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Torque Up is back for Season 4 — and we're starting with Owen from OM Electrical. Owen has become one of the biggest electrician personalities on TikTok and social media, while still building and running his own electrical business. So what's actually happening behind the videos? We talk about going self-employed, building a personal brand, turning social media into real electrical work, dealing with trolls, brand deals, bringing family into the business and the reality of trying to be an electrician, business owner and content creator at the same time. Then we get into growth. When do you make your first hire? Apprentice or qualified electrician? How do you let somebody else take responsibility for work when you've spent years controlling everything yourself? And does being self-employed actually give you freedom — or just a different kind of pressure? Will and Jay also get into some of the lessons behind building Navitas from a garage into a national electrical brand, before celebrating being named South Wales Business Champion 2026. And because apparently that wasn't enough for one episode, Season 4 also introduces: 🥓⚡ BACON & REGS Quick-fire questions, questionable opinions, things electricians claim are "in the regs", the perfect bacon sandwich and some absolutely brutal site insults. We finish by getting into the bigger issues facing the UK electrical industry: the AM2 debate and experienced electricians proving competence, industry standards, apprenticeships, consumer units, electrical manufacturing, price pressure, product quality and whether genuine innovation is being squeezed out of the market. In this episode: 00:00 – Season 4 begins04:38 – Owen from OM Electrical07:34 – Electrical work vs social media21:03 – Can TikTok actually generate electrical work?30:27 – Instagram vs TikTok33:28 – The truth about going self-employed39:16 – Growing beyond a one-man band45:16 – Hiring and building a team53:13 – Apprentice vs qualified electrician57:08 – South Wales Business Champion1:04:56 – Bacon & Regs1:12:27 – The best site insults1:17:07 – The AM2 debate1:26:07 – Are electrical industry standards improving?1:28:46 – Manufacturing, price and product quality1:38:13 – Outro Torque Up — unfiltered conversations about electrical work, business, products, social media and the people actually working inside the UK electrical industry. ⚠️ Contains strong language. Obviously.

In the Season Three finale of Torque Up, Jimbo shares the reality of his first three months working entirely for himself. We discuss the pressure of building an electrical business, finding consistent work, managing cash flow, keeping up with administration and knowing when it is time to employ someone. Jimbo also opens up about the personal cost, including the loss of routine, difficulty switching off and the impact on his physical and mental health. The conversation also covers new expectations around pre work assessments, whether electricians may need to start charging for quotations, changes to Further Investigation codes on EICRs, the quality of landlord electrical reports and whether the industry needs better monitoring. Plus, William shares the latest developments from Navitas, including the growth of its three phase range and the thinking behind its new single phase consumer units. A frank conversation about electrical contracting, self employment and what it really takes to build something of your own. Torque Up returns with Season Four in September.

After a busy few months, the boys are finally back around the table together. Jay shares the story behind a serious health scare that resulted in 11 days in hospital, multiple operations and a long road to recovery ahead. Jimbo talks about finally making the jump into self employment and launching South Power Group, including the challenges of finding work, managing finances and adapting to life without the security of a guaranteed wage. The conversation also covers the launch of the Navitas Three Phase range in Northern Ireland, the release of Navitas Energy and some honest discussion about business growth, risk, comfort zones and the realities of building something for yourself. If you've ever thought about going self employed, starting a business or pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, this episode is packed with real world experiences from people living it every day. Season 3 is proudly sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK.

What’s actually going wrong in the electrical industry right now? In this episode of the Torque Up Podcast, we sit down with Dave Savory to break down the real issues affecting electricians across the UK. From competent person schemes and industry standards to social media, content creation, and the future of the trade… nothing is off limits. This is a raw and honest conversation about what’s really happening behind the scenes in the trade. If you’re an electrician, contractor, or part of the construction industry… this one will hit home. WHAT WE COVER 🟢 Competent person schemes and whether they actually work⚫ Why many electricians feel undervalued🟢 Routes into the trade and where they’re falling short⚫ The reality of industry standards and accountability🟢 Social media, content, and influence in the trade⚫ What needs to change moving forward 🎙️ ABOUT TORQUE UP Torque Up Podcast brings real conversations from inside the electrical industry.No scripts. No filters. Just honest discussions with the people shaping the trade. ⚖️ DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the hosts and guests and are shared for general discussion purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, or technical advice.

