Advertise on podcast: Taylor Talks Trades

Today we’re joined by Simon Preece, founder of Food Creations. The hospitality industry, the experiences that shaped his career and the lessons that eventually led him to start his own food events company. We talk about what it has taken to grow Food Creations, build a team of more than 60 staff and create a strong culture as the business has developed. Simon also opens up about the reality of working in hospitality, the challenges that come with managing people and some of the pressures that come with running a business in the industry. This is an honest conversation about hospitality, leadership, team culture, business growth and the lessons Simon has learned along the way. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

Today we’re joined by Stevie Clark, who opens up about his battle with addiction and the journey that has led him to more than 500 days sober. Stevie talks about just how much addiction had become part of his everyday life. Whether he was having a good day or a bad day, celebrating a win in business or heading to the football, he would find a reason to drink alcohol or use cocaine. In this episode, Stevie shares what eventually made him realise things needed to change and the steps he took to get sober. But the conversation is not just about stopping. Stevie talks about what he has had to change in his life to stay sober, the challenges he has faced along the way and what he has learned about himself throughout the process. It’s an open conversation about addiction, recovery, business and making changes that actually last. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L  Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

Today we’re joined by Mark, who shares an incredibly personal story about reaching one of the lowest points in his life and how he began turning things around. Mark talks openly about attempting to take his own life, realising something needed to change and the journey that followed. We also talk about losing a friend, leaving his job and taking the leap into starting his own trades business. Mark shares how running has helped his mental health, why speaking openly about your struggles matters and the importance of understanding that you are not alone. Jamie also opens up about his own experience with suicidal thoughts and how he learned to cope with difficult periods in his life differently. This is an honest conversation about mental health, suicide, loss, business and what it can take to start rebuilding your life when things feel at their worst. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

Today we’re joined by Jonny, who shares the story behind selling his business for an eight figure sum and what the experience was really like behind the scenes. Jonny opens up about where he was mentally while running the business and the point where he realised he might not be the right person to take it into its next stage of growth. We talk about how the opportunity to sell came about, rejecting the first offer, what it felt like when the offers started coming in and how the decision affected both Jonny and his family. Jonny also shares the reality of stepping away from something he had spent years building, adjusting to life after the sale and the lessons the experience taught him about business, family, discipline and what success actually means. A real conversation about building a successful business, knowing when to step away and figuring out what comes next. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

In this episode, Jamie breaks down the 5 key reasons why so many trades businesses fail and, more importantly, what business owners can do to avoid making the same mistakes. From poor systems and lack of structure to trying to do everything yourself, Jamie explains the common problems that can hold a trades business back from growing. He also shares practical advice on how to overcome these challenges, build a stronger business, and ultimately create the foundations needed to scale. If you're running a trades business or looking to take your company to the next level, this episode is packed with lessons you can put into practice. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. FREE BUSINESS SCORE CARD : https://scale-your-trade-business.scoreapp.com/ Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

Running a business can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to do everything yourself. In this episode, we explore why so many business owners end up stuck in constant firefighting and what can be done to change it. Jamie shares the common mistakes that create chaos in growing businesses, how to identify where you are on the entrepreneurial ladder, and why systems, delegation, accountability, and the right people are essential for sustainable growth. We also discuss the importance of having clear roles within your team and how bringing in the right support can improve both your customer experience and the day to day running of your business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice that you can apply straight away. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

In this episode we are joined by Jordan Stevenson from Stevenson Stonemasonry. Jordan shares how he got into the industry, where he learned his craft, and the journey that led him to start his own business. We discuss the realities of building a company from the ground up, the challenges that come with moving from the tools into running a business, and the identity shift that many tradespeople experience when they become business owners.  Jordan also talks about apprenticeships, growing a team, balancing traditional skills with modern techniques, and the lessons he's learned throughout his journey. If you're a tradesperson thinking about starting your own business, or you're already navigating the challenges of running one, this episode is full of honest insights and practical takeaways. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

In this episode we are joined by Mark Hodgkins from Revamp. Mark shares how he got into the trade, the journey to starting his own business, and the skills and lessons he has picked up along the way. We also dive into how Mark grew his social media from just 1,000 followers to more than 100,000 in under a year, how that level of growth has changed his business, and why he wants to use his platform to make a positive impact. Mark opens up about the importance of men’s mental health, creating a space where people feel comfortable talking, learning through mistakes as an apprentice, and how every job has helped shape the business owner he is today. If you’re a tradesperson, business owner, or someone looking to grow both professionally and personally, there’s plenty of practical advice and honest insight throughout this conversation. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

