Taylor Talks Trades

Hosted by Taylor Talks

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Episodes

123

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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About the show

Join Jamie Taylor, Chairman of Taylor Roofs, as he talks to friends and businesspeople from across various trades about their journey, what they’re up to now, and what the future will bring. Listen to valuable insights and advice from experienced tradespeople, as well as some good chat and stories from people with a lot to tell!

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60 recent

November 5, 2026Episode 1171 hr 7 min

How My Failed Business Was My Greatest Lesson

Today we’re joined by Adam Hughes, who shares how he got into painting and decorating and what led him to start his own business. Adam talks about the early stages of running a business and how he quickly realised there was a lot he still needed to learn if he wanted to make it work. After going on to start another business and gaining more experience, Adam was able to take those lessons and apply them to A4 Decor. We talk about the mistakes, challenges and lessons that helped him understand what it really takes to build a business that is not just successful, but sustainable for the long term. This is an honest conversation about learning through experience, growing as a business owner and building something that can last. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

October 23, 2026Episode 11657 min

How Many Bars and Restaurants do see Closing Down

Today we’re joined by Simon Preece, founder of Food Creations. The hospitality industry, the experiences that shaped his career and the lessons that eventually led him to start his own food events company. We talk about what it has taken to grow Food Creations, build a team of more than 60 staff and create a strong culture as the business has developed. Simon also opens up about the reality of working in hospitality, the challenges that come with managing people and some of the pressures that come with running a business in the industry. This is an honest conversation about hospitality, leadership, team culture, business growth and the lessons Simon has learned along the way. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

October 9, 2026Episode 11559 min

How He Broke the Cycle of Addiction and Changed His Life

Today we’re joined by Stevie Clark, who opens up about his battle with addiction and the journey that has led him to more than 500 days sober. Stevie talks about just how much addiction had become part of his everyday life. Whether he was having a good day or a bad day, celebrating a win in business or heading to the football, he would find a reason to drink alcohol or use cocaine. In this episode, Stevie shares what eventually made him realise things needed to change and the steps he took to get sober. But the conversation is not just about stopping. Stevie talks about what he has had to change in his life to stay sober, the challenges he has faced along the way and what he has learned about himself throughout the process. It’s an open conversation about addiction, recovery, business and making changes that actually last. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

September 25, 2026Episode 11443 min

From Trying to Take His Own Life to Turning Everything Around

Today we’re joined by Mark, who shares an incredibly personal story about reaching one of the lowest points in his life and how he began turning things around. Mark talks openly about attempting to take his own life, realising something needed to change and the journey that followed. We also talk about losing a friend, leaving his job and taking the leap into starting his own trades business. Mark shares how running has helped his mental health, why speaking openly about your struggles matters and the importance of understanding that you are not alone. Jamie also opens up about his own experience with suicidal thoughts and how he learned to cope with difficult periods in his life differently. This is an honest conversation about mental health, suicide, loss, business and what it can take to start rebuilding your life when things feel at their worst. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

September 11, 2026Episode 1131 hr 20 min

He Built & Sold an 8-Figure Business

Today we’re joined by Jonny, who shares the story behind selling his business for an eight figure sum and what the experience was really like behind the scenes. Jonny opens up about where he was mentally while running the business and the point where he realised he might not be the right person to take it into its next stage of growth. We talk about how the opportunity to sell came about, rejecting the first offer, what it felt like when the offers started coming in and how the decision affected both Jonny and his family. Jonny also shares the reality of stepping away from something he had spent years building, adjusting to life after the sale and the lessons the experience taught him about business, family, discipline and what success actually means. A real conversation about building a successful business, knowing when to step away and figuring out what comes next. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

August 14, 20268 min

5 Reasons Why Most Trades Businesses Fail

In this episode, Jamie breaks down the 5 key reasons why so many trades businesses fail and, more importantly, what business owners can do to avoid making the same mistakes. From poor systems and lack of structure to trying to do everything yourself, Jamie explains the common problems that can hold a trades business back from growing. He also shares practical advice on how to overcome these challenges, build a stronger business, and ultimately create the foundations needed to scale. If you're running a trades business or looking to take your company to the next level, this episode is packed with lessons you can put into practice. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. FREE BUSINESS SCORE CARD : https://scale-your-trade-business.scoreapp.com/ Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

July 28, 202621 min

Why Business is so Overwhelming and Here is How to FIX it

Running a business can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to do everything yourself. In this episode, we explore why so many business owners end up stuck in constant firefighting and what can be done to change it. Jamie shares the common mistakes that create chaos in growing businesses, how to identify where you are on the entrepreneurial ladder, and why systems, delegation, accountability, and the right people are essential for sustainable growth. We also discuss the importance of having clear roles within your team and how bringing in the right support can improve both your customer experience and the day to day running of your business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice that you can apply straight away. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

July 17, 2026Episode 1121 hr 13 min

The Mindset Shift From Apprentice to Business Owner

In this episode we are joined by Jordan Stevenson from Stevenson Stonemasonry. Jordan shares how he got into the industry, where he learned his craft, and the journey that led him to start his own business. We discuss the realities of building a company from the ground up, the challenges that come with moving from the tools into running a business, and the identity shift that many tradespeople experience when they become business owners. Jordan also talks about apprenticeships, growing a team, balancing traditional skills with modern techniques, and the lessons he's learned throughout his journey. If you're a tradesperson thinking about starting your own business, or you're already navigating the challenges of running one, this episode is full of honest insights and practical takeaways. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

July 3, 2026Episode 11143 min

How He Grew From 1,000 to 100,000 Followers in Under a Year

In this episode we are joined by Mark Hodgkins from Revamp. Mark shares how he got into the trade, the journey to starting his own business, and the skills and lessons he has picked up along the way. We also dive into how Mark grew his social media from just 1,000 followers to more than 100,000 in under a year, how that level of growth has changed his business, and why he wants to use his platform to make a positive impact. Mark opens up about the importance of men’s mental health, creating a space where people feel comfortable talking, learning through mistakes as an apprentice, and how every job has helped shape the business owner he is today. If you’re a tradesperson, business owner, or someone looking to grow both professionally and personally, there’s plenty of practical advice and honest insight throughout this conversation. Real lessons. Real stories. Real business. Subscribe for more honest conversations with trades and business owners. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

June 19, 2026Episode 420 min

The Real Challenges of Taking On Apprentices in 2026

In this episode, Jamie shares his thoughts on apprenticeships, training, and the challenges facing the next generation of tradespeople. He talks openly about the difficulties that both employers and apprentices face, and how many of these challenges come from factors outside of their control. From rising costs and business pressures to changes in the industry, Jamie explains why it is becoming harder for companies to take on and train young people. The conversation also explores the importance of proper training and why passing skills on to the next generation is more important than ever. Jamie discusses what he believes is missing from the current system and the type of training environment he would love to create to help develop future roofers. This is an honest discussion about the future of the trades, the value of apprenticeships, and what needs to change if skilled roofing knowledge is going to continue being passed down. If you are an apprentice, a business owner, or someone interested in the future of the trades, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Real challenges. Real solutions. Real conversations. Subscribe for more honest discussions about roofing, business, apprenticeships, and the trades industry. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM