TORQUE UP

BIG BRANDS ARE LYING TO YOU | SPDs, BS 7671 & The Truth They Do Not Want You To Know🎙️ Torque Up Podcast | Episode 23 | With Kirsty JohnsonBig brands are controlling the industry and installers are paying the price.In this explosive episode, we sit down with Kirsty Johnson, Technical Director at Surge Protection Devices Ltd and member of the JPEL committee, to reveal what is really happening behind the scenes of BS 7671, SPDs and product marketing.If you are an electrician, contractor, wholesaler or trainer, this episode will change the way you think about the industry.🟢 The hidden politics shaping BS 7671 and JPEL decisions⚫ The truth about SPDs and why busbar fed installs can be unsafe🟢 How big brands influence installers and wholesalers through marketing⚫ The conflict between best practice, safety and commercial agendas🟢 Why RCBOs are changing the way we protect circuits⚫ How electricians can protect themselves and their customers🎥 Watch on YouTube → https://youtube.com/@TorqueUp🎧 Listen on Spotify → https://spotify.com/TorqueUp🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/TorqueUpWhat You Will Learn In This EpisodeListen To More Episodes

In this episode of the Torque Up Podcast we sit down with Mitch, aka Bright Spark from the Midlands, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing the trade today – the government’s failure to protect electrical apprenticeships.We discuss the impact of rising costs, why apprentices are at risk of being priced out of the industry, and what this means for the next generation of sparks. Mitch also shares real site stories, the struggles of running a business, and how social media is changing the game for electricians.⚡ Sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK – test and measurement instruments trusted by professionals.00:00 – Welcome to Season 3 01:40 – Meet Mitch aka Bright Spark 04:50 – Social media and the trade 10:10 – Tesla chargers and PEN protection 16:20 – Running your own business as a spark 31:30 – Apprenticeships: then vs now 40:00 – Why government policy is failing apprentices 44:40 – Rising costs and National Insurance impact 50:00 – Will weekend courses replace apprenticeships?

This is it. The final episode of Season 2 and it's the one that could change everything.In Episode 21 of the Torque Up Podcast, host William Winter is joined by John Bagley and James Watkins for one of our deepest and most thought-provoking conversations yet.We dive headfirst into the world of AI and the trades, asking the big questions no one else is daring to tackle:🧠 What does artificial intelligence mean for the future of electricians, wholesalers, and manufacturers?🔧 How can tradespeople use AI to grow their businesses, save time, and stay ahead of the curve?📉 Will it disrupt or empower the next generation of apprentices and skilled labour?💷 And what about tax, national insurance, and the rising pressure on small business owners?This episode explores the real world impacts of technology, government policy, and cultural shifts on the trades and why the electrical industry cannot afford to ignore them. We talk openly about the future of apprenticeships, the cost of doing business, and how policy decisions are shaping the lives of young people entering the trade.Whether you are on the tools, managing a wholesaler, or leading a brand, this is the episode you cannot afford to miss.🔥 Available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts🎧 Listen on the go or watch the full video here on YouTube💻 Learn more at www.torqueup.co.uk💥 Proudly sponsored by Wiha UK (@WihaUK)One of the world’s leading names in precision tools for professionals in the trade.📍Do not forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you do not miss Season 3. Bigger guests, bigger topics, and even more truth from the heart of the electrical industry.#TorqueUpPodcast #ElectriciansUK #AIintheTrades #SmallBusinessUK #TradeTalk #ElectricalIndustry #WihaTools #NationalInsurance #Apprenticeships #TalkUp #torqueuppodcast

🔌 TORQUE UP PODCAST EPISODE 20 – PART ONE: LIVE FROM THE ELEX SHOW EXETER 🔧We’re back with another massive two-part special – and this time, it’s recorded live on the road at the ELEX Show in Exeter. This is Torque Up like you’ve never seen it before.In Part One of Episode 20, we took the mics to the South West to bring you the raw energy, unfiltered opinions, and real conversations happening on the floor at one of the UK’s biggest electrical trade shows. Whether you were there or missed it, this episode captures everything that makes ELEX a cornerstone of the trade calendar.💥 TOOL WARS. FUSEBOARD FIGHTS. INDUSTRY CHAT. BUSINESS REAL TALK.We kicked things off with our now-infamous "Fuseboard and Tool War" challenge – putting brands to the test and putting installers on the spot. Which fuseboards do electricians actually rate? Which tools make the cut in real-world installs? And what’s the real word on the ground from those who do it every day?Expect laughs, debates, and a few controversial takes as we pit some of the UK’s biggest electrical brands against each other in a format that’s becoming a fan favourite.🎤 WHAT ELSE DID WE COVER IN EXETER?We didn’t just play games – we dug deep into the real issues electricians care about:✅ Trade shows: Are they still worth it in 2025?We asked the crowd – is the cost of travel, time away from site, and effort still worth what’s on offer? The answers were mixed and honest.✅ Electrical business in 2025: What's changed?We sat down with electricians, contractors and suppliers to hear their take on how the game is shifting. From compliance to competition, pricing to product support – nothing was off limits.✅ Why some wholesalers are winning, and others are falling behindThis one hit home with a lot of visitors – especially the ones fed up with bland service and poor product knowledge. As always, we said what others are thinking but won’t say out loud.✅ Industry gossip, honest opinions, and good vibesIf you know Torque Up, you know it’s not just business. We bring the banter, the laughs, and the connections that make the electrical community stronger.🚨 THIS IS ONLY PART ONEPart Two is coming in hot from the ELEX Harrogate show – and trust us, if you liked Exeter, you do not want to miss what’s coming next. Bigger crowd. Bolder opinions. And a few surprise guests that shook up the show.Make sure you’re subscribed to @TorqueUp on YouTube and following us on all socials so you don’t miss the next drop.📍 FILMED ON LOCATION AT ELEX EXETER 2025Big thanks to everyone who came up, shared their stories, and got involved. Whether you’re a spark on the tools, a wholesaler, a manufacturer, or just someone who loves the trade – this episode is for you.🔥 DON’T MISS PART TWO – ELEX HARROGATE SPECIAL 🔥It’s the follow-up you’ve been waiting for – more voices, more energy, more raw talk from the North of England. Coming next week. Hit the bell and stay locked in.🎧 Available on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram🎙️ Hosted by William & Junii from NavitasBacked by real experience. Driven by passion for the trade.#TorqueUp #ELEXShow #ElectriciansUK #ToolWars #FuseBoardGame #CircuitProtection #Navitas #TradeShowVibes #ElectricianLife #PodcastUK #ElectricalBusiness #Wholesalers #ToolsOfTheTrade #ELEXExeter #HarrogatePreview

Episode 19 | Theo Webster: From £40K Debt to Industry RespectThis is the one.From building a 13-person electrical business at 22, to falling off a ladder, breaking his back, and facing £40,000 in debt — Theo Webster’s story is one of grit, pain, and the relentless will to rebuild.In this two-hour deep-dive, Theo joins Will & Junii for a brutally honest conversation about:🔌 What no one tells you about running a business in the trades⚡ The dangerous mindset of “just getting the job done”💰 Why social media courses for sparks might not be worth your cash🧠 Mental pressure, managing staff, and learning leadership the hard way🏆 How he came back stronger — and what it really tookThis isn’t just another podcast.It’s a survival story, a business masterclass, and a reminder that the job can take everything if you’re not careful.Whether you’re just starting out or ten years deep — this episode will hit home.🎙️ Hosted by Will & Junii🛠 Powered by @WihaUK⚡ Supported by Navitas Circuit Protection & Doncaster CablesWATCH on YouTube or LISTEN on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.#TorqueUpPodcast | #TheoWebster | #SparkyTalk | #ElectricianLife | #TradesPodcast | #ContractorJourney | #UKTrades | #ElectricianPodcast

