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

Thinking about offering more energy-efficient work? In this episode of the Build Up podcast, builder Nikki Lambert shares how she got started with retrofit – and how it’s helped her business grow.

From insulation upgrades to better heating systems, Nikki talks about the training, the client conversations, and the real results she’s seen from making retrofit a core part of what she offers.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• How Nikki built retrofit into her everyday projects
• Why it adds value for both builder and client
• How to find training, support, and confidence
• Tips for starting small and growing your client offering

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

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

What is retrofit and why should builders care? In this episode, we’re joined by Rachael Owens from the National Retrofit Hub to unpack what retrofit really means – and how it can help you grow your building business.

Whether you’re already upgrading windows, improving insulation or fitting better heating systems, chances are you’re already doing some retrofit work. But understanding it better can help you win more jobs and offer clients even more value.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• What retrofit is and why it matters for your business
• How to raise it with clients and handle concerns
• Ways to add value without overcomplicating your build
• Why SME builders are crucial to the UK’s energy goals

Guest: Rachael Owens (National Retrofit Hub)

Hosts: David Gutierrez (Nest Building Group), Aidan Cropper (IPSUM UK Ltd)

Anchor: Amy Voce

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

Want to build a brand people trust? In this part two of our ‘Marketing your business’ episode, we’re back to talking to two builders who have tried different marketing approaches – revealing what’s paid off, what fell flat, and the key moves that made the biggest impact on marketing their businesses.

Chris Shaw of TDG Contracts Ltd has built a brand that shines across social media, and Kulveer Singh Sanghera of City Lofts London has had success with advertising and gathers reviews that build trust.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• How to find the time to market your business
• What type of content typically works on social media
• Tips on how to work out if your marketing is performing well
• How to build trust and a credible brand with clients

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

🧰 Grab the free marketing guide for builders: fmb.org.uk/social

If you want to win better work, marketing matters. In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we talk to two builders who’ve found success with different marketing strategies – sharing what worked, what didn’t, and what’s made the biggest difference for their businesses.

We get down to business with Chris Shaw of TDG Contracts Ltd, who has built a brand that shines across social media, and Kulveer Singh Sanghera of City Lofts London, who has had success with advertising and gathers reviews that build trust.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• How to make your business stand out
• What platforms and content actually get results
• Why good branding helps win better jobs
• Tools and tips for making it all manageable

We have lots to cover in this very interesting topic – look out for part two being released soon!

Hosts: David Gutierrez, Aidan Cropper

Anchor: Amy Voce

🧰 Grab the free marketing guide for builders: fmb.org.uk/social

Running a building business means juggling quotes, clients, and your team – and sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we explore how builders can use AI to save time, cut admin, and look more professional – without needing any tech skills.

Whether you’re a sole trader or a growing a team, construction coach Greg Wilkes joins builder hosts David and Aidan to share how small firms can start using tools like ChatGPT, content planners, and smart quoting to work more efficiently and win more of the right jobs.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• How AI can help you free up time and reduce stress
• Simple ways to use tech for quoting, emails and marketing
• How to attract better clients and improve communication
• Why staying ahead of the curve helps future-proof your business
• Where to start if you’re not “techy”

🎧 Plus, David and Aidan share their views and first tentative steps into AI in their building businesses.

Anchor: Amy Voce

Hosts: David Gutierrez & Aidan Cropper

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

Mental health isn’t a side issue - it’s a construction issue. 

In this episode of the Build Up podcast, hosts David Gutierrez and Aidan Cropper are joined by Sarah Bolton from the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity to explore the pressures faced by builders and why mental health needs to be a priority on every site, no matter the size of your business. 

They discuss how to spot the signs when someone might be struggling, what support is available for small building businesses, and how creating a healthy workplace can lead to a stronger, more resilient team. 

🎯 You’ll learn: 

• Why mental health is a critical issue in the industry 
• How to support your team – and yourself 
• Where to get help (even as a small business) 
• Simple changes that make a big impact 
• Why looking after wellbeing helps your bottom line 

🎙️ Hosts: David Gutierrez (Nest Building Group), Aidan Cropper (IPSUM UK Ltd) 

🔗 Explore mental health resources: fmb.org.uk/wellbeing 

When it comes to growing your building business, word of mouth still matters – and building the right network can open doors. 

In this episode of the Build Up podcast, hosts David Gutierrez and Aidan Cropper are joined by Nik Nelberg of Earl & Calam Design and Build Ltd to explore how creating a strong community around your business can help you win more work, expand your skills,

and connect with the right clients. 

The builders discuss growing their networks through collaboration, training, and trade groups like the FMB – and learn how you can do the same, no matter what stage your business is at. 

🎯 You’ll learn: 

• Why community building is good for business 
• How collaboration can help you scale 
• Practical ways to grow your network locally and online 
• Why peer learning is just as valuable as formal training 
• How to make networking part of your brand 

🎙️ Hosts: David Gutierrez (Nest Building Group), Aidan Cropper (IPSUM UK Ltd) 

🔗 Find your free branding guide: fmb.org.uk/brand 

Are you a builder looking to attract more of the right clients and grow your business? In this episode of the Build Up podcast, hosts Aidan Cropper (Director, IPSUM UK Ltd) and David Gutierrez (Director, Nest Building Group Ltd) share how marketing has helped them scale their own building company – and how it can do the same for you. 

From getting your brand foundations right to managing social media without it taking over your life, this episode is packed with practical tips for small and medium-sized construction businesses ready to step up. Whether you're just starting out or refining your client base, learn how to: 

• Build a brand that reflects your business and values 
• Understand who your ideal clients are—and how to reach them 
• Use visual branding, even without a website, to professionalise your business 
• Create a marketing plan that fits your time and resources 
• Raise your profile with strategies like reviews, awards, and trade memberships 

🎧 Plus, Aidan and David share personal stories and what’s worked (or not) in their marketing journeys. 

🛠 Challenge for listeners: Take just 20 minutes to map out your brand, clients, and goals - because the clearer your direction, the better your marketing can work for you. 

📩 Got feedback or want to share your takeaways? Email us at [email protected]. 

📍 Visit fmb.org.uk/brand to download our guide and for more resources to help you build your business brand. 

🔔 Like what you hear? Hit follow, tap the bell icon, and subscribe for more no-nonsense business advice tailored to UK builders. 

Anchor: Amy Voce 

Hosts: David Gutierrez & Aidan Cropper