Off The Tools with Wayne and Andy 🔥

Hosted by Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones

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Episodes

166

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

Welcome to the Off The Tools Podcast, where two of the UK's best trade business coaches, Wayne Bettess & Andrew Jones, deliver tons of free value week in week out to help trade business owners level up their business and more importantly themselves. Wayne Bettess & Andrew Jones are passionate entrepreneurs & trade business owners themselves who are committed to personal and professional development. on this channel, Wayne & Andy share their wisdom on mindset, self-development, and offer glimpses into how to create a life that is one of choice and freedom.

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August 19, 2026Episode 4146 min

#41 The Hidden Costs Killing Your Trade Business Profit: Part 1

The Hidden Costs Killing Your Trade Business Profit: Part 1 In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones break down the hidden costs that are quietly destroying profit in UK trade businesses. Most plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, gas engineers, builders and trades business owners know their obvious costs — materials, fuel, wages, insurance and tools. But the real damage often comes from the hidden costs that get ignored every day. Missed phone calls. Slow quotes. Callbacks. Poor scheduling. Weak communication. Underpricing. No upselling. Bad debt. Poor van stock management. And the biggest one of all — the business owner becoming the bottleneck. Wayne and Andy go through the first part of their list of hidden profit leaks and explain how these small problems compound into lost jobs, wasted hours, poor cash flow, stressed customers and a business that feels busy but still does not make enough money. Inside this episode, we cover: Why missed calls are costing tradesmen real money Why customers will not wait around anymore How slow quotes lose jobs in 2026 Why callbacks are often a systems or training problem How poor scheduling wastes time, fuel and diary space Why underpricing destroys profit Why you must add margin to materials The hidden cost of poor van stock control Why communication is now a major part of customer value How upselling can help customers and increase profit Why bad debt should not be tolerated How the owner becomes the bottleneck in a growing trade business This episode is perfect for UK tradesmen who feel busy but still do not see enough profit at the end of the month. If you are working hard, winning jobs and staying busy but still wondering where the money is going, this episode will help you spot the hidden leaks in your business. Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance : https://offthetools.co.uk Book a free discovery call: https://offthetools.co.uk/discovery-call Explore QuoteLion: https://quotelion.co.uk Profit is not only lost on big mistakes. It is often lost through small daily leaks that go unnoticed. If you want more time, freedom and profit, you need to find the hidden costs, fix the systems, and stop letting your trade business quietly rinse your money. SEO-Friendly Podcast Description🔗 Useful Links💥 Key Takeaway

August 12, 2026Episode 4016 min

#40 Why Great Engineers Can Make Bad Business Owners

Why Great Engineers Can Make Bad Business Owners In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones explore a hard truth in the trades: Being a brilliant engineer does not automatically make you a brilliant business owner. Many plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, gas engineers and tradesmen spend years improving their technical skills, learning new systems, buying better tools and becoming excellent on the job. But the skills that make you great on the tools are not always the same skills needed to build a profitable, scalable and sustainable trade business. Wayne and Andy discuss why technical ability can sometimes become an anchor, holding business owners back from hiring, delegating, systemising, marketing properly and stepping into the role of business owner. This episode covers: Why being the best engineer is not enough The difference between tradesman thinking and business owner thinking Why technical skill can sometimes hold you back Why customers value more than just perfect pipework Why great tradesmen often struggle to delegate How being able to “just jump in the van” stops proper problem-solving Why business skills, systems and leadership matter more as you grow The danger of always being the technical person in your business Why hiring people with different skills can help you scale Why becoming a better business owner may mean stepping away from being the best engineer If you are a UK tradesman who takes pride in doing top-quality work but still feels stuck, overwhelmed or tied to the tools, this episode will challenge the way you think about growth. Because if you want to build a proper trade business, you cannot only focus on being better at the trade. You have to become better at business. Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance : https://offthetools.co.uk Book a free discovery call: https://offthetools.co.uk/discovery-call Listen to more Off The Tools Podcast episodes: https://offthetools.co.uk/podcast The best tradesman does not always build the best business. If you want more time, freedom and profit, you need to stop only thinking like an engineer and start thinking like a business owner.