We’re back with a monster episode — LIVE (well, filmed live) from the buzzing ELEX Show at Alexandra Palace!Episode 18 of the Torque Up Podcast brings you a full mix of laughs, honesty, trade talk, and behind-the-scenes realities from some of the biggest personalities in the industry.Featuring: • Tall Sparky & Ryan Davis – raw takes on content burnout, chasing dream lives, and what people don’t see behind the posts • OM Electrical – from bored spark to content beast, saying no to brands, and why filming a consumer unit isn’t always worth it • Charlie from Wiha UK – tools, backpacks, and his first-ever trade show experience • Julian & Elliot from Chauvin-Arnoux – banter, testing talk, and rescuing pigs during a year off • Plus reflections on social media pressure, holiday cover systems, and the truth about making content in the tradeThis episode is a proper celebration of trade creators, community, and graft — filmed in the middle of the busiest tool show in the UK.AND this is just the beginning. Torque Up will be at EVERY ELEX SHOW for the rest of the year.Come find us, jump on the mic, and be part of the movement.🎧 Watch on YouTube. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.Follow @TorqueUp for all episodes, shorts, and trade content with no filters.

Torque Up Ep 17: The Cable Crisis No One Is Talking AboutIn this explosive episode of Torque Up, we sit down with Aaron from Doncaster Cables, one of the last remaining UK manufacturers of electrical cable, to uncover the hidden danger threatening our trade.⚠️ Substandard cable is flooding the UK market.⚠️ Electrical wholesalers with zero manufacturing expertise are importing it.⚠️ And thousands of UK jobs have been lost because of it.We’re talking about a product that goes into almost every single circuit in the country, yet barely anyone is questioning where it’s coming from... or what’s really inside it.Doncaster Cables is one of the few standing tall — testing, certifying, and manufacturing right here in Britain. In this episode, we dig deep into:🟢 The alarming rise of cheap, dangerous cable in the UK⚫ The real-world consequences of losing UK manufacturing🟢 Why sparkies NEED to know what they're installing⚫ How unregulated imports are putting your reputation, and your customers at riskWith the full squad in the studio, Will, Junii and James, this one is honest, emotional, and essential viewing for every electrician who cares about standards, safety, and the future of our industry.If you’ve ever trusted that the cable on the shelf is safe… you need to watch this.🔌 Sponsored by @WihaUK — trusted tools for tradespeople who demand more.🔗 Watch now and subscribe to stay powered up with the best in the game.#TorqueUpPodcast #DoncasterCables #ElectriciansUK #MadeInUK #ElectricalSafety #SubstandardCable #UKManufacturing #CableCrisis #WihaTools #SupportUKManufacturing

Torque Up Podcast - Episode 16: Inside South & City College Birmingham’s Trade Day!In this action-packed episode of the Torque Up Podcast, Will & Jay travel to South & City College Birmingham to attend their highly anticipated annual Trade Day—an event dedicated to helping electrical apprentices, trainees, and students connect with leading electrical brands, manufacturers, and employers.This episode is all about giving future electricians a deeper insight into the electrical industry, from the latest tools and technology to career opportunities and professional growth. If you're an apprentice, a newly qualified electrician, or an experienced spark looking to stay ahead, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!We sit down with some of the key figures behind the event to get their thoughts on the state of the industry, emerging electrical technologies, and how trade events like this shape the future workforce.🔹 Richard Fort – The organiser of the event explains why Trade Days are vital for students, how they bridge the gap between education and employment, and what apprentices can do to maximise their opportunities.🔹 Emma from SOLAX – Discussing the latest developments in solar energy, battery storage, and renewable technology, plus how electricians can upskill to work with EV charging, solar PV, and home energy management systems.🔹 Connar from Navitas – Breaking down the importance of circuit protection, RCBOs, surge protection devices, and electrical safety, while also sharing his insights on BS 7671 wiring regulations and best practices for modern installations.💡 Get insider knowledge on the best brands, electrical products, and career pathways for electricians.⚡ Learn about new trends in renewable energy, EV charging, and smart home technology that are shaping the future of the trade.🔧 Hear from experts about the skills electricians need to stand out in a competitive industry.🛠️ Discover how apprentices and trainees can gain hands-on experience and network with potential employers at events like these.Whether you're just starting your electrical apprenticeship, considering becoming a self-employed electrician, or looking to grow your career in commercial, industrial, or domestic electrical work, this episode is packed with actionable insights and industry updates.👉 Hit play now to dive into the latest trends and opportunities in the electrical industry! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the Torque Up Podcast.📺 Watch now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!#ElectricianPodcast #TradeDay #ElectricalApprentice #TorqueUpPodcast #SolarEnergy #EVCharging #ElectricalTraining #WiringRegulations #SmartHome #ElectricalSafety #RenewableEnergy #BS7671 #CircuitProtection #ElectriciansLife #ElectricianBusinessExclusive Interviews with Industry ExpertsWhy You Should Watch This Episode

The electrical industry is changing fast, and online platforms are at the heart of it. In Episode 15 of the Torque Up Podcast, we sit down with Alert Electrical to unpack the massive shift happening in the trade. With e-commerce, social media, and online wholesalers reshaping the landscape, electricians, suppliers, and brands are facing new challenges—and not all of them are good.🚨 Key Topics We Cover in This Episode:⚡ The Rise of Online Electrical Sales: How the shift to e-commerce is affecting electricians, wholesalers, and manufacturers.⚡ Are Electrical Wholesalers at Risk? Could traditional wholesalers be creating a market that ultimately harms their own business model?⚡ The Social Media Effect: While online platforms have opened up new opportunities for electricians, are they also spreading misinformation, undercutting expertise, and damaging the trade?⚡ Brands Under Pressure: How electrical brands are being forced to adapt to this changing marketplace—or risk being left behind.⚡ The Knock-On Effect: What does this all mean for the future of the electrical industry? Will convenience kill quality?This episode is a must-watch for electricians, electrical wholesalers, and anyone in the trade who wants to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re an independent contractor, a wholesaler, or a manufacturer, the way electrical products are bought and sold is shifting rapidly.💥 Exclusive Discount for Our Listeners!Alert Electrical are sponsoring this episode and offering an exclusive deal—use the code NAVITAS10 for 10% off the entire Navitas range of circuit protection. But hurry—it’s only valid until the next episode drops!🎧 Watch & Listen Now on:📺 YouTube – Full video podcast🎙️ Spotify & Apple Podcasts – Listen on the go👊 Join the Conversation!Have you felt the impact of online selling in your work? Are wholesalers adapting the right way? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it.#TorqueUpPodcast #ElectricalIndustry #Electricians #ElectricalWholesaling #OnlineSales #Ecommerce #ElectricalSupplies #TradeTalk #CircuitProtection #Navitas #AlertElectrical

🔧 Torque Up - Episode 14: Hackwood Electrical, Tool Theft, and more!Welcome to Episode 14 of Torque Up, the ultimate podcast for electricians and tradespeople looking to level up! 🎙️💡 In this episode, hosts Will from  @navitascp  and  @jimbotheelectrician3819  sit down with the brilliant  @hackwoodelectrical  – a tradesman with a powerful story to tell. From surviving a tough apprenticeship to building a thriving electrical business, Hackwood shares his highs, lows, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. 🛠️✨But that’s not all! The guys tackle one of the most critical issues plaguing the trades industry today: tool theft. 🧰💔 This epidemic leaves hardworking tradespeople across the UK reeling from financial losses, emotional stress, and stalled projects. We explore the harsh realities of theft, why it’s such a massive problem, and the severe lack of government action to support and protect those affected. “It’s not just about losing tools; it’s about losing your livelihood.” – Will The episode also dives into productivity hacks and must-have software that help electricians and tradespeople work smarter, not harder. From scheduling tools to apps that help you keep track of quotes and invoices, Jimbo, and Hackwood reveal the systems they swear by to save hours of time, grow their businesses, and boost profits. 💼⏳⚡ This week’s episode is sponsored by Wiha – the trusted brand for premium tools that make life easier for tradespeople. Whether you're working on-site or on the go, Wiha products are built to perform. Check them out and take your toolkit to the next level! 🔧✨Why You Should Watch This Episode:Hear Hackwood’s inspiring story and gain valuable tips for your own careerLearn how to protect yourself from tool theft and minimise its impact 💼🔒 Discover time-saving software to streamline your business and improve your bottom lineGet insights on the challenges tradespeople face and how to overcome them Don’t miss out! Hit that LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔, and SHARE with your fellow tradespeople to spread the word. Relevant Links & Resources: 📸 Follow @hackwood_electrical for more on instagram🔗 Explore Wiha Tools: https://wiha.com/gb/en/#TorqueUpPodcast #TradespeopleSuccess #HackwoodJourney #ToolTheftAwareness #WihaTools #ElectriciansBusiness #TimeSavingTools #TradesLifeHacks 💡 Got a topic you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Thanks for watching! 🎥✨

