TORQUE UP

William Winter and Friends

A Podcast for the professional electrical industry, sharing unbiased news, reviews and learning about all aspects of our incredible industry. With guests on from all sides of manufacturing, wholesaling, electricians, apprentices and more. Brought to you from Torque Up Productions in association with Navitas

  1. 3d ago

    Is Being a Self-Employed Electrician Still Worth It?

    EV charger qualifications are causing confusion, and the cost of running an electrical business keeps climbing. Will, Jay and Jimbo get into the UK electrical trade’s biggest talking points: self-employment versus a regular wage, the 39% import VAT valuation adjustment discussion, and whether hiring an apprentice makes sense when every hour counts. Navitas Black Edition consumer units, wholesaler loyalty, EICRs, social media standards and Bacon & Regs all make an appearance in this Halloween special of Torque Up Podcast. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Would you still go self-employed as an electrician today? And would you change wholesaler if they wouldn’t stock your preferred brand? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and send us your best site insults for a future episode. CHAPTERS 00:00 Halloween and Torque Up’s beginnings02:11 Jay’s 5,000-mile Navitas tour05:43 Contractor feedback and consumer units07:54 Navitas Black Edition consumer units10:28 EV vans and running costs12:29 Import VAT: the 39% discussion14:22 Fuel, wages and employment costs16:52 Understanding your real business costs17:33 Apprentices or subcontractors?19:14 The commitment of training staff24:24 Self-employed vs employed27:20 Careers, pay and progression32:38 Would you start a business now?35:55 Bacon & Regs begins36:42 EV charger qualifications40:07 EV training vs competence43:31 Wholesalers and brand loyalty45:21 Social media and electrical standards48:47 EICRs and marketing claims50:20 Overrated tools and workplace excuses52:26 What makes a good apprentice?55:58 Apprentices and generational change59:49 The bacon and sauce debate01:00:48 This month’s best site insult01:01:48 Halloween sign-off Follow Torque Up on Spotify for more honest conversations about the electrical industry, running a business and life in the trade. On the microphones: William Winter (Will), Junii Whyte (Jay) and Jimbo. Guests and sponsorship enquiries: podcast@torqueup.co.uk Remember: the joy is in the journey.

    Is Being a Self-Employed Electrician Still Worth It?

  2. Sep 23

    Can TikTok Build an Electrical Business?

    Torque Up is back for Season 4 — and we're starting with Owen from OM Electrical. Owen has become one of the biggest electrician personalities on TikTok and social media, while still building and running his own electrical business. So what's actually happening behind the videos? We talk about going self-employed, building a personal brand, turning social media into real electrical work, dealing with trolls, brand deals, bringing family into the business and the reality of trying to be an electrician, business owner and content creator at the same time. Then we get into growth. When do you make your first hire? Apprentice or qualified electrician? How do you let somebody else take responsibility for work when you've spent years controlling everything yourself? And does being self-employed actually give you freedom — or just a different kind of pressure? Will and Jay also get into some of the lessons behind building Navitas from a garage into a national electrical brand, before celebrating being named South Wales Business Champion 2026. And because apparently that wasn't enough for one episode, Season 4 also introduces: 🥓⚡ BACON & REGS Quick-fire questions, questionable opinions, things electricians claim are "in the regs", the perfect bacon sandwich and some absolutely brutal site insults. We finish by getting into the bigger issues facing the UK electrical industry: the AM2 debate and experienced electricians proving competence, industry standards, apprenticeships, consumer units, electrical manufacturing, price pressure, product quality and whether genuine innovation is being squeezed out of the market. In this episode: 00:00 – Season 4 begins04:38 – Owen from OM Electrical07:34 – Electrical work vs social media21:03 – Can TikTok actually generate electrical work?30:27 – Instagram vs TikTok33:28 – The truth about going self-employed39:16 – Growing beyond a one-man band45:16 – Hiring and building a team53:13 – Apprentice vs qualified electrician57:08 – South Wales Business Champion1:04:56 – Bacon & Regs1:12:27 – The best site insults1:17:07 – The AM2 debate1:26:07 – Are electrical industry standards improving?1:28:46 – Manufacturing, price and product quality1:38:13 – Outro Torque Up — unfiltered conversations about electrical work, business, products, social media and the people actually working inside the UK electrical industry. ⚠️ Contains strong language. Obviously.

    Can TikTok Build an Electrical Business?

  3. Jul 31

    The Real Cost of Going Self Employed as an Electrician

    In the Season Three finale of Torque Up, Jimbo shares the reality of his first three months working entirely for himself. We discuss the pressure of building an electrical business, finding consistent work, managing cash flow, keeping up with administration and knowing when it is time to employ someone. Jimbo also opens up about the personal cost, including the loss of routine, difficulty switching off and the impact on his physical and mental health. The conversation also covers new expectations around pre work assessments, whether electricians may need to start charging for quotations, changes to Further Investigation codes on EICRs, the quality of landlord electrical reports and whether the industry needs better monitoring. Plus, William shares the latest developments from Navitas, including the growth of its three phase range and the thinking behind its new single phase consumer units. A frank conversation about electrical contracting, self employment and what it really takes to build something of your own. Torque Up returns with Season Four in September.

    The Real Cost of Going Self Employed as an Electrician

  4. Jun 9

    Jay's Hospital Ordeal, Jimbo Goes Self Employed & The Navitas Three Phase Launch | Torque Up Podcast

    After a busy few months, the boys are finally back around the table together. Jay shares the story behind a serious health scare that resulted in 11 days in hospital, multiple operations and a long road to recovery ahead. Jimbo talks about finally making the jump into self employment and launching South Power Group, including the challenges of finding work, managing finances and adapting to life without the security of a guaranteed wage. The conversation also covers the launch of the Navitas Three Phase range in Northern Ireland, the release of Navitas Energy and some honest discussion about business growth, risk, comfort zones and the realities of building something for yourself. If you've ever thought about going self employed, starting a business or pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, this episode is packed with real world experiences from people living it every day. Season 3 is proudly sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK.

    Jay's Hospital Ordeal, Jimbo Goes Self Employed & The Navitas Three Phase Launch | Torque Up Podcast

  5. Apr 23

    The Electrical Industry Is Broken… But No One Wants To Say It | Dave Savory

    What’s actually going wrong in the electrical industry right now? In this episode of the Torque Up Podcast, we sit down with Dave Savory to break down the real issues affecting electricians across the UK. From competent person schemes and industry standards to social media, content creation, and the future of the trade… nothing is off limits. This is a raw and honest conversation about what’s really happening behind the scenes in the trade. If you’re an electrician, contractor, or part of the construction industry… this one will hit home. WHAT WE COVER 🟢 Competent person schemes and whether they actually work⚫ Why many electricians feel undervalued🟢 Routes into the trade and where they’re falling short⚫ The reality of industry standards and accountability🟢 Social media, content, and influence in the trade⚫ What needs to change moving forward 🎙️ ABOUT TORQUE UP Torque Up Podcast brings real conversations from inside the electrical industry.No scripts. No filters. Just honest discussions with the people shaping the trade. ⚖️ DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the hosts and guests and are shared for general discussion purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, or technical advice.

    The Electrical Industry Is Broken… But No One Wants To Say It | Dave Savory

  6. Mar 12

    Why Neutral Conductors Are Overheating | Harmonics, EV Chargers & Modern Electrical Systems

    Neutral conductors running hotter than the phase conductors. It sounds backwards. But electricians across the industry are starting to see it happen more and more. In Episode 32 of Torque Up, we sit down with the team from Chauvin Arnoux UK (CA UK) to break down what is really happening inside modern electrical installations. With the rise of LED lighting, EV chargers, solar systems, variable speed drives and electronic loads, the electrical systems we work on today behave very differently to the resistive systems they were originally designed for. Harmonics, non linear loads and DC electronics are changing the way current flows through installations. In some cases this is leading to neutral conductors carrying more current than the phases, overheating cables and creating real risks if the issue goes unnoticed. In this episode we discuss: 🟢 Why neutral conductors are overheating in modern installations🟢 How harmonics from modern electronics are affecting electrical systems🟢 EV chargers shutting down when voltage reaches 253V🟢 The growing importance of power quality measurement🟢 How electricians can protect themselves with data logging and testing🟢 Where electrification and AI may take the industry next This is a deep dive into the real technical challenges electricians are starting to face as electrical systems evolve. If you are an electrician, engineer, or anyone working in the electrical industry, this episode will give you a new perspective on what is happening inside the systems we install and maintain every day.

    Why Neutral Conductors Are Overheating | Harmonics, EV Chargers & Modern Electrical Systems

  7. Feb 13

    From 1 Van to 22 Electricians in 6 Years | DEC ELEC's Blueprint for Growth

    What does it really take to scale an electrical business? In this episode of Torque Up, we sit down with Declan from DEC ELEC who built his company from a one man operation to a 22 man team in just six years. No fluff. No fake hype. We break down: • The 16 hour shifts at the start• When growth nearly broke him• Hiring his partner to systemise the business• Why tracking, structure and process are everything• Winning council and housing association contracts• The difference between turnover and profit• Doubling revenue year after year• Stepping off the tools and becoming a true business owner• Investing in coaching and personal growth If you are an electrician thinking about scaling, this episode will change how you see your business. Sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK

    From 1 Van to 22 Electricians in 6 Years | DEC ELEC's Blueprint for Growth

  8. Jan 25

    Will AI Replace Electricians? AI, Certification and the Future of the Trades

    In Episode 30 of the Torque Up Podcast, hosts William and Junii are joined by Charles, founder of Trade Cert, for an in depth conversation on Artificial Intelligence in the electrical industry. AI is everywhere right now, but most conversations stop at fear or hype. This episode goes further. We break down how AI is already being used in electrical certification, inspection reporting, EICRs, and admin heavy tasks, while addressing the biggest concern electricians have job security. Charles explains why AI is excellent at repetitive, low skill admin but fundamentally incapable of replacing professional judgement, site based decision making, or responsibility under sign off. We also explore why trades are uniquely protected compared to office based roles, and how electricians can use AI to become more efficient without losing control or credibility. This is a practical, honest discussion for electricians, contractors, supervisors, and business owners who want to understand AI without being sold fear or fantasy. • AI in electrical certification and reporting• Reducing EICR paperwork without risk• Why AI cannot replace electricians• The difference between automation and intelligence• AGI explained in plain English• Professional responsibility and liability• Using AI as a second set of eyes• The future of the trades in an AI world If you work in the electrical industry and want clarity on AI, this episode is essential listening. Topics covered in this episode 00:00 Episode introduction02:10 What Trade Cert is and why it exists05:45 Rapid growth and market demand08:30 AI and electrical certification explained12:40 UX and why usability matters16:20 Service, trust and human support19:10 Fear of AI replacing electricians24:00 Why judgement cannot be automated28:30 AGI explained simply33:10 Liability and responsibility38:20 AI as a second set of eyes42:30 How electricians should use AI46:10 Admin reduction without skill loss49:30 The future of AI in trades52:00 Final thoughts 🎯 Sponsor Credit This episode is proudly sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK Professional electrical test and measurement equipment trusted across the industry.Visit https://cauk.net/ #TorqueUpPodcast#Electricians#ElectricalIndustry#AIInTrades#TradeTechnology

    Will AI Replace Electricians? AI, Certification and the Future of the Trades
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About

A Podcast for the professional electrical industry, sharing unbiased news, reviews and learning about all aspects of our incredible industry. With guests on from all sides of manufacturing, wholesaling, electricians, apprentices and more. Brought to you from Torque Up Productions in association with Navitas

Information

  • Creator
    William Winter and Friends
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © William Winter and Friends
  • Show Website
    TORQUE UP

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