In this episode of Trade Legends, we sit down with Renovate with Emma and Gio to hear two inspiring journeys into the trades and construction industry.

Emma shares her path from law school and corporate PR into property renovation, sourcing, and lettings in Aberdeen, including how she taught herself tiling, painting, and DIY skills through YouTube and social media. She talks about turning passion projects into a full-time business, working with brands, and her creative approach to making rental properties stand out.

Gio brings a wealth of experience from family construction businesses, sales, and scaling trade companies. He explains the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of systems, and how he helps tradespeople avoid common pitfalls with the GRFT Academy — a platform designed to help builders, plumbers, electricians, and other trades grow sustainable businesses.

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🔨 Trade Legends – the podcast for tradesmen, tradeswomen, and the construction industry.

Why do plumbers always make this mistake? In this episode of Trade Legends, Mike from Salamander Pumps explains the most common pump installation errors, why they happen, and how to avoid them. From shower pump failures to boosting mains pressure, we break down what plumbers get wrong, the right way to install pumps, and how tools like Salamander’s HomeBoost, TankBoost, and AquaScan are changing the trade.Whether you’re a plumber, apprentice, or homeowner dealing with low water pressure, this episode gives you the knowledge to save time, money, and costly call-backs.

In this episode of Trade Legends, Mark chats with Dean Franklin, 2025 winner of The Apprentice and co-founder of ADL Air Conditioning. From flipping PlayStations at 13 to launching a booming business in lockdown, Dean shares his wild journey, raw hustle, and that viral interview moment.He risked it all for a £250K investment — and won. For grafters, dreamers, or future Apprentice stars, this one’s unmissable.

In this episode of Trade Legends, we sit down with Stacey (“Stick”) and Jack from Trademark Digital, who share their incredible journey from the trades to running a standout marketing agency built with heart and authenticity. They open up about the challenges of working in the construction and trade industries, the lessons they’ve learned, and how their passion for helping small businesses thrive sets them apart.

Jack’s personal story takes a moving turn as he talks about suffering a stroke while building his career and how that life-changing moment forced him to pivot and rethink his future. Stacey shares how she found her calling, blending creativity with hands-on industry knowledge, and together they reveal the grit, resilience, and humour that fuel their partnership. This is a raw, inspiring conversation about building something meaningful, overcoming adversity, and staying true to your values—one that anyone in the trade or small business world needs to hear.

In this episode of Trade Legends, we’re joined by Ryan from Mirka, the globally recognised Finnish brand behind some of the most advanced abrasives and sanding tools used across a wide range of industries. Whether it’s in automotive body shops, marine and yacht building, woodworking, or professional decorating, Mirka has become synonymous with high-performance, purpose-built equipment trusted by tradespeople around the world.

Ryan takes us through the brand’s incredible history, from its early days to its expansion across over 17 countries, and explains why Mirka’s all-in-one approach to tools and abrasives makes it unique in the market. We also dive into the company's exciting new product launches, including cordless innovations, upgraded dust extractors, and Mirka’s growing commitment to sustainability. Plus, Ryan offers practical advice on how tradespeople can try before they buy with on-site demos, making high-end equipment more accessible than ever.

Whether you're a seasoned decorator, a car enthusiast, or simply someone who values quality tools and smart design, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a true industry leader tick.

In this episode of Trade Legends, we sit down with Andrew, a seasoned HVAC professional from Australia, to explore his journey through four decades in the trade. He shares how he fell into the industry almost by accident, what kept him passionate over the years, and how the HVAC landscape has changed both in Australia and globally. Andrew offers invaluable advice for young people considering a trade career, emphasising the importance of curiosity, hands-on experience, and finding work that genuinely sparks your interest. His perspective highlights how vocational paths can lead not just to stable employment, but to a deeply fulfilling life and career.The episode also delves into Andrew’s accidental leap into product innovation. What started as a simple idea to make installations cleaner and faster grew into a bracket system that’s now gaining international attention. He explains the problem it solved, the process of testing and refining it within his own team, and how the demand from contractors and consultants led to its eventual commercialisation. With backing from Aspen Pumps and strong interest from the UK and US markets, Andrew reflects on the journey so far, the potential global impact of the product, and what the future may hold for both his business and the HVAC trade as a whole.

