Welcome to Episode 29 of the Torque Up Podcast, our New Year episode focused on what 2026 really looks like for electricians and trade business owners. In this episode, Will and Junii are joined by Joe from Jake Electrical for a candid, no nonsense conversation about running an electrical business in the real world. We talk openly about New Year resolutions that actually matter, the pressure of balancing work, family, admin, and growth, and why so many electricians feel stretched despite being busy. Joe shares his journey through apprenticeship, going self employed, and the realities of pricing jobs, managing paperwork, using AI tools, and building systems that save time instead of creating more stress. The conversation also dives into apprenticeships and why the system is broken, the real cost to small electrical businesses, and why good apprentices are becoming harder to find. We then zoom out to discuss social media, influencer marketing, trade shows, wholesalers, and manufacturers, questioning what genuinely delivers value to installers and what no longer works. This episode finishes with a future focused discussion on industry consolidation, large energy companies, digital platforms, and how electricians can protect their independence while building sustainable businesses into 2026 and beyond. If you are an electrician, contractor, apprentice, wholesaler, or manufacturer, this episode will hit home. This episode is proudly sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK, trusted specialists in professional test and measurement equipment for electricians. 00:00 – Welcome back and New Year reflectionsIntroducing Episode 29 and setting the tone for 2026. 03:30 – New Year resolutions that actually matterWhy mindset, time, and presence matter more than goals on paper. 07:45 – Running a trade business vs being good on the toolsWhy admin and systems catch most electricians out. 12:30 – Using AI, software, and tools the right wayHow electricians are saving time without losing control. 17:40 – Social media for electricians: what really worksSeparating genuine value from paid promotion. 23:10 – Apprenticeships and why the system is failingThe real cost to small businesses and why good apprentices are rare. 30:20 – Work ethic, earning your stripes, and learning on siteWhy hands on experience still matters more than shortcuts. 35:45 – Trade shows: worth it or outdatedInstaller perspective on value, networking, and returns. 42:30 – Manufacturers, wholesalers, and installer trustHow new products actually reach electricians. 48:10 – The future of the electrical industryAI, big energy companies, and the risk of consolidation. 54:40 – How electricians protect independence in 2026Practical advice for future proofing your business. 58:30 – Final thoughts and takeawaysWhat electricians should really focus on this year.
