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Trade Legends — The UK's number 1 Tradesman & Construction Podcast
Trade Legends — The UK's number 1 Tradesman & Construction Podcast
Author: Trade Legends
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Trade Legends is the UK’s #1 weekly construction podcast, hosted by Alex (Big Al) and Mark (MJTIFF). Each week, we speak with tradesmen and tradeswomen from across the building industry—carpenters, plumbers, electricians, builders, bricklayers, plasterers, apprentices, and more. Guests share real stories from life on the tools, covering skills, pay, apprenticeships, mental health, safety, and running a business. Honest talk, laughs, and inspiration from the legends of the UK trades. New episodes every week.
144 Episodes
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E91 | Plumbing has DESTROYED my body. It's time to GIVE IT UP
-Battle of the Podcasts-
"We f**kin' hate you lot!"
In this week's episode, Alex and Mark sit down with gas engineer Kieran, and plumber Pete from @OffTheJobpodcastuk
Kieran initially planned on being an electrician, but after working as a labourer with a plumber, he decided to pursue a career as a plumber and gas engineer, and after completing his apprenticeship he decided to set up his own business.
We spoke to Pete back in Episode 43, where he discussed how he became a plumber in the construction industry, but also how he knew that he wouldn't be able to stay working in the trades forever. Pete now knows that within 2 years, he will be off the tools completely.
The guys started their podcast around 1 year ago, after a chance meeting at a trades event where Kieran was speaking.
"Who's this f**kin' wally..." Pete thought to himself. Little did he know that in a matter of months he would be co-hosting a successful trades podcast with him.
#tradesman #construction #podcast
Guests this week:
Kieran and Pete @OffTheJobpodcastuk
Hosts:
Alex @alexinsley
Mark @MJTiffPlumbing
⭐ Supported by Tradify | https://tradifyhq.com/ | @TradifyHQ
🏷️ Save on over 50 Trade Brands | https://tradelegends.uk/discounts/
The tool theft debate heats up as tradespeople face off against car boot sale defenders! In this episode of Trade Legends, we dive deep into the controversial issue of stolen tools being sold at car boots. Witness the passionate clash between those fighting to protect tradespeople's livelihoods and those defending the cherished British tradition of car boots.
Shoaib, @thegasexpert-yt a dedicated advocate for the Trades United movement and anti-tool theft campaigner, has returned. Hear his compelling arguments for banning power tool sales at car boos and his firsthand experiences with the devastating impact of tool theft. On the other side, Walter @AntiquesArena , a seasoned car boot sale veteran, shares his concerns about the potential consequences of such a ban on the car boot sale community.
The debate covers crucial topics like the scale of tool theft in London, the role of police and government in addressing the issue, and potential solutions such as tool marking and stricter regulations. Don't miss the heated exchanges on controversial points like the source of tools at car boot sales and the impact of online marketplaces on the problem.
This unmissable episode of Trade Legends brings the tool theft crisis to the forefront, highlighting the urgent need for action while exploring the complex implications for various stakeholders. Whether you're a tradesperson, car boot enthusiast, or concerned citizen, this debate will leave you with plenty to ponder about the future of tool sales and theft prevention in the UK.
Guests this week:
Shoaib @thegasexpert-yt
Walter @AntiquesArena
Hosts:
Nathan
⭐ Proudly Sponsored by CT1 | www.ct1.com | @ct1ltd
⭐ Supported by Tradify | https://tradifyhq.com/ | @TradifyHQ
🏷️ Save on over 50 Trade Brands | https://tradelegends.uk/discounts/
#tooltheft #carboots #construction #trades
Brace yourself for tales of working insane hours, dealing with nightmare clients, and making rookie mistakes.
Dom from Pride and Gardens, a landscaping powerhouse who went from labouring for peanuts to running a 10-man operation in just over a decade. Dom pulls back the curtain on his incredible rags-to-riches journey, dishing out priceless tips for budding landscapers looking to make it big. His hilarious stories of early pricing blunders and taking on way too much will have you crying with laughter.
Then, we pivot to the plumbing world with Liam Wood from Sterling, a millennial plumber who's taken social media by storm. Liam spills the beans on what it's really like being an employee vs. going out on your own, working graveyard shifts for council contractors. His fresh perspective is a must-watch for any tradesperson curious about the life of an Instagram plumber!
This hard-hitting episode is an absolute masterclass in the trades, packed with brilliant business insights, banter, and controversial opinions. Whether you're a veteran tradie or just starting out, there's something in here for everyone.
___
Guests this week:
Dom & Liam
⭐ Proudly Sponsored by CT1 | www.ct1.com | @ct1ltd ⭐ Supported by Tradify | https://tradifyhq.com/ | @TradifyHQ 🏷️ Save on over 50 Trade Brands | https://tradelegends.uk/discounts/
This week on Trade Legends, we sat down with Andreas Degiulio from Woodway Windows, and the conversation goes far beyond windows and joinery.Andreas shares his journey from early site work and graft to carving out a highly specialised niche in period window restoration. He talks openly about still struggling to define his “trade” and why not fitting neatly into a box has actually become one of his biggest strengths. The episode dives into the reality of old-school work ethic, how early mentors shape your standards, and why doing things properly always beats chasing shortcuts.We also explore the personal side of the journey. Andreas opens up about losing his mum at just 24 years old, the weight of responsibility that followed, and how that period fundamentally changed his outlook on work, life, and resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every successful business is a story most people never see.The conversation concludes by examining the shift from site work to premium, specialist projects, the importance of charging for skill and experience, and how social media can be used to build real authority rather than empty attention. Quality over volume, long-term thinking, and pride in your craft are themes that run through the entire episode.
✅ Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: www.xero.com/tradelegends Terms & Conditions apply.*In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, we sit down with Nooks Carpenter to explore his remarkable transition from an eleven-year career in a factory to running a successful, high-end carpentry business. Carleton discusses the personal catalysts that spurred his change, including the profound impact of losing both parents at a young age and the recent passing of a close friend and mentor who always encouraged his craft. He shares the "comfort is the thief of joy" mindset that ultimately gave him the courage to leave his stable job during the COVID-19 pandemic and pursue his creative passions full-time.The conversation dives deep into the practicalities of building a trade business from the ground up, offering invaluable "nuggets" for aspiring entrepreneurs. He discusses the scrappy early days of using job deposits to fund essential tools and explains how he leveraged social media to build a six-figure portfolio that now attracts million-pound projects. We also tackle the often intimidating world of pricing and bidding for large-scale contracts, as Carleton provides a masterclass on maintaining profitability through meticulous expense tracking and on valuing skill over simple hourly rates.
✅ Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: www.xero.com/tradelegends Terms & Conditions apply.*In this episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, Mark and Alex sit down for a full 2025 roundup, reflecting on the standout episodes, guests and moments from the past year. From recording over 30 podcasts to juggling guest schedules, last-minute cancellations and filming around real life, they break down what really goes on behind the scenes of running one of the UK’s leading trade podcasts. The conversation revisits some of the year's most memorable guests, featuring emotional, hard-hitting stories that resonated with listeners and became among the most-watched and listened-to episodes across YouTube and Spotify.The episode also dives into the bigger issues affecting tradespeople today, including tool theft, social media’s growing influence in the trades, and how conversations from the podcast have even led to Parliament and national discussions. Mark and Alex share why niche trades, real stories and honest conversations matter more than chasing big names, while also looking ahead to what’s coming in 2026. If you’re a tradesperson, small business owner, or someone interested in the realities of trade life, podcasting and the evolving construction industry, this episode is a must-watch.
Luke (Blue Bulldog Plumbing) is back on the podcast for the first time in two years, and this conversation goes exactly where you’d expect when you put a working plumber, content creator, and brand collaborator in the same room with zero filters. We talk honestly about what it’s really like to grow on social media in the trades, the pressure to take brand deals, and why credibility matters more than quick money. Luke opens up about turning down offers, getting threatened by companies for sharing real-world experiences, and why showing jobs going wrong is more valuable than polished highlight reels. We also get into the realities of on-site filming, dealing with negative comments, imposter syndrome, awards, and how social media has changed the way he approaches his work. This episode is raw, practical, and unapologetically honest for anyone in the trades, on social media, or thinking about mixing the two.#plumbing #mjtiffplumbing #bluebulldogplumbing #plumbingtips
In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, Alex sits down with Sean, founder of Monster Rigs, to unpack the real story behind building a trades brand from the ground up. From starting out on the tools at 16 to navigating recessions, cashflow pressure, product failures, and relentless reinvestment, this is an unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to build a business in the construction industry.Sean opens up about his journey through carpentry, the post-2008 construction crash in Ireland, and how those brutal years shaped his mindset as an entrepreneur. The discussion dives deep into product development, manufacturing costs, sampling, branding mistakes, social media growth, and why most people massively underestimate the time, money, and sacrifice required to launch a physical product brand. This episode pulls no punches on the reality of working long nights, reinvesting every penny, and still staying on the tools while trying to grow a company.The conversation also tackles bigger topics affecting trades and small business owners today, including apprenticeships, influencer culture in construction, brand loyalty, government policy, taxation, recession fears, and why chasing quick money almost always ends badly. Sean explains why lt Monster Rigs, not followers.#Tradesman #SmallBusiness #tradelegends #toolbelts
In this episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, we sit down once again with the biggest name in landscaping and online content — Mark Marshall. From cutting grass and quoting jobs to building a global audience across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, Mark has become one of the most influential landscapers on the planet. We dive deep into his journey from small-scale garden projects to viral content, millions of views, and a career that has taken him across the world. Mark discusses the mindset behind creating entertaining and emotional landscaping videos, his struggles, the criticism, and what it truly takes to build a loyal community in a brutal, fast-paced creator environment.Mark opens up about working with some of the most prominent figures on the planet, including Gary Vee, Mike Posner, and the engineering powerhouse Colin Furze. We break down how those opportunities came about, what it’s like stepping into circles with elite creators, and how networking changed his life forever. Whether you’re a tradesperson, content creator, landscaper, or someone who wants to scale their online presence, this episode is loaded with insight on growth, branding, YouTube strategy, team building, and staying authentic when fame hits hard.If you’ve ever thought about creating content, starting a channel, or transforming a trade into a business and a brand, this episode is a blueprint. Packed with motivation, storytelling, and real-world lessons, this is Mark Marshall unfiltered.
Theo opens up about the darkest and most defining moments of his life — from losing a child and breaking his back to watching his business collapse and his marriage fall apart. What followed was a journey through pain, debt, and mental health struggles that would have broken most people. But instead of giving up, Theo rebuilt himself — piece by piece — proving that resilience isn’t about never falling, it’s about standing up every single time you do.Whether you’re in the trades, self-employed, or just fighting your own battles, this conversation will hit home. We dive deep into what it really means to struggle in silence, the pressure of being the provider, and how to find purpose again after losing everything. This is one of the most honest and emotional stories we’ve ever shared on the podcast — a must-watch for anyone who’s ever had to start over.
FROM ZERO TO 300K: How Social Media Built My Landscaping Business How do you turn a simple lawnmower and a dream into a massively successful landscaping business with over 300,000 social media followers? On this episode of the Train Legends podcast, we sit down with the visionary behind Hoskins Innovations. He takes us on his raw journey from leaving school and starting with a £150 loan for his first mower, through a challenging carpentry apprenticeship, to finding his true passion in landscaping. Get an inside look at the grit, mistakes, and pivotal lessons learned along the way, proving that you don't need to be academic to build a thriving, fulfilling trade business.We dive deep into the powerful strategies that fueled his growth, including his game-changing social media approach to building unparalleled customer trust. He shares invaluable, hard-won advice for aspiring tradespeople on everything from pricing jobs meticulously (without using square-meter rates) and the crucial payment structure that ensures steady cash flow, to the importance of having open conversations with clients about money. Whether you're a landscaper, a tradesperson, or an entrepreneur looking for motivation, this episode is packed with actionable insights on combining a strong work ethic with innovative business practices to build a brand.
In this week’s Trade Legends podcast episode, two powerhouse guests share their incredible journeys from humble beginnings to industry success. Laura Jane Clark, the BBC architect who transformed underground toilets into stunning living spaces, opens up about her creative process, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, and how design can be both bold and practical. Alongside her, Jimmy, the founder of CT1, reveals how he turned a small idea into one of the UK’s most trusted construction brands through sheer determination and innovation.Together, Laura and Jimmy discuss the reality of starting from scratch, learning from failure, and staying authentic in a fast-changing world. Their stories highlight the importance of resilience, creativity, and believing in your vision — whether you’re building homes, brands, or careers. If you love stories about entrepreneurship, architecture, innovation, or women in trades, this episode will leave you inspired to start small and dream big.#homerenovation #construction #plumbing #ct1 #business #bbc #tradelegends
In this episode, we have Mark Marshall, whose story is as raw as it is inspiring. From a rebellious teen forced to repair a farmer’s land to becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable names in landscaping and social media, Mark’s journey is a testament to grit, reinvention, and passion. He opens up about losing loved ones, battling burnout, and the powerful decision to turn pain into purpose through creativity.We dive deep into the realities behind “influencer” life — from lengthy brand negotiations with giants like Makita and NatWest, to the unseen hours, pressure, and reinvention it takes to stay relevant. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or someone chasing your next chapter, this episode proves that success isn’t about where you start, but how you keep evolving.
What happens when two builders go from living in a caravan with £20 in the bank to running one of the biggest trade brands in the UK, and accidentally buy a stolen house along the way? In this wild, brutally honest episode of Trade Legends, Brad and Sam, aka The Bald Builders, reveal everything. From losing a million pounds, living in a caravan, and rebuilding their empire from scratch, to running a national radio show and dodging Ofcom complaints, this episode is chaos in the best possible way.We dive into their viral KFC prank that racked up 17 million minutes of watch time, the egos that nearly destroyed them, and the secret that almost got them banned from radio. You’ll laugh, cringe, and probably rethink how you handle success.Stick around till the end, there’s a shocking story about an online stalker, family drama, and the moment they realised fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.🔥 This might be the most unfiltered, jaw-dropping builder story we have ever heard.
`After sixteen years in the construction industry, Sammi lost her job overnight. At the same time, she was living with type 1 diabetes through the chaos of COVID, trapped at home and terrified to step outside. Anxiety took over. Life as she knew it stopped.But what happened next changed everything.From her kitchen table, surrounded by boxes, heat presses and scraps of fabric, Sammi started making hoodies and workwear for friends. That side hustle turned into Branded by Sammi, now one of the most recognisable names in the UK construction and workwear community.In this episode, Sammi talks openly about the reality of losing everything, rebuilding from nothing, and finding purpose again. She shares her experience growing up around construction, the fear of starting over, the moment her anxiety almost stopped her from leaving her car, and the robust support network that helped her turn it all around.This conversation is raw, honest and inspiring, a reminder that even when you’re at your lowest, you can still create something extraordinary.
In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, we sit down with Ashley Macintosh of A&E 88 Macintosh to discuss his journey building a highly successful exterior cleaning business and launching his "General Pressure Washing Business" training course. Ashley campaigns for exterior cleaning to be taken seriously as a major trade, highlighting the massive potential to earn excellent money. He reveals how a subtle. The branding shift from being a simple window cleaner to a specialist exterior cleaning business dramatically changed customer perception, allowing him to command higher prices for services like roof cleaning and driveway restoration. Ashley emphasises that success in this field is less about the equipment and more about strategic marketing, sales approach, and brand perception. He explains that window cleaning acts as a powerful "subscription service," providing steady, recurring income that can be leveraged to seamlessly upsell higher-ticket jobs to an existing base of trusted customers. Ashley also shares the power of using video on your website and social media for business as a key portfolio tool to show the amazing before-and-after transformation of cleaning jobs without having to hard-sell clients.Topics covered in this episode:-Legitimise Exterior Cleaning.Rebrand to Charge More.Window Cleaning = Recurring Income.Marketing is Better Than Equipment.Use Video to Sell Effortlessly.
In this episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, we sit down with Gemma, a talented mural artist who turned a lockdown hobby into a thriving creative business. From painting small canvases at home to creating large-scale murals for salons, gyms, and commercial spaces, Gemma shares her inspiring journey of how art transformed her life. She opens up about the story behind her first viral TikTok mural that gained millions of views and the online abuse that almost made her quit social media, while also discussing the challenges of pricing custom murals, handling unusual client requests, and staying creative while running a business. Throughout the conversation, Gemma gives valuable advice for aspiring artists who want to follow their passion, build a career in the arts, and use social media to grow their audience.👉 Topics covered in this episode:Discovering a passion for art during lockdownGoing viral when celebrities shared her paintingsBuilding a social media presence from scratchMaking the leap from leisure & tourism to self-employmentTurning mural painting into a full-time career🔨 Trade Legends – the podcast for tradesmen, tradeswomen, and the construction industry.
In this episode of Trade Legends, we sit down with Renovate with Emma and Gio to hear two inspiring journeys into the trades and construction industry.Emma shares her path from law school and corporate PR into property renovation, sourcing, and lettings in Aberdeen, including how she taught herself tiling, painting, and DIY skills through YouTube and social media. She talks about turning passion projects into a full-time business, working with brands, and her creative approach to making rental properties stand out.Gio brings a wealth of experience from family construction businesses, sales, and scaling trade companies. He explains the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of systems, and how he helps tradespeople avoid common pitfalls with the GRFT Academy — a platform designed to help builders, plumbers, electricians, and other trades grow sustainable businesses.👉 Topics covered in this episode:Women in construction & inspiring new tradespeopleRenovating and managing rental properties in the UKDIY learning: tiling, plastering, and plumbing ambitionsSocial media for trades and brand partnershipsScaling a trade business without burning outSmart pricing, systems, and working on your business, not just in it🔨 Trade Legends – the podcast for tradesmen, tradeswomen, and the construction industry.
Why do plumbers always make this mistake? In this episode of Trade Legends, Mike from Salamander Pumps explains the most common pump installation errors, why they happen, and how to avoid them. From shower pump failures to boosting mains pressure, we break down what plumbers get wrong, the right way to install pumps, and how tools like Salamander’s HomeBoost, TankBoost, and AquaScan are changing the trade.Whether you’re a plumber, apprentice, or homeowner dealing with low water pressure, this episode gives you the knowledge to save time, money, and costly call-backs.
In this episode of Trade Legends, Mark chats with Dean Franklin, 2025 winner of The Apprentice and co-founder of ADL Air Conditioning. From flipping PlayStations at 13 to launching a booming business in lockdown, Dean shares his wild journey, raw hustle, and that viral interview moment.He risked it all for a £250K investment — and won. For grafters, dreamers, or future Apprentice stars, this one’s unmissable.






