Running a profitable electrical business isn’t luck — it’s systems. In this episode, Ben and James break down exactly how we win work, keep customers coming back, price jobs without apologising, and present like pros on every visit.You’ll learn:Simple ways to turn one job into three (repeat work & referrals)What to say when a customer says “that’s expensive”Pricing logic vs. “day rate thinking”Presentation that sells: uniforms, shoe covers, mats, tidy workspaceCommunication that builds trust (ETAs, tracking, updates)Why punctuality + cleanup = instant 5-star reviewsDealing with “the last guy messed it up” jobsTools and workflows that save time (job management apps, end-of-job walk-throughs)Training apprentices the right wayWhen to say no, and how to protect your marginsIf you’re a UK electrician (domestic, commercial, AV/media walls), this chat is for you. Steal the scripts, the systems, and the small touches that make customers rave about you.

Are UK electrical governing bodies (NAPIT, NICEIC) actually worth it for working sparks? We dig into Part P, assessments, costs, contract requirements, building-control loopholes (EICR instead of notification), manufacturer influence on regs, data use/marketing, and why enforcement (vs Gas Safe) is so weak.

We also share when registration is useful, alternatives for newbies, and what reforms would genuinely help electricians.Jump in the comments: Are you registered? Will you renew? What should change?

Spend a full “day in the life” with two UK electricians as we talk business, tools, pricing, qualifications, and how to actually get work in 2025.

Check out Chris From TFS Here - linktr.ee/tfselectricalltd

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Ben chats with Chris from TFS Electrical about going from apprentice to self-employed, the reality of running an electrical business, and why Google Business Profile Google Maps Map Pack now beats SEO, Checkatrade, and MyBuilder for service trades.We cover how to price jobs day rates vs fixed price, winning local work with reviews and keywords, avoiding race-to-the-bottom leads, and building a pipeline without spam. We also dive into qualifications City & Guilds L2 L3, NVQ, AM2, 18th Edition BS 7671, scheme membership NAPIT NICEIC Part P, subcontracting, QS sign-off, and the pros and cons of being Ltd vs sole trader liability, tax, directors’ guarantees.On the tools side AFDDs RCBOs, surge protection, consumer units, why Wago changed the game, inspection cams we regret buying, and which kit actually saves time. You’ll hear real job stories social housing, commercial fit-outs, casinos, bungalows, how to handle awkward callouts, and what’s next for UK electrics low-voltage lighting, smart controls, EV, solar, and more.What you’ll learn:How to get electrician jobs with Google Maps GBP reviews, service areas, photos, categories, keywords in customer reviewsWhy traditional SEO is weak for local trades vs the Map PackCheckatrade and MyBuilder pitfalls, lead costs and auto-renew trapsPricing strategy day rate targets, overheads, profit, admin timeLimited company vs sole trader for sparks risk and responsibilityScheme membership NAPIT NICEIC Part P when it helps and when it doesn’tTraining routes NVQ AM2 18th Edition, fast-track myths, QS optionsTools and materials we rate Wago, chasers and ones we don’tSocial housing realities, safety, and customer communication

Curious how I actually became an electrician—and why I started Toolbox Talks? In this chat on Beyond the Toolbox I spill everything: DC power days and global travel, the company collapse, apprenticeship lessons, burning out, coming back, starting my own business, and why I now make content to help tradies win.You’ll learn:• DC vs AC in the wild and how niche work shaped me• Apprenticeship tips for 16 and for 40• Keeping customers and simple Email Nails• Mental health on site: banter vs bullying• Smart tech, EVs, and the next 5–10 years• Why social media is your living CVIf this helped, drop a comment with your story, like and subscribe.Work with me / downloads / socials: LinktreeSubscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@wd40uk

Does posting on social actually bring you work—or just grief? In this Toolbox Talk I break down exactly how sparks, plumbers, builders (any local trade) can use TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Google to win real customers—without dancing or spending all day editing.