Neutral conductors running hotter than the phase conductors. It sounds backwards. But electricians across the industry are starting to see it happen more and more. In Episode 32 of Torque Up, we sit down with the team from Chauvin Arnoux UK (CA UK) to break down what is really happening inside modern electrical installations. With the rise of LED lighting, EV chargers, solar systems, variable speed drives and electronic loads, the electrical systems we work on today behave very differently to the resistive systems they were originally designed for. Harmonics, non linear loads and DC electronics are changing the way current flows through installations. In some cases this is leading to neutral conductors carrying more current than the phases, overheating cables and creating real risks if the issue goes unnoticed. In this episode we discuss: 🟢 Why neutral conductors are overheating in modern installations🟢 How harmonics from modern electronics are affecting electrical systems🟢 EV chargers shutting down when voltage reaches 253V🟢 The growing importance of power quality measurement🟢 How electricians can protect themselves with data logging and testing🟢 Where electrification and AI may take the industry next This is a deep dive into the real technical challenges electricians are starting to face as electrical systems evolve. If you are an electrician, engineer, or anyone working in the electrical industry, this episode will give you a new perspective on what is happening inside the systems we install and maintain every day.

What does it really take to scale an electrical business? In this episode of Torque Up, we sit down with Declan from DEC ELEC who built his company from a one man operation to a 22 man team in just six years. No fluff. No fake hype. We break down: • The 16 hour shifts at the start• When growth nearly broke him• Hiring his partner to systemise the business• Why tracking, structure and process are everything• Winning council and housing association contracts• The difference between turnover and profit• Doubling revenue year after year• Stepping off the tools and becoming a true business owner• Investing in coaching and personal growth If you are an electrician thinking about scaling, this episode will change how you see your business. Sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK

In Episode 30 of the Torque Up Podcast, hosts William and Junii are joined by Charles, founder of Trade Cert, for an in depth conversation on Artificial Intelligence in the electrical industry. AI is everywhere right now, but most conversations stop at fear or hype. This episode goes further. We break down how AI is already being used in electrical certification, inspection reporting, EICRs, and admin heavy tasks, while addressing the biggest concern electricians have job security. Charles explains why AI is excellent at repetitive, low skill admin but fundamentally incapable of replacing professional judgement, site based decision making, or responsibility under sign off. We also explore why trades are uniquely protected compared to office based roles, and how electricians can use AI to become more efficient without losing control or credibility. This is a practical, honest discussion for electricians, contractors, supervisors, and business owners who want to understand AI without being sold fear or fantasy. • AI in electrical certification and reporting• Reducing EICR paperwork without risk• Why AI cannot replace electricians• The difference between automation and intelligence• AGI explained in plain English• Professional responsibility and liability• Using AI as a second set of eyes• The future of the trades in an AI world If you work in the electrical industry and want clarity on AI, this episode is essential listening. Topics covered in this episode 00:00 Episode introduction02:10 What Trade Cert is and why it exists05:45 Rapid growth and market demand08:30 AI and electrical certification explained12:40 UX and why usability matters16:20 Service, trust and human support19:10 Fear of AI replacing electricians24:00 Why judgement cannot be automated28:30 AGI explained simply33:10 Liability and responsibility38:20 AI as a second set of eyes42:30 How electricians should use AI46:10 Admin reduction without skill loss49:30 The future of AI in trades52:00 Final thoughts 🎯 Sponsor Credit This episode is proudly sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK Professional electrical test and measurement equipment trusted across the industry.Visit https://cauk.net/ #TorqueUpPodcast#Electricians#ElectricalIndustry#AIInTrades#TradeTechnology

Welcome to Episode 29 of the Torque Up Podcast, our New Year episode focused on what 2026 really looks like for electricians and trade business owners. In this episode, Will and Junii are joined by Joe from Jake Electrical for a candid, no nonsense conversation about running an electrical business in the real world. We talk openly about New Year resolutions that actually matter, the pressure of balancing work, family, admin, and growth, and why so many electricians feel stretched despite being busy. Joe shares his journey through apprenticeship, going self employed, and the realities of pricing jobs, managing paperwork, using AI tools, and building systems that save time instead of creating more stress. The conversation also dives into apprenticeships and why the system is broken, the real cost to small electrical businesses, and why good apprentices are becoming harder to find. We then zoom out to discuss social media, influencer marketing, trade shows, wholesalers, and manufacturers, questioning what genuinely delivers value to installers and what no longer works. This episode finishes with a future focused discussion on industry consolidation, large energy companies, digital platforms, and how electricians can protect their independence while building sustainable businesses into 2026 and beyond. If you are an electrician, contractor, apprentice, wholesaler, or manufacturer, this episode will hit home. This episode is proudly sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK, trusted specialists in professional test and measurement equipment for electricians. 00:00 – Welcome back and New Year reflectionsIntroducing Episode 29 and setting the tone for 2026. 03:30 – New Year resolutions that actually matterWhy mindset, time, and presence matter more than goals on paper. 07:45 – Running a trade business vs being good on the toolsWhy admin and systems catch most electricians out. 12:30 – Using AI, software, and tools the right wayHow electricians are saving time without losing control. 17:40 – Social media for electricians: what really worksSeparating genuine value from paid promotion. 23:10 – Apprenticeships and why the system is failingThe real cost to small businesses and why good apprentices are rare. 30:20 – Work ethic, earning your stripes, and learning on siteWhy hands on experience still matters more than shortcuts. 35:45 – Trade shows: worth it or outdatedInstaller perspective on value, networking, and returns. 42:30 – Manufacturers, wholesalers, and installer trustHow new products actually reach electricians. 48:10 – The future of the electrical industryAI, big energy companies, and the risk of consolidation. 54:40 – How electricians protect independence in 2026Practical advice for future proofing your business. 58:30 – Final thoughts and takeawaysWhat electricians should really focus on this year.

It’s the third Torque Up festive special, but this year the tinsel takes a back seat and the lads go deep on the technical question hitting installs up and down the country: Can a Type 2 SPD rely on an upstream service fuse for overcurrent protection, or must it have a dedicated protective device within the installer’s control? The sparks’ sentiment in the room is clear:manufacturer thermal ratings are part of the product design, but they do not guarantee compliance under BS 7671 if there is no dedicated, testable, local overcurrent protective device protecting the SPD as part of the installation. What you’ll take from this episode: ● A thermal disconnection flag is a failsafe, not overcurrent protection● The upstream DNO fuse is not dedicated to the SPD circuit, and has unknown characteristics for selectivity and verification● Install design must meet the literal minimums of BS 7671 installers can verify and test● Why Navitas kept the 32A MCB in their SPD consumer unit design when others removed it● The wider industry frustration: installs previously passed are now being flagged for missing protection● Why electricians care more about predictable disconnection than tidy ratings claims This episode is educational trade discussion and reflects installer opinion and public regulatory interpretation conversations only. Nothing stated alleges wrongdoing by any person, brand, or organisation, nor constitutes legal or professional instruction. Always consult BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 and the Building Regulations when determining compliant protective device requirements. Season long sponsor: Chauvin Arnoux 00:00 Xmas Special Intro 02:45 The SPD failure story 08:30 Thermal disconnector vs overcurrent protection 14:10 The upstream fuse problem explained 20:20 Manufacturer claims vs installer verification 27:40 Why inspectors flag missing OCPD 35:15 Navitas testing and product design decisions 41:55 Installer community frustrations 48:30 Who carries the risk when interpretation shifts 53:20 What installers should actually verify 59:10 Big industry question posed back to sparks 1:03:45 Xmas chaos interlude 1:05:44 CSPs and clearer communication chat 1:12:31 Worst Xmas crackers and gifts 1:14:34 Compliance psychology returns 1:18:46 Signing off for the year, looking ahead

Steve and Frank from PowerShack join Will and Jay for one of the most entertaining episodes yet. From running a small Essex wholesaler to becoming viral TikTok stars, the lads from Blackwall Electrical Supplies talk openly about business, burnout, buying groups and the power of social media in the electrical trade. 🟢 How PowerShack built a following by mixing humour with hard graft⚫️ Why old school wholesaling is changing faster than anyone expected🟢 What manufacturers and contractors can learn from social media⚫️ Why buying groups like the EIB are changing the game for independents It’s real talk from the trade’s new generation of wholesalers who aren’t afraid to mix banter with business. 🎙 Hosted by Will Winter and Jay Whyte🎧 Sponsored by C A U K – trusted test and measurement solutions built for professionals📩 Sponsorship and guest enquiries: [email protected] #TorqueUpPodcast #PowerShack #Electricians #Wholesalers #ElectricalIndustry #CAUK #TradesTalk #ElectricalLife #TikTokElectricians #UKConstruction #Navitas ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro and sponsor read – Chauvin Arnoux01:00 The long drive from Essex and car crash stories04:00 How Blackwall Electrical Supplies became PowerShack06:00 Family business roots and early wholesaling days08:00 Working with friends and keeping it professional12:00 The politics of the electrical industry16:00 Sales reps, service standards and lost professionalism18:00 Trade mornings and the value of counter staff20:00 Why manufacturers can’t give installation advice23:00 The hidden risk in imported cable25:00 Price pressure and the impact on independents27:00 How PowerShack use social media to stay relevant30:00 Wholesalers choosing visibility over e-commerce32:00 Manufacturers, marketing and TikTok influence34:00 Collaborations between independents37:00 The role of buying groups and joining the EIB39:00 From burnout to building community42:00 Why the EIB feels different from other groups45:00 Is traditional marketing dead47:00 The rise of storytelling and authenticity online49:00 The real ROI of content creation52:00 Building a PowerShack studio and future plans55:00 Final thoughts – having fun while building the brand

