Taylor Talks Trades

In today’s episode, we sit down with John Horne, founder of JR Group, who shares his incredible journey — from Growing up in Govan to making his debut on the football pitch to building one of Scotland’s biggest scaffolding and construction companies. John opens up about how he went from a young footballer to launching JR Scaffolding Services, which is now celebrating its 30th anniversary and a tur...

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Ross Cunningham — founder of ROSSCO Tiling Specialists — to talk about building a business known for precision, pride, and purpose. From restoring Victorian porches to tiling restaurants and homes, Ross shares his journey from qualified tradesman to running a business with real standards. They cover why it’s so hard to get off the tools, the struggle of hiring...

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Alex Durham, founder of Smartwood Flooring Scotland — a business built on decades of grit, craftsmanship, and a passion for perfect floors. 🪵✨  Alex opens up about starting out as a labourer in his parents’ business, gaining elite training in Germany, and building a family-run brand that champions quality over shortcuts. We dive into why he believes flooring...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Costain, Managing Director of the Installer Show — the UK’s biggest and boldest event for tradespeople. 🛠️ Mike shares the journey of how the show started from humble beginnings and grew into a must-attend event for plumbers, electricians, roofers, and builders across the country. We also dive into what’s coming up this year — including a full two-storey hous...

Starting a Business. Dealing with the Skills Shortage. Starting Fires? | Episode 86: Jason Wright | Taylor Talks Trades Jamie sits down with Jason Wright of J. Wright Roofing. Jason started his journey in trades at only 7 years old and at 22, struck out on his own. He now runs a highly respected roofing business and has some tips, advice, and thoughts he'd like to share for all of the budding entr...

Bidding and Tendering expert, Anne Farr, sits down with Jamie to talk about her journey from a corporate world, to running her own consultancy business.  Top tips for bidding and tendering, stories of science expeditions in the Antarctic, this episode has it all!  See more of Anne Farr and the Rothera Group at their LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annefarr/ Anne is also offering a giveaway f...

Schools need to CHANGE, Trades are not just a BACKUP | Episode 84: David Sudworth | Taylor Talks Trades Sitting down with David Sudworth, AKA Mr Soot, to talk about their training centre for business owners. Diving deep into how the education system needs to evolve for all types of learning to allow for equal chances and the perception of the trades in these environments need to be shifted! Subscr...

Tradesman. Survivor. Business Owner. Adam Murphy’s Journey Is Next Level In this episode, we sit down with Adam Murphy — a true example of grit, resilience, and determination. 🔥From learning his trade skills in college to battling cancer not once, but twice, Adam’s journey has been anything but easy. Despite massive challenges, he pushed forward — managing large-scale projects, starting his own b...

Little Fish in a Big Pond... AND LOVING IT | Episode 82: Ashley Lawson | Taylor Talks Trades Jamie sits down with Ashley Lawson from AFTA Interiors to discuss her journey into the business of interior design. Hers was a journey of self-discovery before becoming the businesswoman she is now.   You can find Ashley here 👇 Website - https://bit.ly/4lcZMn9 Instagram - https://bit.ly/446IfXk LinkedIn -...

🎙️ From Garage Startup to 10,000 Sq Ft – The Inspiring Story of Cube Wraps! 🚀 In this episode, we sit down with Gary Smillie, the director of Cube Wraps, a leading commercial wrapping company. Gary shares his incredible journey—from learning the craft of vehicle liveries to starting his own business in his garage and scaling it to a massive 10,000 sq ft operation! 💡 What You’ll Hear: ✅ How Gary...

Jamie sits down with Craig Rattray, from Know Your Numbers, to discuss the importance of taking hold of your own finances in your business and demystifying the "complexity" of knowing your numbers. Craig Rattray is also offering a place on his Know Your Numbers course worth £3600 for FREE! Follow the link below for more details 👇 https://knowyournumbers.biz/taylor-talks-trades/ Subscribe to the p...

Jamie sits down with mental health/football group, Kick Mental Health, lead by Ally Bingham. This episode covers how Ally and his team of volunteers, grew the charity, and is continuing to grow it, along with the impact Kick Mental Health has had helping people through tough times through casual socialising and exercise.  If you are struggling with your mental health, you should consider joining K...