🔌 Ready-to-Use Social Media Content Pack for Electricians - https://toolboxtalkforelectricians.kit.com/products/socialmediaEmail Nails x 10. - https://toolboxtalkforelectricians.kit.com/products/email-nails-x-10

What you’ll learn:

• Lead-gen vs. “free tools” (personal brand) — pick your goal first

• Bio optimisation (Linktree, contact options, service area)

• How to geo-target locally (location tags, keywords, groups)

• Hooks & CTAs that get enquiries (and what to show customers)

• Hashtags that matter (and where they don’t)

• Handling haters & bad reviews like a pro

• Building an email list (easy newsletter ideas that convert)

• Repurposing one post across TikTok/IG/Facebook/Google

• When YouTube long-form makes sense for high-value jobs

Quick wins:

• Show outcomes (before/after sockets, boards, lights), not just tidy cable clips

• Add your town + “electrician” in profiles and captions for local SEO

• Ask for a Facebook/Google review on the day (include town name)

• Post little and often (even 1 short per week beats silence)

If you want more templates/copy ideas, check the links in the description and steal my prompts. 👍

How do you build a profitable niche inside the electrical trade? In this Toolbox Talk, James shares his route from NTL/Sky installs to running a TV/AV-first business—mounting TVs, multiroom audio, IRS/MDU systems and data—plus the real talk: dyslexia, 21 jobs by 21, going self-employed, crash-course qualifications (City & Guilds/NVQ), customer experience, subcontracting, pricing, getting stung, VAT/accountants, the pandemic hit, hospital with COVID, burnout, and the comeback—systems, friends, and saying “no” to bad jobs. If you’re an electrician or trainee wondering whether to niche down (AV, data, audio, satellite, TV mounting), this chat is your roadmap—mindset, mistakes, and the wins.Like/subscribe for more Toolbox Talks and tag a spark who needs this.
#Electrician #ToolboxTalk #AV #TradesBusiness #MentalHealth

Today we flip the script and talk to Drew (ERG Builders) — a builder who went from being kicked out of school to running a 15-person crew. No fluff, just site truth: pricing, clients, back-office pain, hiring, mental health, and the eternal builders vs sparks banter.You can find @ergonsite here - https://www.youtube.com/@ergonsite/videosThank you to @ThePodCollective for the amazing Studio and equipment What’s insideApprenticeship → first company by 20Price work, sites, and why he went soloWord of mouth vs paid directories (and why he binned them)Quote strategy (never cheapest, never dearest—bang in the middle)Back-office reality: paperwork, cash flow, VAT, CISNightmare client stories (scope creep, late payers, material “mystery”) + fixesKeeping a team happy and paid; growing without losing standardsHonest chat on trades mental health & boundariesIf you’re a spark, builder, or any trade running jobs, this will hit home.Like the chat? Subscribe for more real-world trade talks.

Fresh from the ELEX show, I’m answering the BIG question: how do you get more Google reviews—fast—and rank at the top of local search?Google Business Master Class - https://gumroad.com/a/748252307/bcxnyQR Code Generator - https://qrcodecreator.com/This is the exact, field-tested system I use (no fake reviews, no spam). It works because it’s easy for customers and timed right.What you’ll learnThe perfect moment to ask (and why “after the invoice” fails)The 10-second in-person ask that gets yes on the spotHow to make a QR code that opens your Google review form directlyWhat to say if customers “don’t know what to write” (keyword tips: trade + town)The best time of day to send a follow-up textWhy you should reply to every review (with ranking-friendly keywords)Quick check: how to see where you rank using an Incognito searchCopy-and-paste scripts1) In-person ask (at handover)“If you’re happy, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps local customers find a reliable electrician in [Your Town].Scan this and it opens straight on the review box.”2) Text/WhatsApp follow-up (same day, early evening)“Thanks again for today. If you could spare 30 seconds for a Google review it really helps us grow: [your Google review link]A line like ‘Electrician in [Your Town] installed [job] professionally’ is perfect. Appreciate it!”3) If they say ‘what should I write?’“Something simple like: ‘Found [Your Business] on Google. Electrician in [Town] fitted [service]—on time, tidy, professional.’”4) Your public reply template“Thanks, [Name]! Great working on your [service]. If anyone in [Town/Area] needs a reliable electrician, we’re happy to help.”How to make a direct review link / QRGoogle Business Profile → “Ask for reviews” → copy your short linkDrop that link into any QR generator → print/stick in your handover pack or on your invoicePro tip: Every month, open an Incognito window and search: electrician [your town]. Note who’s ahead of you. What photos, reviews, and keywords are they using? Borrow what’s working—ethically.If this helped, hit like and subscribe for more small-trade growth tactics.