t’s the Halloween Special of the Torque Up Podcast and this one hits close to home. Will, Jay and Jimbo sit down for an unfiltered talk about what’s really haunting the trade. From burnout and stress to AI, TikTok and the future of UK wholesalers – this episode dives deep into the issues every electrician, manufacturer and wholesaler is facing right now. 🟢 Are we all just working too hard for too little⚫️ Can AI really help the trade or will it replace it🟢 What happens to wholesalers if the new budget fails⚫️ Why cutting corners and chasing price is the real horror story Plug in and power up with the Torque Up crew.Sponsored by CAUK – trusted test and measurement solutions built for professionals. 🎙 Hosted by Will Winter, Jay Whyte and Jimbo Chapman📩 For sponsorship or guest enquiries: [email protected] #TorqueUpPodcast #Electricians #Wholesalers #ElectricalIndustry #CAUK #TradesTalk #ElectricalLife #AIElectricians #ConstructionUK #Navitas 00:00 Intro and sponsor read01:00 Getting life back on track and managing stress03:00 Jimbo’s Sunday reset routine05:00 The guilt of taking time off07:00 Balancing business, family and content creation10:00 Why everyone feels burnt out12:00 Short form content and the TikTok effect15:00 Buying electrical gear online17:00 Doomscrolling and mental overload18:00 Meta glasses, ChatGPT and the rise of AI21:00 Using AI without losing creativity27:00 DIY disasters and accountability in the trade31:00 Unsafe products and scary shortcuts33:00 Sponsor message – CAUK34:00 What’s really happening with wholesalers36:00 Regional gaps and stalled projects39:00 Inflation, politics and the cost of materials43:00 How independents will be hit hardest49:00 Solar growth and the risk of overtrading52:00 Manufacturers vs wholesalers54:00 Online pricing and the race to the bottom58:00 Final thoughts and wrap up ⏱️ Episode Chapters

Luke Freeman joins Will Winter and Jay to talk about life as a self-employed electrician, how he built Freeman Electrical from scratch, and what it takes to stay booked two months ahead after just one year in business. From early graft and nightmare hotels to navigating apprenticeships and growing a loyal client base, this episode is packed with honesty, laughs, and lessons every electrician can relate to. Luke opens up about his journey, social media strategy, and the mindset that’s helped him turn hard work into opportunity — proving that with drive, consistency, and the right attitude, anything’s possible in this trade. Chauvin Arnoux UK — Industry-leading test and measurement solutions for professionals.🔗 cauk.net Navitas Circuit Protection — Precision-engineered consumer units, RCBOs and SPDs built for professionals.🔗 navitascp.co.uk 🎧 Follow @TorqueUp on Instagram and YouTube📲 instagram.com/torqueup🎥 youtube.com/@TorqueUp ⚡ Sponsored by🧰 Connect with Us

n this powerful episode of the Torque Up Podcast Will and Jay sit down with Stephen “Compo” Comparetto, director and shareholder at 7 Core Electrical, to pull back the curtain on the world of electrical wholesalers. Compo’s story is one of true grassroots grit. From starting out on the tools to leading a multi million pound independent wholesaler, he shares the highs, the challenges, and the bold decisions that shaped his career including a management buyout (MBO) and a major buying group switch. This conversation goes beyond business. We explore:🟢 The real role wholesalers play in supporting electricians every day⚫️ How buying groups influence the trade and why changes matter🟢 The risks and rewards of going through an MBO⚫️ The pressures politics and economics place on the wholesale sector🟢 What it takes to rise from apprentice to director in the UK electrical industry If you are an electrician, wholesaler, or anyone connected to the trade, this episode gives you the insider view you will not hear anywhere else. 👉 Sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK, experts in test and measurement solutions trusted worldwide. Subscribe now and do not miss this deep dive into the business and politics of UK electrical wholesaling. #TorqueUpPodcast #NavitasCP #7CoreElectrical #ElectricalWholesaler #ElectricianLife #AllAboutPower

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 Johnson Big 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/TorqueUp What 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?