In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, we sit down with Ryan O'Sullivan, founder of the Ry Group, to hear his honest and inspiring story—from struggling in school to building a successful multi-trade business with over 30 staff. Ryan talks about how he navigated early challenges with education, a derailed football career, and eventually found his place in the trades, starting with an apprenticeship at British Gas and launching his own company at just 20 years old.We dive into how the Ry Group grew from a one-man band to a full team of plumbers, electricians, gas engineers, and more. Ryan shares the highs and lows of scaling a business, including learning to delegate, managing staff, adapting to new tech, and staying profitable in a constantly changing industry. He also offers valuable advice for tradespeople looking to grow, whether you're just starting out or trying to scale up.This episode covers everything from mental health and work-life balance to exercise, family, and Ryan's future goals, including expanding the Ry Group nationwide and launching Trade Gains, a new platform to help tradespeople build better businesses.Packed with real insights, straight-talking advice, and a few laughs, this is a must-watch for anyone in the trades or thinking of going out on their own.

In this gripping podcast episode, we’re joined by two frontline officers from the Metropolitan Police to delve into the growing problem of tool theft across the UK. With thousands of tradespeople falling victim to stolen tools each year, we explore what the police are doing to tackle the issue. From unregulated car boot sales and organised criminal networks, to how forensic tool marking is leading to real convictions, we unpack the reality behind the headlines.

We’re also joined by Clair from SelectaDNA, a leader in forensic marking technology, who explains how this innovative approach is helping to trace and recover stolen tools, while supporting successful prosecutions. This episode shows how tradespeople, police forces, local authorities and businesses can come together to fight back against tool theft and restore confidence in the system.

Whether you’re a builder, electrician, plumber or anyone whose livelihood depends on your tools, this is an essential watch. We discuss real-life cases, police operations, and how simple actions like tool marking are having a powerful impact.

Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more discussions on tool security, crime prevention, and how to protect your trade.

EXPOSED - Tool Theft Crime Wave at car boot sales with Rob JenrickIn this powerful new episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, we’re taking you inside the Houses of Parliament for an important and eye-opening conversation with Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, Rob Jenrick, and trades campaigner Shoaib the Gas Expert. This episode marks a significant milestone in the fight against the tool theft epidemic, which continues to affect thousands of tradespeople across the UK.We sit down to discuss the scale of the problem—from tools being stolen out of vans and homes, to the shocking scenes at car boot sales where stolen equipment is being openly sold. Rob Jenrick shares how he got involved in the campaign, what he’s seen firsthand, and how he’s working in Parliament to push for stronger laws, tougher enforcement, and real consequences for offenders.Shoaib brings the on-the-ground reality, recounting stories from tradespeople who’ve had their livelihoods destroyed and explaining how forensic marking kits like SelectaDNA can help protect tools and support police investigations. Together, they talk about how tradespeople, police, MPs, and the wider public can come together to turn awareness into action.This episode is an honest look at a growing issue that affects real people, real businesses, and entire communities. If you're in the trade or care about protecting the people who keep the country running, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Please watch, share, and leave a comment. The more awareness we build, the more pressure we can put on those in power to act.

🔒 This Episode Will Save Your Tools! | Mundi Van SecurityIn this episode of the Trades Talk Podcast, we sit down with Graham Mundy, the founder of Mundy Van Security—the guy behind those now-famous van security cages making waves on social media.Graham shares his journey from infantry soldier to accidental inventor of a game-changing van security system after a mate's van was broken into. From building the first set of van gates on his driveway to running the most trusted van security company in 2024 with a 100% success rate so far, this is a wild ride of graft, grit, and smart engineering.We get into:His background in the army and the birth of the businessThe devastating tool thefts that sparked the ideaHow his van gates withstand 15+ minute attacks (even with grinders!)Why van manufacturers still aren’t doing enoughHis plans to scale and protect even more tradespeopleBehind the scenes of real-world testing and viral videosIf you're a tradesperson sick of tool theft, this is a must-watch. Graham’s invention could genuinely save your business.Subscribe now and drop your thoughts in the comments. Has your van been done? Would you trust these gates to protect your gear?