Join us for Episode 13 of the Torque Up Podcast—our highly anticipated Christmas special! Proudly sponsored by Alert Electrical, the East Midlands' award-winning independent wholesalers, we’re bringing you festive vibes and top-tier content to wrap up the year. This episode is packed with highlights, including the funniest moments of 2024, our New Year’s resolutions, and a deep dive into the MK product recall. Plus, we’re sharing our favorite social media personalities of 2024 and spotlighting the brands we think will dominate in 2025. Don’t forget: Alert Electrical is giving you 5% off all online purchases with the promo code TUP5. 🎉 Catch all the action on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube! Stay tuned for laughs, insights, and a festive good time. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss a thing! 🎄

Torque Up Podcast Episode 12: The Band's Back Together! 🎙️ After months apart, the Torque Up crew is reunited for the first time in what feels like forever to kick off Season Two with a bang! Will, Junii, and James dive into some of the highlights from the upcoming season and reflect on how far the podcast has come. What started as a small idea between three industry pros has grown into a platform that’s resonating with electricians and the wider electrical community across the UK. The guys look ahead to 2024, discussing some of the big changes they’ve all been experiencing and sharing their hopes for the podcast’s future. There’s a lot to get excited about, from new opportunities in the industry to the lessons they’ve learned since launching the podcast. They also shine a spotlight on the ELEX shows, talking about their experiences so far and how they hope to see these vital industry events evolve in 2025 and beyond. This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and, as always, the down-to-earth conversations that make Torque Up a favorite among sparkies. Whether you’re here for the tips, the banter, or just to stay up to date with the industry, Episode 12 is a must-watch! Sponsored by @NavitasCP – Pound for pound, the UK’s best range of circuit protection products. Navitas is helping electricians raise the bar with innovative solutions designed for modern installations. Plus, listeners can get 20% off their next order at navitascp.co.uk using the promo code PODCAST20. Tune in, get inspired, and join the conversation as we kick off another amazing season! #TorqueUpPodcast #Electricians #SeasonTwo #NavitasCP #ELEXShows #ElectricalCommunity

Going Viral in the Electrical Trade with @live_sparks | Torque Up Podcast S2E1 Welcome to Season 2 of the Torque Up Podcast, the go-to show for electricians and the wider electrical community! We’re kicking things off with an unmissable episode featuring viral sensation @live_sparks. Join us as we dive into the highs and lows of going viral in the electrical world—@live_sparks opens up about the intense reactions, hate he’s received, and the real deal behind "house bashing" in the trade. From handling internet fame to breaking down the realities of the day-to-day grind, this episode offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of a modern electrician. Whether you’re an apprentice, a seasoned spark, or simply interested in the trade, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and advice for everyone in the industry! 🎧 Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts🎥 Watch the video on YouTube Special thanks to our sponsor, Alert Electrical – the East Midlands’ award-winning, independent electrical supplier with seven branches and an online store. Head to alertelectrical.com and use the code NAVITAS5 for 5% off all Navitas products until Episode 2 drops! #TorqueUpPodcast #ElectriciansPodcast #LiveSparks #HouseBashing #ElectricalCommunity #AlertElectrical

The wait is finally over! In this highly anticipated episode, all your favorite hosts—Will, Junii, and James—are back together, and they’re joined by a very special guest: Steve, the Managing Director of Wiha UK! Whether you’re an electrician, engineer, or just passionate about the electrical world, this episode is packed with insider tips, expert insights, and electrifying discussions. Steve takes us behind the scenes of Wiha UK, sharing how their top-tier tools are revolutionising the industry. From pro tips for staying ahead in the trade to the tools that will transform your work, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Don't miss out—make sure to subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to stay plugged in! ⚡️ And don’t forget to sign up for the Watts Up Newsletter for even more electrifying updates. Sponsored by Wiha UK – Precision at your fingertips.

In our latest episode of the Torque Up podcast for electricians, we dive into a lively discussion on the differing opinions regarding coding on-site. Additionally, we explore how wholesalers can play a more significant role in incentivizing electricians to make purchases from them. This includes proposing ideas like referral programs and implementing self-service checkouts. Furthermore, we are thrilled to unveil the winner of the VETO Pro Pack tool bag giveaway, along with other exciting updates. Stay tuned for engaging conversations and valuable insights in this episode! This Episode is sponsored by the amazing guys at WIHA UK, your go to tool manufacturer for all your electrical needs, whether you're an apprentice or a seasoned professional! #TorqueUpPodcast#ElectricianPodcast#PowerTalks#WiredWisdom#SparkPlugPodcast#VoltageVibes#CurrentChatter#AmpedUpConversations#JoltJournals#SocketStories

With a year of change happening, with legislation, products and brands. The guys asked what are the biggest challenges facing the three key sectors of the electrical industry: - Electricians - Wholesalers - Manufacturers With Junii's new role at Navitas being customer facings with wholesalers he shares what he thinks the challenges they are facing Whilst James and Will talk about the challenges electricians and manufacturers face from a first hand perspective. But what do you think? We'd love to hear from you This episode is sponsored by WIHA UK who are one of the market leaders in tools for the trade. With their products made in Germany and an amazingly responsive support team here in the UK, why not try them out! #electrical #podcast #torqueup #electrician #electricalcontractors #electricalpodcast #electricianspodcast

Episode 7 sees the return of Big Jay and the guys get into the hot topic of Amendment three and bidirectional devices. Some interesting pet peeves, a documentary announcement and the big one is the winner of our sponsors giveaway from episode 6. This months episode has an absolutely awesome giveaway thanks to Unilite so don't miss out Episode is sponsored by WIHA UK Sign up to Jimbo's Watts Up Newsletter here: https://wattsupnewsletter.co.uk

A drama filled Episode that is slightly late! From EICR scams costing electricians £1000's to Hager responding to criticism of their AFDD devices. Topped off with the facts behind Williams departure from Premspec. Capped off perfectly with a giveaway thanks to our show sponsors WIHA.

Welcome back to Torque Up, with Jimbo and Will. The guys talk everything from electrical madness in Thailand and China to Tool theft and tool advice for apprentices. They also go into an interesting topic of what to charge friends and family, a topic that causes a lot of arguments. This with some amazing giveaways from our sponsors of the episode, UNILTE and VERSO.

Welcome back everyone to Episode four of the Torque Up Podcast. It was supposed to be Episode Three but we squeezed the Xmas special in there for you last month! In this episode the guys go into depth on Trade shows from the electrical industry and what and why they do work and what is the reason they don't. We also cover EV chargers, Cowboy Kev, the London Fire Brigade and the IET as well as EICRS and much more! You can also watch on Youtube at as well www.youtube.com/@torqueup . #TorqueUp #TorqueupPodcast #ElectricalPodcast #electriciansPodcast #electricalcontractors #Sparks #electricians #eicr #evchargers