In this episode we sit down with Les Meikle, founder of Wise Property Care, who built a strong and reliable damp proofing company that he was able to sell for millions! Listen in for Les's inspiring journey and for sound business advice to grow your company to its fullest potential. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https:...

Success in the trades isn’t just about showing up—it’s about wanting it. If you’re an apprentice looking to build a strong career, you need the right mindset, work ethic, and determination. In this video, we break down what it really takes to excel as an apprentice and set yourself up for long-term success. Robbie takes us inside his unforgettable experience at the BMI Roofing Apprentice of the Ye...

Why Stepping Back Can Be the Key to Success  In this episode, we sit down with John Lewis, Director of Operations at LSTA Lead Training Academy, to hear his incredible journey from teaching to leading the charge in construction training. 🏗️ John opens up about the struggles he faced working with colleges, the challenges of getting things done in the system, and how he was made redundant. But inste...

I Had to SACK My Own Brother | Episode 75: Daniel Taylor In this candid conversation, Jamie sits down with his brother, Daniel, to reflect on their journey together at Taylor Roofs. From the highs and lows to the fallouts and make-ups, they open up about the challenges they've faced and the lessons learned along the way. It's been a long and sometimes rocky road to build the company into what it i...

Something Goes Wrong, and the Architect Gets Blamed! | Episode 74 Kenneth Martin In this episode, we sit down with Kenneth Martin from Block Architects to hear his incredible journey into the world of architecture. 🏛️ Kenneth shares how he got his start, the steps he took to build his career, and what inspired him to launch his own architectural practice. From the highs of bringing creative vision...

It’s a JOURNEY Before You Get a Job | Episode 73: Aaron Barker | Taylor Talks Trades In this episode of Taylor Talks Trades, Jamie sits down with Aaron Barker of Barkers Heritage to discuss the niche trade of preserving and restoring historical buildings and how he found himself in this job through a passion for creativity and design.   Aaron also discusses his development of a new tool that could...

Episode 72: Mark Murray Taylor Talks Trades In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Mark Murray.  From his early days as a pro footballer to his time as a firefighter, and ultimately building a thriving high-end landscaping business, Mark shares the lessons he’s learned along the way. It’s a story of resilience, passion, and hard work that’s sure to motivate. Enjoying the content? D...

In this episode of Taylor Talks Trades, Jamie sits down with James Duggan, the founder of Plumus, one of London’s most trusted and reliable plumbing companies. With over 30 years of combined experience, James and his team have built a stellar reputation for delivering premium, stress-free service 24/7, 365 days a year. James dives into the importance of clear communication with customers, the valu...

In this episode of Taylor Talks Trades, we’re joined by Dominic Ingle—boxing coach, nutrition expert, and a cornerstone of the legendary Ingle Gym in Sheffield. Dominic’s journey from junior amateur boxer to coaching world champions like Naseem Hamed, Johnny Nelson, Kell Brook, and Kid Galahad is nothing short of inspiring. With over 35 years of experience, Dominic shares how his methods, once res...

In this episode of Taylor Talks Trades, we sit down with entrepreneur and business leader James Sinclair, the powerhouse behind a £40 million enterprise that spans entertainment, childcare, leisure, commercial real estate, manufacturing, and even ice cream. Starting out with an entertainment agency, James expanded his vision to include a family entertainment and leisure group, which now encompasse...

In this episode of Taylor Talks Trades, Jamie sits down with Stuart Lillis, Director of Limitless Automation, to explore the cutting-edge world of home automation. Stuart shares his journey from installing audio and cinema rooms to creating fully immersive, high-tech experiences for clients in their homes. They dive into topics like designing home cinemas, the importance of customer satisfaction,...

In this episode of Taylor Talks Trades, we sit down with James Fleming, the co-founder and CEO of The Power Within Training, The Power Within HER and Women In Construction-The Power WithinHER. James is a passionate advocate for helping individuals and organisations unlock their full potential through Motivational Intelligence (MQ). With a deep expertise in leadership development, employee engageme...