August 5, 2026Episode 3940 min

#39 Is Andy Burnham Right - Why Trades Could Beat a Degrees

Are Apprenticeships Finally Getting The Respect They Deserve? Why Trades Could Beat Degrees In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones dive into a big conversation around apprenticeships, university, trade careers and the future of work. For years, young people have been pushed towards university as the “better” option, while apprenticeships and hands-on trades have often been looked down on. But is that finally changing? Wayne and Andy discuss why becoming a plumber, heating engineer, electrician, gas engineer or skilled tradesman can now offer more opportunity, flexibility and earning potential than many traditional degree-based careers. They also explore how AI is changing the job market, why hands-on trades are likely to become even more valuable, and why real-world skills, confidence, problem-solving and life experience matter just as much as academic qualifications. Inside this episode, we cover: Why apprenticeships should be valued alongside degrees The earning potential of qualified tradesmen Why university is no longer the obvious “safe” route How AI could impact office-based and degree-based careers Why hands-on trades are harder to replace Why young people need more real-world experience The difference between classroom learning and learning on the job Why tradesmen build confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills Why the trade industry needs to be promoted properly to the next generation What parents should consider when advising their children on careers This episode is perfect for UK tradesmen, parents, apprentices, young people, employers and anyone interested in the future of apprenticeships, trade careers and vocational training. If you’ve ever wondered whether university is still worth it, whether your child should consider a trade, or whether apprenticeships deserve more respect, this episode will challenge the old way of thinking. Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance : https://offthetools.co.uk Book a free discovery call: https://offthetools.co.uk/discovery-call Listen to more Off The Tools Podcast episodes: https://offthetools.co.uk/podcast University is not the only route to success. For many young people, an apprenticeship could offer better earning potential, stronger life skills, less debt, more flexibility and a safer future in a world being reshaped by AI. The trades do not need to be seen as the backup plan anymore. They could be one of the smartest paths available. SEO-Friendly Podcast Description🔗 Useful Links💥 Key Takeaway

July 29, 2026Episode 3838 min

#38 Tradesmen Using AI Will Win: How AI, Automation & Software Are Changing The Trade Industry

In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones dive into one of the biggest shifts happening in the UK trades industry: Tradesmen using AI are going to win. AI is not here to replace plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, bathroom fitters or gas engineers on the tools. Robots are not turning up tomorrow to fit boilers, rewire houses or install bathrooms. But AI is already changing everything that happens around the job . Wayne and Andy discuss how AI, automation, CRM systems, job management software and smart workflows are helping modern trade businesses improve customer service, reduce admin, follow up faster, send better quotes, manage reminders, collect reviews, trigger upsells and create a smoother customer journey. They also explain why AI is not a magic button. It still needs the right business foundations, systems, admin support and human oversight to work properly. Used badly, AI can damage the customer experience. Used properly, it can help a trades business look more professional, respond faster and compete at a much higher level. Inside this episode, we cover: Why tradesmen using AI will have a huge advantage Why AI will not replace the actual trade work on site How AI supports admin, customer service and follow-up Why customers now expect Amazon/Uber-style communication The danger of relying too heavily on AI without systems Why AI call answering still needs careful use How automation can support office staff, not replace them How ServiceM8, SalesLion, QuoteLion and Review Lion can work together How AI can trigger quotes, emails, texts and upsell journeys Why reviews, reminders and customer experience matter more than ever Why software should be seen as an investment, not a cost This episode is perfect for UK plumbers, heating engineers, gas engineers, electricians and trade business owners who want to future-proof their business, improve customer experience and use AI properly without losing the personal touch. If you are still relying on paper, manual follow-up, missed calls, late quotes and old-school systems, this episode will challenge how you think about the future of your trade business. Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance : https://offthetools.co.uk Book a free discovery call: https://offthetools.co.uk/discovery-call Explore QuoteLion: https://quotelion.co.uk Explore Review Lion: https://reviewlion.co.uk AI is not replacing tradesmen. But tradesmen who use AI, automation and modern software properly will beat the ones who refuse to adapt. The future of the trades will not just be won by the best engineer on the tools. It will be won by the business that communicates better, follows up faster, quotes professionally, collects reviews, automates the boring stuff and still keeps the human touch.

