The Build Up Podcast

A full project order book doesn't always mean a profitable building business. So how do you know if you're actually making money on your projects, and what can you do to protect your business when times get tough?

In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we're joined by Emerson Patton, founder of Bright Business Advice and known as the Contractors Coach. Alongside experienced FMB members, he shares practical advice on managing business cashflow, protecting profit margins and spotting financial warning signs before they become serious problems. Plus, we explore how to build a more financially secure future for yourself and your business.

You’ll learn:

• How to spot where your building projects are losing money
• Ways to improve cashflow and protect your profit margins
• How to build financial reserves for unexpected challenges
• Steps to make your business more financially secure for the future

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

Guests: Emerson Patton, Bright Business Advice

Click here to download a free copy of Emerson Patton’s audio book to learn how to manage, control and grow you contractor business – an Amazon best seller!

Email [email protected] and tell us what you’ll be putting into practice.

This episode is proudly sponsored by HazardCo. HazardCo is a digital health and safety management system for home builders and renovators. It makes health and safety simple, giving you confidence you’re keeping your crew and business safe, while cutting the time you spend on paperwork. Visit www.hazardco.com/uk to learn more.

Are you still spending your days on site and your evenings running the business? In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we explore how to get off the tools, build a team you can trust and free up more time to focus on growing your building business.

We hear from FMB member Matt Bridge, who shares how he grew Colonial Construction from a one-person operation into a business with its own management team. Alongside practical advice from HazardCo, we discuss when to delegate, how to maintain standards across multiple sites and where simple systems can save time without losing control.

You’ll learn:

• When and how to start getting off the tools
• How to delegate work and build a team you can trust
• Ways to maintain quality and control across multiple sites
• How systems and technology can reduce admin and free up your time

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

Guests: Matt Bridge, Colonial Construction

Dominic Sheridan, HazardCo

Email [email protected] and tell us what you’ll be putting into practice.

This episode is proudly sponsored by HazardCo. HazardCo is a digital health and safety management system for home builders and renovators. It makes health and safety simple, giving you confidence you’re keeping your crew and business safe, while cutting the time you spend on paperwork. Visit www.hazardco.com/uk to learn more.

Building control is changing, and many builders are feeling the impact. In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we look at what the Building Safety Act means in practice, why roles and responsibilities can feel unclear, and how builders can protect themselves with better records and communication.

We hear from Local Authority Building Control (LABC), builders from southern parts of the UK, as well as a Scottish builder up north to compare how the system works across the country. It's a practical discussion for builders dealing with more paperwork, higher expectations and the need to prove compliance on every job.

You'll learn:

1. How building control expectations have changed
2. Why clear roles matter between builders, designers and clients
3. How records, photos and documentation can protect your business
4. What builders in England and Scotland can learn from each other

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

Guests: Peter Atkins, AS Homes and Construction

Victoria Collins, KingsRock Construction

Pam Wilson, Kevin Wilson Master Builders

Peter Keats, LABC

Email [email protected] and tell us what you'll be putting into practice.

What role can builders play beyond delivering the job? In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we look at how good construction can improve homes, support communities and still make commercial sense.

Reza Yunis and Kaleem Ghani from Redbrickz share how they're raising standards in transitional housing, refurbishing existing buildings and creating better places for people to live. It's a practical conversation about quality, purpose and the wider impact builders can have through their work.

You'll learn:

1. How better homes can improve people's lives
2. Why raising standards in existing buildings matter
3. How community-focused work can support business growth
4. Where builders can start if they want to do more locally

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

Guests: Reza Yunis, Redbrickz Property Management Ltd;

Kaleem Ghani, Redbrickz Property Management Ltd

Email [email protected] and tell us what you'll be putting into practice.

Conflict can cost time, money and trust. In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we look at how builders can avoid common disputes before they happen, from unclear scopes and payment terms to changes that aren't written down.

Sarah Fox shares why simple, clear contracts matter, while Jason Grounsell explains how strong communication, proper records and early conversations help keep projects running smoothly. It's practical advice for builders who want fewer surprises and stronger client relationships.

You'll learn:

• Why most conflict starts with unclear expectations
• What every contract should cover before work begins
• How to manage changes, payments and client conversations
• Why good records can protect your business

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

Guests: Sarah Fox, Legal consultant;

Jason Grounsell, Director of TED Construction & Developments Ltd

Email [email protected] and tell us what you'll be putting into practice.

Thinking about moving into housebuilding? In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we look at what it really takes to make the jump from extensions and renovations to new build homes.

Kev Wilson shares the lessons he learned from taking on housebuilding projects, from checking plots properly to managing utilities, finance and workload. Gill McAteer from Citation also joins us to talk about the people side of growth, including contracts, HR and managing a bigger team.

You’ll learn:

1. What to check before taking on a plot
2. Why housebuilding needs a different plan to smaller jobs
3. How growth changes your role as a business owner
4. Why HR, contracts and team structure matter as you scale

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

Guests: Gill McAteer, Kev Wilson

Download our free guide to becoming a small housing developer, sponsored by United Trust Bank and Openreach: fmb.org.uk/developer.

For more in-depth guidance, you can view a recording of a webinar on moving into housing development: fmb.org.uk/housingdevelopment.

Email [email protected] and tell us what you’ll be putting into practice.

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What does it take to grow a building business without losing control of quality, culture and client experience? In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we hear from Alex Strikovs, Director of Home Republic Limited, about the decisions, challenges and systems that helped turn a small business into an award-winning design and build company.

If you’re juggling site work, pricing, people and plans for growth, this episode is packed with practical insight. Alex shares why better systems, clearer roles and stronger communication can help you build a business that works better for your team and your clients.

You’ll learn:

1. How to step back from the tools and focus on growing the business
2. Why systems and delegation matter when you want to scale
3. How investing in people can strengthen performance and culture
4. What helps create a more consistent client experience from quote to completion

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

Email [email protected] and tell us what you’ll be putting into practice

Winning building work isn’t just about price. It’s about trust, communication and how you show up from the first conversation.

In this episode of the Build Up podcast sponsored by Citation, we explore how you can stand out in a crowded market and win more of the right jobs.

Joined by Alexandra Powell and Paula Higgins, we share what homeowners are really looking for – and how you can meet those expectations with confidence.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• How to build trust from day one

• What homeowners really worry about

• How better communication sets you apart

• Simple ways to improve your client journey

• Why small details lead to more referrals

Anchor: Amy Voce

Hosts: David Gutierrez & Aidan Cropper

🧰 Get your free builder quote template: fmb.org.uk/quote

Want to grow your business but not sure how to make it happen? In this episode, we’re joined by Robin Hayhurst, a coach for builders and developers, to talk about smart ways to fund and manage your next stage of growth.

Whether it’s taking on bigger jobs, building a team, or setting up systems that actually work, Robin shares his best advice for builders who want to scale up – with less stress.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• What financial support options are available
• Why planning beats firefighting
• Practical tips to protect profit during growth
• Systems and habits that make a real difference

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

🧰 Download your free FMB-approved build quote template: fmb.org.uk/quote

In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we’re joined by Dorian Bowen of Project One, whose work has earned national awards and high-end recognition. But it didn’t happen overnight.

From humble beginnings to high-spec renovations, Dorian shares the lessons he’s learned running a growing building company – including how to build a strong team, adapt to change, and deliver outstanding work clients love.

🎯 You’ll find out:

• How Dorian built his reputation and grew the business
• How to navigate change as your company evolves
• What keeps clients coming back

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

🧰 Discover FMB membership benefits: fmb.org.uk/membership

🧰 Free quote template: fmb.org.uk/quote