I'm The Gaffer

How can construction companies protect themselves when it comes to payment disputes and contracts? Gavin discusses avoidance of payment issues with guest Martin Burns from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Martin provides a detailed explanation of the construction adjudication process in the UK and how even oral contracts can be covered. He highlights the simplicity and affordability o...

How do you gain the knowledge and skills needed to take on your first major construction project? Even though you can learn from a mentor, leading an entire construction build requires significant expertise. You have to show great ability through hands-on experience to be trusted with such an important undertaking.   Rob Williams is a successful construction professional who grew up in the industr...

What insights can be gained around integrating safety practices into the construction industry? As a former executive with experience across many industries, John Mullen understands the unique challenges of construction for ensuring worker safety at scale.   Ensuring worker safety at multiple construction sites poses unique challenges. During his chat with Gavin, John discusses the importance of u...

Are you struggling to effectively oversee multiple construction projects? Managing large jobs can be challenging, but tech is making it easier to remotely track progress and the quality of work being done on site from any location.    Disperse is helping contractors gain better visibility on site using regular photo updates. Their trained operators capture detailed 360 images to document the state...

Have you been struggling to find the right employees for your construction business?   Scott Lechley, an expert headhunter in the construction industry, shares invaluable advice on how to properly hire new staff. He discusses the importance of taking a holistic view of your business needs and finding candidates that are the perfect cultural fit.    Scott also emphasises the value of thorough plann...

Wondering how to break into construction without going to school?   Shane Manogue went from struggling in the classroom to thriving in the construction industry. Starting out as a plumber in the UK, Shane climbed the ladder from steel fixing to project management.  Through hands-on learning and mentorship, he mastered civil engineering and modular construction. But Shane didn't stop there; he buil...

How can small construction businesses take their company to the next level while avoiding common pitfalls? Partnering with an experienced mentor like Richard Stone provides a solution.   Richard has decades of experience in the construction industry helping businesses scale up. He works with contractors to properly evaluate new opportunities, ensuring they have the capacity and risk management pra...

Are you struggling to find qualified construction workers for your projects? You're not alone. The construction industry has long faced challenges recruiting and retaining talented labour. But help may be on the horizon. Paul Sanneman has developed an artificial intelligence-powered staffing solution specifically focused on the construction sector.  Paul and his company, Contractor Staffing Source...

What personal growth must one experience to become an intentional leader focused on developing their people? Jesse Hernandez underwent a transformative personal journey in the construction industry before arriving at this question himself.    Beginning as a plumbing apprentice, Jesse realised the worksite was a better fit than college. Despite successfully executing projects, he found that people...

Are you struggling to understand your construction contracts and manage risks on projects? Sam Bawden from Holmes Hills is here to help, he provides invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of construction law and contracts.    Sam has extensive expertise advising contractors at all levels. This episode he offers practical tips for identifying risky clauses, improving record keeping, b...

Have you ever brought in outside help that ended up causing issues for your business?    Your reputation is on the line, so always look closely at all the details before choosing a new contractor. It's so important to carefully check any company you partner with. When managing who provides things, be sure to thoroughly check paperwork, finances, safety history, and current workload. Doing this upf...

Are you a tradesman fed up with unsupportive bosses and long hours on the tools? Daniel Brown was in your position, working gruelling shifts at McDonald's just to get by. But one day, he decided it was time to take control of his future. Daniel overcame setbacks through resilience and determination to create We Build Trades, a digital marketing agency helping trades businesses just like yours to g...

When a crisis strikes - are you prepared to respond?  As any construction professional knows, the unexpected can happen at any time on site. Whether it's an accident, media inquiry, or financial issue, being caught without a clear crisis plan can spell doom for your business. However, with the right advice in place, you can be ready for even the worst case scenario on your construction site. In th...

For any small contractor thinking about taking their business to the next level, this conversation with industry veteran Len "The Rhino" Bunton offers invaluable lessons.   As a dispute resolver who has seen it all over decades in the industry, Bunton warns of the many problems that can cripple even experienced builders. From problematic contract language that transfers too much risk, to the impor...

Taking the leap into business ownership is an exciting opportunity, but one that comes with significant risk. Gavin discusses managing risk which is essential for your success and peace of mind. His advice includes having regular "board meetings" with impartial advisors as a structured way to gain perspective on your capacity, finances, and growth plans.    By stepping outside the day-to-day and g...

Tired of being on the tools and want to be the boss? This podcast is a must for tradesmen. As a construction veteran who's been in your boots before, Dave Forde shares insider tips on managing risk when transitioning from tradesman to business owner.   From early days labouring with his father, Dave gained unique insights. Now a property expert and construction consultant, he reveals common mistak...

Have you ever wondered how you can avoid the common mistakes that often plague small construction businesses? In the debut episode of the podcast "I'm the Gaffer", host Gavin Coyle discusses what to expect from the show - to provide guidance for solo tradespeople and small to medium enterprises looking to build and scale their construction company in a safer, less risky way.    With over 25 years...

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth buildi...