The Build Up Podcast

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 

If you're a builder running your own company – or thinking about taking the leap – Build Up is the podcast built for you. Brought to you by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and hosted by fellow builders David Gutierrez (Nest Building Group) and Aidan Cropper (IPSUM UK Ltd), joined by our anchor Amy Voce, each episode dives into the real-world challenges of running a building business in the UK. 

In this episode, we’re talking about something that can make or break your business: managing your finances. From cashflow to late payments, we’re joined by finance expert Roger Brown from Bibby Financial Services (UK) Limited to help you get a better grip on your money and keep your business running smoothly. 

From pricing smartly and setting clear payment terms, to credit-checking clients and forecasting for the future – we’re covering the practical steps builders can take to improve their cashflow and build financial resilience. 

🚧 Hear straight-talking tips from builders and an industry expert 

🛠 Get practical advice you can use 

🧠 Learn what’s worked – and what hasn’t 

💬 Episodes designed to fit into your busy day 

📘 Download the FREE FMB-approved quotation template: fmb.org.uk/quote

Brought to you by the FMB, this is the podcast that helps you build your business while you’re building everything else. 

Welcome to the BuildUp Podcast - brought to you by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). If you're running a building business or thinking about going solo, this is your new must-listen. 

In our second episode, our regular hosts David Gutierrez (Nest Building Group) & Aidan Cropper (IPSUM UK Ltd) share how they went from the early days on-site to managing successful companies. Find inspiration as they take you from their humble beginnings to award-winning businesses. 

You’ll learn: 

• Practical steps to start your own building firm 
• How to find your niche and build a loyal client base 
• Why apprentices are a game-changer – and how to support them 
• What help and advice David and Aidan have had along their journeys 

📘 Resources mentioned are linked below: 

🛠 Download the guide to hiring your first apprentice: fmb.org.uk/apprenticeship 

📩 Send feedback or get in touch: [email protected] 

Subscribe and join us for the next episode where we speak to expert guests about the art of working with clients. 

Client relationships can make or break your building business. In this episode of the Build Up podcast, our guests Paula Higgins of HomeOwners Alliance and Alli Gay of CHI Homes Ltd join our hosts David and Aidan to share the homeowner's and builder’s perspectives on how to win trust, communicate clearly, and build long-term success. 

Discover: 

• Why setting expectations upfront helps you win more jobs 
• Tips for handling challenging conversations with clients 
• How membership credentials can help you stand out 
• How to keep multiple clients informed and satisfied 
• What it takes to deliver above and beyond 

📘 Free quotation template: fmb.org.uk/quote 

📧 Share your story: [email protected] 

🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes! 

Join us for the next episode where we dig into growing your business through marketing that works!

Hold onto your hard hat - the Build Up podcast is coming soon from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). If you run a building business (or are thinking of starting one) make a date to tune in for inspiration, ideas and advice from builders and industry experts that can help your business soar.

Join the discussion on the stuff that matters to your business, including:

• Managing your cashflow
• Growing your business
• Working with clients
• Networking for growth
• Mental health

…Plus, successful business owners telling you how they do it all.

Our credentials:

The Build Up podcast is brought to you by the FMB. We’re the largest trade association in the UK construction industry – representing small and medium sized (SME) construction firms nationwide.