📺 How to Make Money as a Trainee Electrician (Legally!) | Earn While You Learn 🔌💷Downloads Data Sheet Download here - https://toolboxtalkforelectricians.kit.com/earn5 Tools All Electricians Need to Be A Good Apprentice - https://youtu.be/U37qDC6glKIQuote & Auto Invoice - https://toolboxtalkforelectricians.kit.com/products/quote-auto-invoiceAre you training to be an electrician and wondering how to start making money before you're fully qualified? In this episode of Tool Box Talk for Electricians, I break down 9 legal jobs trainee electricians can do right now to earn while learning – without breaking regulations or cutting corners.Whether you're an apprentice spark, a college student, or just getting started in the electrical trade, this episode is packed with real-world advice, stories, and practical tips from someone who's been through it all.⚡️ What You’ll Learn:The best-paying jobs you can do legally as a traineeHow to stay safe, insured, and within UK regulationsTools you should carry for solo jobsHow to turn small jobs into a reliable side hustleWhy public liability insurance is a must🛠 Legal Jobs Covered:LED lamp replacements 💡Swapping socket & switch faceplates 🔧Replacing light fittingsInstalling surface trunkingMinor fault findingPAT testing (after a course)Smart home installs (Ring, Nest)Battery smoke alarm installs 🔋Helping other trades (CCTV, AV, data)📥 FREE PDF CHECKLISTWant a free downloadable checklist of these 9 jobs?👉 Grab it here: https://toolboxtalkforelectricians.kit.com/earn👷‍♂️ About Me:I’m Ben Poulter, a self-employed electrician sharing real stories, advice, and business tips to help electricians build better careers. Whether you're just starting out or ready to go self-employed, this channel’s for you.👍 Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell if you found this useful – and share with a mate who's learning the trade!#ElectricianLife #TraineeElectrician #ApprenticeSpark #ToolBoxTalk #EarnWhileYouLearn #ElectricianPodcast #UKSparks #ElectricalJobs

🚨 Finding an electrical apprenticeship or improver job in 2025? It’s harder than ever — but not impossible.This video is for you if you're:A student leaving college with your electrical ticket but no site experienceA mature career-changer trying to break into the tradeSomeone tired of sending out 100 CVs with zero callbacksI’ve been in the game for over 20 years, and in this episode, I break down EXACTLY what I would do today to land my first job as an apprentice or improver.👉 Spoiler alert: It’s not about fancy CVs or luck. It’s about putting yourself in the right place at the right time — on purpose.Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:The mistakes 90% of apprentices make when applying for jobsWhy wholesalers are your secret weapon to getting your foot in the doorWhat to say (and what NOT to say) when you finally meet a sparkie or contractorHow to stand out without experience by showing initiative, reliability and effortWhy you should never work for free — and what to ask for instead💬 Real talk: No one starts out knowing it all. We were all “useless” at first. But the ones who succeed are the ones who show up, ask questions, and get stuck in.⚡ Whether you’re 16 or 46, this advice applies to you.🔗 Check out the full podcast playlist here for more trade business advice:https://linktr.ee/toolboxtalkforelectricians🎧 Listen to the full podcast "From Apprentice to Boss" on all major platforms — for electricians who want to earn more, reduce stress, and gain back time.📩 Need a download to help figure out what to charge or how to improve your chances of getting work?➤ Join the Facebook Group: Tool Box Talk for Electricians➤ Or drop me an email and I’ll send the free download your way.💡 This episode includes:Why sending out CVs doesn’t work anymoreHow to network through local electrical wholesalersWhy confidence beats qualifications every timeHow to become “someone they want to keep”🔧 Whether you're looking to get hired or want to eventually go out on your own, this is your playbook.👇 Drop a comment below — what are YOU struggling with in your journey to becoming an electrician?👍 Like the video if this helped📲 Share it with someone in college or trying to get in the trade🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss the next real-world episode that could change your careerOther content you might like:Secrets to Success: Connecting with CustomersHow to Price Electrical Work ProperlyDo You Really Need to Be NIC Registered?👷‍♂️ You’re not just learning a trade — you’re building a future. Let’s get it right, together.#ElectricianJobs #ApprenticeLife #ImproverSpark