In this episode, Jamie shares his thoughts on apprenticeships, training, and the challenges facing the next generation of tradespeople. He talks openly about the difficulties that both employers and apprentices face, and how many of these challenges come from factors outside of their control. From rising costs and business pressures to changes in the industry, Jamie explains why it is becoming harder for companies to take on and train young people.  The conversation also explores the importance of proper training and why passing skills on to the next generation is more important than ever. Jamie discusses what he believes is missing from the current system and the type of training environment he would love to create to help develop future roofers. This is an honest discussion about the future of the trades, the value of apprenticeships, and what needs to change if skilled roofing knowledge is going to continue being passed down. If you are an apprentice, a business owner, or someone interested in the future of the trades, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Real challenges. Real solutions. Real conversations. Subscribe for more honest discussions about roofing, business, apprenticeships, and the trades industry. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

In this episode, we sit down with the team behind D4 Decor to talk about their journey from painters and decorators to building opportunities far beyond the trade. They share how they started out on the tools, the challenges they faced in the early days, and how they gradually scaled the business into something much bigger than they originally imagined. The conversation dives into commercial work, property deals, business growth, and the mindset shift that helped them move from simply working in the business to building long term opportunities around it. They also open up about taking risks, learning through mistakes, and why relationships and reputation played a massive part in helping them grow. This is a real insight into what can happen when tradespeople think bigger, stay consistent, and keep pushing forward. If you are in the trades, running a business, or looking to grow beyond the day to day work, there is a lot to take from this episode. Real journeys. Real lessons. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

In this Q and A episode, we answer two big questions that come up all the time when running a business. What is your work life balance really like, and what is the end goal. This is an honest conversation about the reality behind building and running a 7 figure business. We get into what work life balance actually looks like day to day, the sacrifices that come with it, and how priorities change as the business grows. We also talk about the bigger picture. What the long term vision is, what we are working towards, and what success really means beyond just the numbers. This is not a polished answer. It is the real side of business, the pressure, the trade offs, and the thinking behind it all. If you are building something of your own or thinking about starting, this episode will give you a clear insight into what it actually takes. Real answers. Real mindset. Real direction. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

In this episode, we are joined by David Etheridge from Gas Man Energy. David shares his journey into the trades and how that led him to start his own business. From the early days to building a successful company, he breaks down the key decisions and lessons that shaped his path. We get into the systems and standards he has put in place within Gas Man Energy, including what he calls the Gas Man Energy Bible. This is the core system that everyone in the business follows, helping create consistency, structure, and high standards across the board. David explains how focusing on systems has played a major role in growing the business into a 7 figure company. He also talks about where the business is heading next and his long term vision for the future. This is a valuable conversation for anyone in the trades or running a business who wants to understand the importance of structure, leadership, and building something that can grow.  Real insight. Real systems. Real growth. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

In this Q and A episode, Jamie opens up about one of the hardest parts of running a business, dealing with doubt and questioning whether what you are doing is the right path. He talks honestly about the mental battles that come with uncertainty, how doubt can affect decision making, and why every business owner faces moments where they question themselves.  Jamie also shares how putting strong systems and processes in place changed everything for his business. From creating structure to improving consistency, he explains how building the right foundations helped the business grow and become more sustainable. This is a real conversation about mindset, leadership, and the practical steps that help turn uncertainty into progress.  If you are a business owner, in the trades, or building something of your own, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Real struggles. Real lessons. Real growth. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Morrison from Morrison Tree and Landscaping to talk about his journey into the trade and how he has built his business at just 23. Ben opens up about how he got started, the reality of learning on the job, and what it is really like trying to grow a business at a young age.  He also shares how documenting his journey on YouTube has helped him stay accountable, build a following, and show the ups and downs of the trade. This is an honest conversation about the challenges, the pressure, and the lessons that come with being a young business owner. From making mistakes to finding his way, Ben gives a real insight into what it takes to keep pushing forward. If you are in the trades, thinking about starting out, or already running a business, there is a lot to take from this one. Real story. Real struggles. Real growth. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

My BUSINESS was -£25000 every week until I made these changes In this episode, Jamie answers real questions from trades business owners and shares honest advice from his own experience. At one point, his business was stuck at -£25000 every single week. The pressure, the stress, and the uncertainty pushed everything to the limit. But through a series of key changes, he was able to turn things around and rebuild the business into something stronger and more sustainable. This Q and A is packed with practical insights for anyone in the trades who is trying to grow, struggling with cash flow, or feeling stuck in their business.  Jamie breaks down what went wrong, what he changed, and the lessons that came from going through one of the toughest periods in his journey. From pricing and systems to mindset and decision making, this episode is about real experiences and real solutions. If you are in the trades and looking for guidance, this is the kind of conversation that can shift how you think about your business. Like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations and advice from the world of trades and business. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM