Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast

Trade Apps Ltd

Welcome to 'Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast,' the ultimate destination for tradespeople across the UK, hosted by Keiran Yates and Pete Withers (Tradie Tales aka Plumber Tales). This podcast is a toolbox of insights, humour, and real-life stories from the heart of the trades industry.Each episode of 'Off The Job' is crafted with the tradesperson in mind, whether you're a Gas Engineer, Plumber, Electrician, or just passionate about the trade world. Our hosts, Keiran and Pete, bring their unique perspectives and humour to the table, making every discussion engaging and relatable.What sets 'Off The Job' apart is its blend of entertainment and education. We dive into industry trends, offer practical advice, and share stories that resonate with anyone in the trades. Our guests range from seasoned professionals to new faces in the industry, each bringing their unique experiences and insights.'Off The Job' is more than just a podcast; it's a community where tradespeople can come together to learn, laugh, and connect. Whether you're on the job site or relaxing at home, our podcast is the perfect companion to your day.Stay updated with the latest in the trades, get a good laugh, and maybe learn something new along the way. Subscribe to 'Off The Job: A Trade Podcast' on Apple Podcasts and join our community of hardworking, fun-loving tradespeople today!

  1. Episode 1

    He Built A £30 Million Builders' Merchant Business From Just £20,000 | Shane Watts

    Send us Fan Mail How do you turn £20,000 into a £30 million builders' merchant business?   This week on Off The Job, Pete and Keiran sit down with Shane Watts, who shares the journey of building one of the UK's leading independent builders' merchants. From the early risks and business decisions to the challenges of growing a company in the construction industry, this episode is packed with lessons for anyone working in the trades.   In this episode we cover: Building a £30 million builders' merchant businessStarting with just £20,000Growing a successful trade businessThe biggest mistakes self-employed tradespeople makeWhat builders' merchants really think about tradespeopleHow the construction industry has changedBusiness growth, leadership and hiring the right peopleAI, technology and the future of the trade industryAdvice for anyone looking to start or scale a business  Whether you're a plumber, gas engineer, electrician, builder, carpenter, roofer, painter & decorator or running your own construction business, this episode is full of practical advice, honest conversations and real business lessons from someone who's spent years in the trade industry.   👇 Let us know in the comments: If you had £20,000 to start a business today, what trade would you choose? 📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/ 💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/ 🎁 EXCLUSIVE PODCAST OFFER Get 30% OFF your Yearly Subscription to Gas Certificate App! Use code: POD30 at checkout 📲 Download the Gas Certificate App now https://onelink.to/hbv69u ⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead. 🔗 Follow us on Socials 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offthejobpodcastuk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthejobpodcastuk

    He Built A £30 Million Builders' Merchant Business From Just £20,000 | Shane Watts
  2. Episode 1 Bonus

    I Refuse To Repair Old Boilers Anymore... Here's Why | Off The Job Podcast Overtime Episode 88

    Send us Fan Mail From old boilers and rising costs to air conditioning, heatwaves and the future of the trade industry... this week's Off The Job Overtime covers it all.   Pete and Keiran are back for another honest conversation about what's really happening across the UK trades. From debating whether it's worth repairing old boilers anymore, to discussing why so many self-employed tradespeople feel it's getting harder to make money, this episode is packed with opinions, real experiences and plenty of tradie banter.   In this episode, you'll hear: Why Pete says he's stopped repairing old boilersWhen it's better to replace a boiler instead of fixing itWhy tradespeople are finding it harder to make a profitThe rising cost of vans, tools and running a trade businessAir conditioning installs and whether they're the next big opportunity for plumbers and heating engineersThe hottest trades to get into over the next 20 yearsWho's responsible for deep joist notches when replacing pipework?England's Club World Cup performance, Trade Wars 2026 and plenty of off-topic conversations along the way  Whether you're a plumber, gas engineer, heating engineer, electrician, builder, carpenter, painter & decorator or running your own trade business, there's plenty to get involved with in this episode.   👇 Join the conversation in the comments: Would you keep repairing a 25-year-old boiler, or would you recommend a replacement? 📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/ 💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/ 🎁 EXCLUSIVE PODCAST OFFER Get 30% OFF your Yearly Subscription to Gas Certificate App! Use code: POD30 at checkout 📲 Download the Gas Certificate App now https://onelink.to/hbv69u ⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead. 🔗 Follow us on Socials 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offthejobpodcastuk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthejobpodcastuk

    I Refuse To Repair Old Boilers Anymore... Here's Why | Off The Job Podcast Overtime Episode 88
  3. Episode 2

    The Biggest Mistake Self-Employed Tradespeople Make | Giovanni Barreca from GRFT Academy

    Send us Fan Mail Nobody teaches you how to run a trade business… until now. This week on Off The Job, Pete and Keiran are joined by Gio, who shares the business lessons every self-employed tradesperson should know. From pricing jobs and understanding your numbers to finding more work, building repeat business and creating systems that actually help your business grow, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone in the construction industry.   In this episode we cover: How to start and grow a successful trade business The biggest mistakes self-employed tradespeople make Why most tradespeople struggle with business, not the trade itself Pricing jobs properly and knowing your numbers Winning more work without relying on cheap leads Google Business Profile, reviews and getting found online Building repeat customers and long-term relationships Business structure, organisation and customer service Marketing your trade business the right way Practical advice for plumbers, electricians, gas engineers, builders, carpenters, decorators and every self-employed tradesperson   Whether you're just starting out, thinking about going self-employed or already running your own trade business, this episode is full of practical tips, real experiences and honest conversations that could help you avoid costly mistakes and build a stronger business.   👇 Let us know in the comments: What's the biggest business lesson you've learned since going self-employed? 📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/ 💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/ 🎁 EXCLUSIVE PODCAST OFFER Get 30% OFF your Yearly Subscription to Gas Certificate App! Use code: POD30 at checkout 📲 Download the Gas Certificate App now https://onelink.to/hbv69u ⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead. 🔗 Follow us on Socials 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offthejobpodcastuk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthejobpodcastuk

    The Biggest Mistake Self-Employed Tradespeople Make | Giovanni Barreca from GRFT Academy
  4. Episode 3

    He Started Decorating At 30... Now Brands Pay Him To Promote Their Products | Kevin Brown as The Prestige Painter

    Send us Fan Mail Most people know Kevin Brown as The Prestige Painter, but decorating wasn't where his career started.   After leaving professional football and building a successful career with the Volkswagen Group, Kevin made the decision to start again and retrain as a painter & decorator at 30 years old. What followed wasn't just another decorating business, it was a completely different way of thinking about marketing, pricing, customer service and building a personal brand.   Pete and Keiran sit down with Kevin to unpack the journey, from launching his business with a simple Facebook marketing campaign to becoming a recognised name in the painting and decorating industry and working alongside some of the biggest decorating brands in the UK.   Expect plenty of honest conversations about: Starting a trade later in lifeBuilding a successful painting & decorating businessMarketing that actually wins workPricing decorating jobs with confidenceCreating repeat customers through great serviceThe power of personal branding and social mediaDecorating products, tools and industry trendsLife as a self-employed tradesperson  Whether you're a painter & decorator looking to grow your business, or you're a plumber, electrician, gas engineer, carpenter or builder wanting to attract more customers and stand out from the competition, there's plenty of practical advice you can take from this episode.   👇 Question for the comments: If you had to start your trade business from scratch tomorrow, what's the first thing you'd do differently? 📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/ 💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/ 🎁 EXCLUSIVE PODCAST OFFER Get 30% OFF your Yearly Subscription to Gas Certificate App! Use code: POD30 at checkout 📲 Download the Gas Certificate App now https://onelink.to/hbv69u ⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead. 🔗 Follow us on Socials 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offthejobpodcastuk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthejobpodcastuk

  5. Episode 3 Bonus

    He Sold His Trade Business... Here's Why It Was Worth Buying | Off The Job Podcast Overtime Episode 89

    Send us Fan Mail What actually makes a trade business valuable?   This week, Pete and Keiran dive into the conversations every self-employed tradesperson ends up having—from building a loyal customer base and winning repeat work to quoting jobs, marking up materials and planning for the future of your business. If you're a plumber, gas engineer, electrician, builder, carpenter or any other tradesperson running your own business, there's plenty to take away from this one.   In this episode, you'll hear:   Why repeat customers are the biggest asset in a trade businessHow service reminders can help keep your diary fullShould you charge for quotes or provide estimates?How much should you really mark up materials?The difference between building a job... and building a businessPreparing your trade business for the futureReal trade stories and comments from the Off The Job communityBoiler servicing, plumbing chat and plenty of honest opinions from Pete and Keiran  The lads also discuss why so many tradespeople spend their careers chasing the next job instead of creating a business with long-term value, inspired by the recent conversation with Richard from London Basement Pumps about building a business that's worth selling.   👇 Join the conversation: Do you charge for quotes? What's your markup on materials? And what's one thing you've done that's brought you more repeat customers? 📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/ 💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/ 🎁 EXCLUSIVE PODCAST OFFER Get 30% OFF your Yearly Subscription to Gas Certificate App! Use code: POD30 at checkout 📲 Download the Gas Certificate App now https://onelink.to/hbv69u ⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead. 🔗 Follow us on Socials 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offthejobpodcastuk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthejobpodcastuk

    He Sold His Trade Business... Here's Why It Was Worth Buying | Off The Job Podcast Overtime Episode 89
  6. Episode 4

    The Truth About Being An Electrician | Tall Sparky

    Send us Fan Mail If you've ever wondered what life is really like as a self-employed electrician, this episode is for you.   Pete and Keiran are joined by Liam, better known online as Tall Sparky, for an honest conversation about the realities of working in the electrical industry. From apprenticeships and landlord work to social media, running your own business and the banter between different trades, nothing is off limits.   Throughout the episode, Liam shares the experiences that have shaped his career, how creating content has opened unexpected opportunities, and why staying true to yourself matters both on and off the tools. The conversation also touches on a personal health scare that changed his perspective on work, business and life.   You'll hear discussions about:   Life as a self-employed electricianBuilding a personal brand in the trade industryCreating trade content on social mediaApprenticeships and getting started in the electrical tradeDomestic work, landlord jobs and self-employmentTrade banter and the rivalry between different tradesMental resilience, health and work-life balanceHonest stories, laughs and opinions from someone who isn't afraid to speak his mind  Whether you're an electrician, apprentice, plumber, gas engineer, builder, carpenter, painter & decorator or another self-employed tradesperson, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical insights and plenty of laughs from the world of UK trades.   👇 Join the conversation: What's one opinion about the trade industry that always starts a debate on site? 📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/ 💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/ 🎁 EXCLUSIVE PODCAST OFFER Get 30% OFF your Yearly Subscription to Gas Certificate App! Use code: POD30 at checkout 📲 Download the Gas Certificate App now https://onelink.to/hbv69u ⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead. 🔗 Follow us on Socials 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offthejobpodcastuk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthejobpodcastuk

    The Truth About Being An Electrician | Tall Sparky
  7. Episode 4 Bonus

    A Gas Explosion... Can The Engineer Be Blamed? | Off The Job Podcast Overtime Episode 90

    Send us Fan Mail What happens if you were the last gas engineer to work at a property before something goes seriously wrong?   Pete and Keiran are back for another Off The Job Overtime, getting into one of the more serious conversations they’ve had recently after discussing a suspected gas explosion that destroyed a bungalow and sadly resulted in a fatality.   It leads into a proper conversation about the responsibility that comes with being a gas engineer, what happens when an incident is investigated and why keeping evidence of your work could be one of the most important things you do.   Photos, gas safety records, certificates and proof of how an installation was left might seem like extra admin at the time, but if something happens weeks or months later, could you prove that your work was safe when you left?   The lads also get into: Why gas engineers should keep photographic evidence of their workGas safety, investigations and protecting yourself after a jobWhether people should be able to buy gas appliances without being Gas Safe registeredThe reality of never fully switching off when you work in plumbing and heatingMate rates, customer favours and knowing when you’re charging too little  And on the slightly less serious side, Pete tells the story of doing a £2,500 boiler conversion for a mate, including radiator valves, an outside tap and three days of graft, only for his mate to then start negotiating over the scrap and the flowers he’d given him.   So naturally, that turns into another debate every tradesperson will recognise: How far should mate rates actually go?   From gas safety and boiler installations to pricing jobs, customer expectations and the pressure of being responsible for work long after you’ve left site, this is another Overtime full of the conversations plumbers, gas engineers and heating engineers are already having in vans, merchants and WhatsApp groups.   👇 Let us know in the comments: Do you take photos and keep evidence of every gas job you complete? And would you have done that boiler conversion for £2,500? 📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/ 💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/ 🎁 EXCLUSIVE PODCAST OFFER Get 30% OFF your Yearly Subscription to Gas Certificate App! Use code: POD30 at checkout 📲 Download the Gas Certificate App now https://onelink.to/hbv69u ⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead. 🔗 Follow us on Socials 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offthejobpodcastuk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthejobpodcastuk

    A Gas Explosion... Can The Engineer Be Blamed? | Off The Job Podcast Overtime Episode 90
  8. Episode 5

    Tool Theft Is Down 26%... Here's Why | Dave & Shoaib (The Gas Expert)

    Send us Fan Mail Tool theft is changing… and for the first time in years, there's some positive news.   Pete and Keiran are joined by Dave from the Metropolitan Police and Shoaib, better known as The Gas Expert, to discuss the latest developments in the fight against tool theft across the UK. With reported tool theft down by 26%, the conversation explores what's driving that change, how stolen tools are being recovered and what tradespeople can do right now to better protect their vans, tools and businesses.   This episode covers:                                                     Why tool theft has fallen by 26%The major police raids targeting stolen toolsHow car boot sales are being tackledThe latest plans to make selling stolen tools even harderHow stolen tools are recovered and returned to their ownersWhy tool marking is becoming one of the biggest deterrents against tool theftSelectaDNA, police partnerships and new technology helping recover stolen equipmentNew vehicle security initiatives for tradespeopleHotel parking schemes designed to protect trade vans overnightPractical ways plumbers, gas engineers, electricians, builders, carpenters and every self-employed tradesperson can reduce the risk of tool theftDave shares what the Metropolitan Police are doing behind the scenes to target organised criminals, while Shoaib explains how the trade community has come together to create real change over the past few years. The episode also looks ahead to what's next in the fight against tool theft and why every tradesperson should be taking simple steps now to protect their livelihood.   If you're a plumber, gas engineer, electrician, heating engineer, builder, carpenter, roofer, painter & decorator or anyone who relies on tools to earn a living, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry updates and real stories from the people helping drive change across the UK trade industry.   👇 Join the conversation: Have you ever had tools stolen? What security measures have made the biggest difference to your van or business? 📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/ 💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/ 🎁 EXCLUSIVE PODCAST OFFER Get 30% OFF your Yearly Subscription to Gas Certificate App! Use code: POD30 at checkout 📲 Download the Gas Certificate App now https://onelink.to/hbv69u ⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead. 🔗 Follow us on Socials 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offthejobpodcastuk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthejobpodcastuk

    Tool Theft Is Down 26%... Here's Why | Dave & Shoaib (The Gas Expert)

About

Welcome to 'Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast,' the ultimate destination for tradespeople across the UK, hosted by Keiran Yates and Pete Withers (Tradie Tales aka Plumber Tales). This podcast is a toolbox of insights, humour, and real-life stories from the heart of the trades industry.Each episode of 'Off The Job' is crafted with the tradesperson in mind, whether you're a Gas Engineer, Plumber, Electrician, or just passionate about the trade world. Our hosts, Keiran and Pete, bring their unique perspectives and humour to the table, making every discussion engaging and relatable.What sets 'Off The Job' apart is its blend of entertainment and education. We dive into industry trends, offer practical advice, and share stories that resonate with anyone in the trades. Our guests range from seasoned professionals to new faces in the industry, each bringing their unique experiences and insights.'Off The Job' is more than just a podcast; it's a community where tradespeople can come together to learn, laugh, and connect. Whether you're on the job site or relaxing at home, our podcast is the perfect companion to your day.Stay updated with the latest in the trades, get a good laugh, and maybe learn something new along the way. Subscribe to 'Off The Job: A Trade Podcast' on Apple Podcasts and join our community of hardworking, fun-loving tradespeople today!

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