July 22, 2026Episode 3734 min

#37 Thinking Of Going Self-Employed? What Every Tradesman Must Know Before Going On Their Own

In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones talk directly to UK tradesmen who are thinking about going self-employed, starting their own trade business, or have recently gone out on their own but are struggling to get traction. Going on your own is often seen as the dream — more money, more freedom, no boss, and full control. But the reality is very different if you start without the right pricing, systems, marketing, website, software and business mindset. Wayne and Andy explain why too many plumbers, heating engineers, gas engineers, electricians and tradesmen start too cheap, attract the wrong customers, rely on old-school methods, and end up becoming busy fools rather than profitable business owners. This episode covers the real foundations every tradesman needs before going self-employed, including: How to price properly before going on your own Why charging too cheap creates the wrong customer base Why you need job management software from day one Why branded certificate pads and paper diaries are outdated The importance of a proper website in 2026 How AI search, SEO and online visibility are changing the game Why reviews are now the modern word of mouth Why ServiceM8, QuoteLion, Review Lion and strong systems matter How primitive marketing still works when done properly Why van branding, flyers and local visibility still have power Why you need capital before starting a serious trade business Why being a good tradesman is no longer enough If you are thinking about leaving employment, starting a plumbing business, heating business, gas business, electrical business or any UK trade business, this episode is a must-listen. Wayne and Andy give honest, no-fluff advice on what it really takes to build a modern trades business — and why the old way of “do a good job and word of mouth will sort it” is no longer enough. Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance : https://offthetools.co.uk Book a free discovery call: https://offthetools.co.uk/discovery-call Access free resources and training: https://offthetools.co.uk/free-resources Listen to more Off The Tools Podcast episodes: https://offthetools.co.uk/podcast Going self-employed is not the goal. Building a profitable, professional and sustainable trade business is. If you go out on your own with weak pricing, no systems, no website, no software and no plan, you are not building freedom — you are building another stressful job. Do it properly from the start. 🔗 Useful Links💥 Key Takeaway

July 15, 2026Episode 3643 min

#36 Should Your First Hire Be An Engineer Or Admin? Scaling A Trade Business The Smart Way

In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones tackle one of the biggest decisions UK tradesmen face when they start to grow: Who should your first employee be — an engineer on the tools, or someone in the office? Many plumbers, heating engineers, gas engineers, electricians and trades business owners hit the same wall: they’re busy, overwhelmed, doing too much themselves, and running out of time. The natural thought is to hire another tradesman. But is that always the best move? Wayne and Andy break down both sides of the argument, looking at when it makes sense to hire a field engineer, when an admin person could be the smarter first hire, and why taking on staff without systems, onboarding, training and proper pricing can quickly create more chaos. This episode covers the real-world challenges of scaling a trades business, including managing letting agent work, builder work, private customers, job management software, customer service, reviews, diary control, onboarding, culture, cash flow and freeing yourself from evening admin. Inside this episode, we cover: When to hire your first engineer Why admin might be your best first employee How office support can help you win more work Why answering the phone properly matters How admin staff improve customer experience and reviews The hidden costs of taking on field staff Why onboarding and culture are vital when hiring How to stop doing admin every night after work How to free up time without breaking the business Why scaling a trade business needs systems, not just more people This episode is perfect for self-employed plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, gas engineers and trades business owners who feel maxed out and are wondering how to take the next step. If you’re stuck doing the work, answering the phone, quoting at night, chasing customers, managing the diary and trying to grow all at the same time, this episode will help you think clearly about your next hire. Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance : https://offthetools.co.uk Book a free discovery call: https://offthetools.co.uk/discovery-call Access free resources and training: https://offthetools.co.uk/free-resources Listen to more Off The Tools Podcast episodes: https://offthetools.co.uk/podcast Your first hire should not just be about getting another pair of hands. It should be about creating more time, better systems, stronger customer service, more profit and less chaos. Sometimes the smartest first hire is not another tradesman. It’s the person who helps you finally run the business properly. 🔗 Useful Links💥 Key Takeaway

