top tools worth the money. Would they recommend it? Plus, there's also the Pub Lunch Quiz for a shot at 6 points, and catch the best messag...
The UK construction industry is fighting a significant skills drain. Over the last 5 years, 150,000 workers have left the industry due to retirement, and a quarter of current tradespeople plan to retire within the next 5 years. This means that the skills gap is only getting bigger. So Today, we wanted to know if you are thinking about retiring and if so, what your exit plan is. Do you intend to leave your business to your family or sell it? We're joined by Will Emerton, a roofer whose family business has been running for over 100 years, and Brian Denet, a third-generation painter and decora...
Who's the Jamie Vardy of your jobsite? Today it was Lighthearted Thursday, so we asked all our listeners to compare themselves to a famous footballer. Maybe you have the looks of David Beckham, are unpredictable like Bruno Fernandes or are just never on the ball (We aren't mentioning a name for that one)! Plus, a vital conversation on World Mental Health Day. Jack Edwards speaks with the Steel Blue team about their support for the Fix Foundation and the importance of addressing mental health in the construction industry. Don't miss the Pub Lunch Quiz for a shot at six points! And you will h...
Tired of UK Winters? We might have the answer, as we were looking at moving to Australia as a UK tradesperson today. The South Australian Government is making a significant effort to recruit skilled British tradespeople due to high demand for construction workers. With the UK’s high cost of living and the appeal of beaches, easier winters, and high demand for tradespeople that South Australia offers, is the move down under the best way through life? Hear the moving story of Bricklayer Sammy Cook and get exclusive insights from Louisa Newstead, Director of Population and Migration (South Aus...
The UK Construction market is surging, with the workloads of many tradespeople increasing by over 25%! But as every tradesperson knows, the massive skilled labour shortage is now the biggest thing holding back projects. So today we wanted to know, with such high demand, how your trade business plans to manage the influx? We want to know how the demand for UK builders is affecting your pipeline. Are you turning away profitable work, or do you still need a few dates booked in to feel it’s been a good year? Have clients already hit you with the classic, "Can you be done by Christmas?" or asked...
Do you get abused by motorists just for driving a van? If you're a tradesperson its very likely that you know the feeling. So today, with a new survey stating that a shocking 78% of UK van drivers face negative behaviour from other motorists! We're asking: Is this abuse really happening to you? Do you feel forced to change your driving just because you're in a commercial vehicle? Are other drivers really quicker to beep at a van? And we want to hear about the absolute worst road rage incident you've ever experienced!We were joined by Nicola Dobson, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, and John ...
Today it was Lighthearted Thursday, where we like to have a laugh, so today I wanted to know what your biggest workplace frustration is! Is it something clients do? A stupid site rule? Or maybe a colleague is trying to mess with the Radio? We heard great responses from across the country. Plus, there's also the pub lunch quiz for your chance to bag yourself 6 points.Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM Across The UK On DAB Radio And Online At https://www.fixradio.co.uk/
When working in the trades having a good relationship with the client can make all the difference. However, some relationships can be harder to build than others, particularly those with the younger generation. Research shows that those under 35 are likely to steer clear of casual conversation and are also the least likely to offer drinks and even let the tradesperson use the toilet. So today I want to know how do you build relationships with younger customers? Do you try to start the conversation? Or do you even bother? We Spoke to Andy Cam and Enda Murphy to hear how they think we can bui...
Research states that 50% of plumbers have increased their prices, while the average fitting price has fallen by 10%. So today I wanted to know what you’re doing with your prices. Are they moving? And how do you know when to adjust them? We spoke to kitchen fitter Reece Stewart and Plumber James Lawrence to hear how they have been tackling pricing. Plus, there's the pub lunch quiz for your chance to grab yourself 6 points, and you’ll hear all the best messages we received.Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM Across The UK On DAB Radio And Online At https://www.fixradio.co....
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 white men and 1 in 4 black men, killing 12,000 every year – yet it remains the most common cancer without a national screening programme.So today we were raising awareness for prostate cancer.I wanted to find out what the signs are and share why it's so important we’re aware of it!We were joined by Errol McKellar NBE and Chris Powell NBE to hear why it's so important that we all understand what Prostate Cancer is and why you should get checked!Plus, there's the pub lunch quiz for your chance to grab yourself 6 points, and you’ll hear all the best messages we r...
Today it was lighthearted Thursday, and with Ford Transit turning 60 today! I wanted you’re best van stories.Is it a core memory from your first van? A weird thing you keep in your glove box? Or something else! We heard great responses from across the country. Plus, there's also the pub lunch quiz for your chance to bag yourself 6 points.Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM Across The UK On DAB Radio And Online At https://www.fixradio.co.uk/
Last week, the CITB announced the Top 100 most influential women in construction. However, with just 15% of the construction industry made up of women and less than 2% in the skilled trades, Today I wanted to tackle the big question of how do we get more women into our industry?In order to close the skills gap and meet the housing targets, it's vital that women and girls start to show interest in and begin careers within our industry. But how do we increase the appeal?We spoke to Apprentice Connie Pawsey and successful Plasterer and business owner Steph Leese to hear their opinions. Plus, t...
Today, we were discussing the plans to reduce the CITB’s Training Fund.For many businesses, the fund is vital to grow their teams and improve their skills. However, the fund is being replaced by short-term training schemes that require employers to pay 30% of the cost! Today, I wanted to discuss the effect this could have on our industry. Is it a good move to upskill the industry as quickly as possible? Or will it just increase the skills gap and result in substandard work? We spoke to Deb Madden from CITB and Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group (YIRTG) Officer, Denise Cherry, to hear...
As summer comes to a close and winter approaches quickly, I wanted to discuss how the changing seasons can affect your business today. Is your workload changing? Are you having to adjust the way in which you work? Does the cooler weather help you or is the rain making your work take longer? We were joined by Brickie Charlie Collison and Landscaper Jamie Johnson to discuss the seasons and work! Plus, there's the pub lunch quiz and you’ll hear all the best messages we received.Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM Across The UK On DAB Radio And Online At https://www.fixradi...
Today it was a lighthearted Thursday, where we like to have a laugh, so today I wanted to know what you always forget. Is it your Keys? Could it be a tool? Is it the client's name? Or maybe it's where your latest job actually is?We heard great responses from across the country. Plus, there's also the pub lunch quiz for your chance to bag yourself 6 points.Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM Across The UK On DAB Radio And Online At https://www.fixradio.co.uk/
Earlier this month, Amada Martin announced that Labour's new sentencing Bill 2025 would change how the courts view tool theft. This means that when sentencing thieves, courts will take into account the full impact of tool theft, including lost livelihoods, business disruption and mental health impacts. Additionally, sentences will supposedly be more brutal and heavily restrict the freedoms of those on community sentences. So today I wanted to discuss tool theft once again. I wanted to find out exactly what this means, when we’ll see it start having an impact and what the next steps will be ...
Today, The Big Man discusses whistleblowers. Our industry is plagued with cowboys who cut corners to save money, and a recent case highlights the risks of speaking out. A groundworks boss spent nine years in a legal battle after a gagging order was used to stop him from raising health and safety concerns. He eventually won over £500,000, but at a huge personal cost. So, would you blow the whistle on dangerous work? Does doing the right thing outweigh the risk? We hear from a family left in an unsafe home by their contractors and get John Cruickshank's take on calling out dangerous practices...
Today, we were discussing First Aid on-site. The official standards state that there must be one first aider on site for every fifty workers, and sites with fewer than five workers don't need an official first aider on site. But is that good enough?Should first aiders be more readily available on site? Plus, what measures do you have in place in case of the unthinkable if you work alone? We were joined by builder Mark Corby and Lisa Sharman from St John Ambulance to talk about why first aid is important on site! Plus, there's the pub lunch quiz, and you’ll hear the very best messages we rec...
Today it's was lighthearted Thursday, where we like to have a laugh, so today I want to hear what you think is the most useless tool on site? Is it some gadget one of the lads has seen on social media, the microwave or even the apprentice!We heard great responses from across the country. Plus, there's also the pub lunch quiz for your chance to bag yourself 6 points.Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM Across The UK On DAB Radio And Online At https://www.fixradio.co.uk/
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, so I wanted to check in to see how you’re doing. With construction workers being four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average, we want to let you know you’re not alone and discuss how you could seek help for yourself or even help a friend. Here are some stats to start you off today. On The Tools, recently found that 73% of the country's 2.1 million construction workers have been affected by mental illness and in the last decade, over 7,000 have taken their own lives. We want you to know today you are not alone, we’re here to help ...
As The Met Office confirms that summer 2025 was officially the hottest on record for the United Kingdom, we’re talking about working in that heat! The World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization have reported recently that millions of workers are exposed to heat stress, which affects their health, and their performance. They’ve both called for governments, employers, and workers to co-operate to develop adaptation strategies! Closer to home, unions such as GMB and Unite are calling for a 27oC limit for manual work to protect workers. So today I’m asking, is a maximum...
We’re hearing about plenty of you struggling with increased van insurance costs and this is something we’ve covered a number of times on this show, so today I’m asking - would you have a Black Box installed to your van if it would mean cheaper insurance costs? If not, why not? And do you have any other tips for how to reduce your insurance costs as they seem to spiral every year! I was joined by Pointy Plumber & his Apprentice Grandad as well as insurance expert Gavin Hill from Adrian Flux to hear what they think we can expect from the future of construction education. Plus, there's also th...
Today it was a lighthearted Thursday, and we were discussing superstitions. With our industry being thousands of years old, over the years a lot of superstitions have built up around it! From burying a jar of honey in the deepest part of the foundation to the 5,000-year-old belief that walking under a ladder will give you bad luck, these superstitions are everywhere. So today I wanted to hear if you follow any superstitions or what the most ridiculous ones you've heard on site are!We heard great responses from across the country. Plus, our mates at Wickes helped us help out Doug The Handyma...
Today we were talking about business jargon! I wanted to touch base to see if you really think business jargon is the best practice when communicating in the trades. Do you think it brings something to the table, or should the phrase “Drill Down” only be used in relation to the job!? We did a deep dive on the topic and spoke to Maria Coulter and Grant Gundelfinger to see whether it has a place in our industry or if we should phase it out. Plus, we looped in our listeners to see if the ducks were aligned, and there's the pub lunch quiz.Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM ...