Episodes
Paul Meenan finally brings Tony Hennessey onto the show to discuss Thomas Nagy's snagging journey on rail work. Tony talks about his role as the Clerk of Works, How he works with contractors to get the best quality out of every job, Tony talks about Tom and his employees going on a journey of competency and the positive results that brings to the industry when a contractor embarks on it.
Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk to Electrical contractors who work in the domestic sector about the potential challenges and pitfalls. They discuss how to run a business in this marketplace successfully and get advice for any of you looking to make a success of it.
Thomas Nagy talks to Ashley Waines & Ashley Kanes - two Electrical Contractors who are finalists for The Screwfix Top Tradesperson Award - about what makes a good tradesperson. They discuss things others do that they wouldn't do in the trade.
Thomas shares a recent Band of Builders project completed to help the family of an Electrician who sadly took his own life at the end of 2023.
Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy follow up last week's episode with a further look at good and bad inventions and the positive steps with regards to innovation. John Ward joins the show to discuss the role social media plays in pushing good and bad products on the market and more!
Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy look at some of the good and bad products currently on the market and talk honestly about what they feel with regards to quality, usefulness and whether the marketplace is crowded with stuff not worth your time. Guests include: Tony York from Yorkman
Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan share some of the mistakes they've made and confess their electrical sins. They also talk about why mistake occur and how to learn from your mistakes.
Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look into how to de-risk your business and why 90 day payment terms need to end. Contractor, Callum Biscoe returns to share his roadmap for de-risking your business and putting protection in place when sub-contracting to Tier 1 contractors. The Small Business Commissioner, Emma Jones joins the discussion to explain her plan to use the stick rather than the carrot to re-shape rules around payment terms and the detremental affect that waiting for payments has on small businesses.
Alex Wood tried to qualify in 2019, but due to the pandemic and lack of apprenticeships… he’s been left in limbo. In this episode, Alex joins Thomas and Paul to share the effects this has had on his mental health, and how this led to his involvement in Andy’s Man Club.
Adrian Davey shares his journey through divorce and recent self-discovery, exploring how understanding communication styles can change the way we relate, connect, and build healthier relationships.
Paul Meenan hosts a Q&A featuring some questions from listeners. Paul answers juicy questions about the industry, ponders sliding doors moments and more!
Paul Meenan flies solo and looks into what Electrical Contractors are currently making in domestic, comercial and industrial and whether money is going up in line with inflation. Paul talks to Contractor, Callum Biscoe about his move away from domestic and the great structure he has in place to account money accurately. Craig Wilkson, Trades Business Coach and founder of The Trades Freedom Club, explains why it's okay to expect your money to go up year on year and how to do it to beat the cost of living. Friend of the show, Danny Webb AKA Sparky Milan talks about whether the old cliche joke...
Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about how the trade has changed, how their perception of the trade changes and ask two guests to join them and share their perspective. Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 winner, Dan O'Shea talks about his perception of the trade and how it's already been shaped by his experiences so far... Sparky Ninja, Dave Watts talks about how he's changed and how the trade has changed around him over the course of his career.
Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk to Leadership Consultant and Author of 'Responsibility: Becoming the Authentic Man' about soft skills for leaders in the trade. James talks about the challenges everyone has when trying to figure out how to lead people on site and when running a business. James also gives some advice on how to have difficult conversations with people and Paul Meenan touches on how it all relates to how we communicate in the wider industry.
Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan discuss the rising costs of health and safety and some of the illogical ways safety protocol is implemented and played out on sites. Paul gives some stats and research into how much it can cost, depending on the aspects of work you do. Thomas shares some training experiences and on-site instances of health and safety creating an obstacle in trying to get work done.
Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk to Roofer John Lees about his approach to taking on Solar PV installs. They ask John how he goes about working with an Electrical contractor, the safety steps, communication around safety and observations on pre-existing intallations. Stuart Cato talks about the safety steps on larger scale domestic projects as well as thoughts about safety and competence as a whole
Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about the differences between domestic and larger/commercial Solar PV installs and some of the missing safety steps in domestic, that could be implemented from the larger/commercial installs
Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy discuss the divide between HV and LV systems. Paul talks about the issues with chucking rubbish each over the fence, how to bridge the gap, why this divide exists and what can be gained from working closely and collaborating between HV and LV
Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about earthing after a recent conference attended by Paul, which he also spoke at with regards to diverted neutrals. Paul discusses the future of electrical infrastructure, reliability and performance, surge and lightning protection and other key take aways Paul had after attending
Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about the race to the bottom that's prevelant in all aspects of the electrical sector. Paul defines the race to the bottom, Thomas and Paul talk about the race that's present in commercial aspects of the trade and the 'too good to be true' emails blowing up your emails and LinkedIn inbox
Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk to Electrical Contractor, Callum Biscoe about his aims to help raise £100,000 for his local boxing club. Callum shares his experiences in the trade and talks about why he's decided to try and help out the club. If you can help or would like to donate, please do - https://bbch.org.uk/
Paul Meenan returns to the show alongside Thomas Nagy. Paul gives an update of where he's been and what he's been up to. Thomas Nagy gives a bit of a professional update and discusses the challenges that come with accreditations. Paul also gives a lowdown on the latest developments from the industry as a whole
Thomas Nagy is joined by Principal and CEO of The Leeds College of Building, Nikki Davis to discuss the open letter she sent to the Government, requesting an open conversation around the challenges to attract people from the trade into education and pay those what they need to do it. Nikki discusses the inherent problems as she sees them as well as ideas for a solution. Nikki also touches on why you should really deeply consider teaching as an option and the lesser known benefits of doing so
Thomas Nagy answers some frquently asked questions and questions sent to him via social media and the radio show. Thomas gives some advice and talks through his approach to varous things like: protecting his vehicles and high value equipment, how to snag and access the quality of work completed by his company and more
Thomas Nagy takes the opportunity while Paul is on holiday to discuss business growth and development. Thomas talks about his own experiences, both good and bad, and what he's learnt from them. Tom also outlines the pros and cons of expanding a business and whether you even want the job you're creating for yourself
Paul Meenan is joined by guests involved with teaching the trade so that he can explore the challenges that we have in getting competent tradespeople with a wealth of knowledge and experience to give up their careers on the tools and get into teaching. Guests include: Dave Love & Adrian Davey
Paul Meenan is joined by Andy Leggat, known as Isolate 4 Life on Instagram to discuss the previous talking point of 'whether we need insulated tools'. Paul starts with a conversation around apprenticeships and how apprentices are taught health and safety. Paul and Andy discuss how diverted neutrals changes the conversation around insulated tools slightly and also leads us to a discussion about needed regs changes
Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy are joined by Deborah Graham-Wilson from Eland Cables to discuss the degradation of cables. Tom and Paul ask about quality assurance, the impact of transportation and location of where cables are made, how to access quality of cables and there's much more insight into how cable quality is assessed and implemented
Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look at the latest developments and progress (or lack of) around tackling tool theft in the UK. Met Police Sergeant, Dave Catlow joins the discussion to explain the challenge the Police have in dealing with the issue, how you can improve the chances of getting back your stolen tools and touches on vigilante justice. Van Security Expert, Jeff Scott from Sussex Installations talks about why some van manufacteurs need to do more and discusses van security. Towards the end of the show, Thomas talks about his experiences with tool theft/van break ins and Paul talks ab...
Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy discuss whether the wiring regs constrain innovation, discuss too fatigue and the cost and time black hole caused by keeping up to date with regs