July 8, 2026Episode 351 hr 20 min

#35 Live Q&A With Wayne & Andy: Pricing, Profit, Leads & Scaling Your Trades Business

In this live Off The Tools Q&A , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones answer real questions from UK tradesmen about pricing, profit, lead generation, scaling, systems, builders, subcontracting, and how to build a proper trade business. This session is packed with practical, no-fluff business coaching for plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, bathroom fitters and trades business owners who want more control, better margins and less chaos. Wayne and Andy discuss the common problems holding tradesmen back, including undercharging, working too much for builders, struggling to win private customers, not knowing your numbers, weak profit margins, poor systems, and the challenge of moving from being “just busy” to actually building a profitable business. Inside this live Q&A, we cover: How to price jobs properly as a UK tradesman Why knowing your numbers is essential for profit How to use the Off The Tools pricing calculator Day rates vs hourly rates Why builders and subcontracting work can trap your business How to start attracting more private customers Primitive marketing ideas for tradesmen Lead generation platforms like Checkatrade Lifetime customer value and repeat work Why charging properly is not optional in 2026 How to start scaling without breaking the business The importance of systems, automations and job management software Why surrounding yourself with the right people changes everything If you are a plumber, heating engineer, electrician, gas engineer, bathroom fitter or trade business owner who feels stuck, underpaid or unsure how to grow, this episode will give you real-world advice from two trade business owners who are still actively running businesses and coaching tradesmen across the UK. Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance here: https://offthetools.co.uk Access free resources, including the pricing calculator and training: https://offthetools.co.uk/free-resources Listen to more Off The Tools Podcast episodes: https://offthetools.co.uk/podcast View membership and coaching options: https://offthetools.co.uk/membership-tiers Most tradesmen don’t need more graft. They need better pricing, better systems, better margins, better customers and better people around them. This live Q&A shows exactly why business coaching for tradesmen matters — because the right advice at the right time can save years of stress, wasted money and poor decisions. 📌 Based on the Off The Tools Live Q&A with Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones.

July 1, 2026Episode 3432 min

#34 Should Tradesmen Take Payment Upfront? The Business Owner Mindset Most Tradesmen Avoid

In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones dive into one of the most debated topics in the UK trades industry: Should plumbers, heating engineers, electricians and trades business owners take payment upfront? What starts as a general Off The Tools catch-up quickly turns into a powerful discussion around customer expectations, business owner mindset, pricing, trust, reviews, online reputation, job management software, payment links, deposits and why too many tradesmen leave all the power with the customer. Wayne and Andy break down the difference between thinking like a tradesman and thinking like a business owner. They discuss why customers are now comparing businesses differently, why reviews and professional presentation matter more than ever, and how the right systems can make taking payment upfront feel natural, professional and fair. This episode is perfect for UK plumbers, heating engineers, gas engineers, electricians, builders and trades business owners who want to protect cash flow, stop chasing payments, reduce admin stress and build a more professional trade business. Inside this episode, we cover: Why taking payment upfront triggers so many tradesmen The difference between deposits, prepayment and payment on completion How reviews and online presence build customer trust Why one-man-band thinking can limit your business How payment links and job management software streamline admin Why customers have more power when you invoice after the job The risk of doing boiler installs, fault finds or call-outs with no money upfront How to position your business so customers compare apples with oranges Why professional systems help tradesmen charge properly and get paid faster If you’re still chasing invoices, waiting weeks to be paid, or scared to ask customers for money upfront, this episode will challenge the way you run your business. Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance here: offthetools.co.uk Explore membership and coaching options here: Off The Tools Membership Plans Book a free call or get in touch here: Contact Off The Tools Off The Tools provides no-nonsense business coaching for UK tradesmen, including plumbers, electricians, builders and gas engineers, with support around pricing, systems, marketing, software and getting off the tools. 📌 Based on the Off The Tools Podcast discussion around payment upfront, trade business systems, customer trust, reviews, payment links and business owner mindset. 🔗 Useful Links

June 24, 2026Episode 331 hr 2 min

#33 From RAV4 To 700 Bathrooms: Daniel Bull On Building A Trade Business, Training Centre & Freedom

n this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones sit down with Daniel Bull , director of Elite Plumbing & Construction , Pro Trades Training Centre , and Get Glowing . Daniel shares his journey from starting out with a Toyota RAV4, B&M storage boxes and no real plan… to building a fast-growing bathroom refurbishment business completing nearly 700 bathroom projects and around 14 bathrooms a month . This is a proper real-world conversation about what it takes to grow a trade business in the UK — from learning the hard way, underpricing, managing subcontractors, building systems, tracking profit, handling staff, creating customer journeys, using AI, and launching a trade training centre to solve the skills gap. Wayne, Andy and Daniel also discuss the reality of moving from tradesman to entrepreneur, why mindset matters, why systems and processes are essential, and how freedom becomes more important than just chasing money. This episode is perfect for plumbers, bathroom fitters, heating engineers, tilers, tradesmen, and business owners who want honest insight into trade business growth, business coaching for tradesmen, bathroom business marketing, customer experience, systems, leadership, training and scaling a trades business . How Daniel built Elite Plumbing & Construction Growing from one bathroom a week to high-volume bathroom installations The reality of managing tradesmen, subcontractors and office staff Why customer journey and cleanliness matter in high-value bathroom jobs Building internal systems to track profit, callbacks and labour Using AI, ChatGPT, Meta ads and sales funnels in a trade business Creating an online instant estimate tool for bathroom leads Why Daniel launched Pro Trades Training Centre The skills gap in UK trades and why training needs to change Moving from tradesman mindset to entrepreneur mindset Daniel’s story proves that building a successful trade business isn’t just about being good on the tools. It takes systems, marketing, leadership, customer experience, training, and the willingness to keep evolving. From bathrooms to training centres to new business ideas — this is a great example of what happens when a tradesman starts thinking like a proper business owner. 🔥 In This Episode:💥 Key Takeaway

June 17, 2026Episode 3234 min

#32 The Identity Trap: Why Tradesmen Struggle To Become Business Owners

In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast , Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones dig into one of the biggest hidden problems holding tradesmen back: the identity trap . Many plumbers, heating engineers, electricians and trades business owners start out as great tradesmen — but never fully make the shift into becoming real business owners. They stay stuck being “busy”, doing everything themselves, avoiding delegation, underusing systems, and measuring success by how full the diary is instead of how well the business runs. Wayne and Andy discuss why so many tradesmen become accidental business owners , why being constantly busy is often a warning sign, and how ego, confidence, pricing, staffing, outsourcing and self-worth all play a part in business growth. This is a powerful conversation for UK tradesmen who want more than just another job in disguise. If you want to build a proper trade business with better systems, stronger pricing, more confidence and less reliance on you being on the tools every day, this episode is for you. Perfect for anyone interested in business coaching for tradesmen, tradesmen business coaching, plumbing business coaching, heating business coaching, trade business growth, business mindset, delegation, pricing, systems, and moving off the tools .