The Build Up

In this episode of The Build Up , Dan chats with Mark Morris, Marketing Manager at Thomas Dudley, recorded live at The Installer Show. Mark shares how the 110-year-old British brand continues to stay relevant through loyalty-building with plumbers, standout product innovation, and bold marketing moves — including sending their Quantum siphon into space. They also talk agency relationships, the pow...

In this episode of The Build Up, Dan speaks with Scott Jones, founder of Stair Guys, about how he's using artificial intelligence to radically transform his construction business. With a team of just three people, Scott has managed to generate over 6,000 website visitors a month, attract 20–30 qualified leads each week, and replace the equivalent workload of more than three staff members using AI...

In this episode of The Build Up — the go-to podcast for marketing professionals in the construction industry — host Dan (Creative Director at dissident creative agency) welcomes Lee Wilcox, co-founder of On The Tools, for an unfiltered, inspiring conversation. On The Tools has grown into one of the most influential platforms in the UK trades scene, with millions of followers across social media, a...

In this episode of The Build Up, host Dan, sits down with Russell Payne — third-generation tradesman and host of The Talking Tradesman podcast — for an honest conversation about the mental health crisis within the construction industry, and the role brands and marketing can play in driving change. Russell shares his powerful personal story: from growing up on the tools and running his family paint...

In this episode of The Build Up, host Dan (Creative Director at dissident creative agency) sits down with Ben Russell — founder of Russell Interiors, part-time carpenter and decorator, full-time fireman and family man. Ben started his business just 18 months ago, and in that short time, he’s been making a name for himself through smart, scrappy marketing and a whole lot of hustle. We dive into how...

In this episode of The Build Up, host Dan, sits down with Dan Czerwinski, Sales and Marketing Manager at fischer fixings UK. They dive into the fascinating evolution of fischer fixings, a German brand, as it localised its marketing strategy to succeed in the competitive UK trade and DIY markets. Dan shares his journey into the construction industry and the importance of understanding both sales an...

Derek Barrett, founder of Derek Barrett Design Limited, joins The Build Up to share his journey in bespoke furniture making and how social media transformed his business. Starting with a foundation course in Ireland and earning a BA in furniture design, Derek took an unconventional path into cabinetmaking. His early experiences managing large projects taught him valuable lessons about efficiency,...

In this episode of The Build Up Podcast , host Dan, Creative Director at dissident creative agency, is joined by Craig Hancock, a freelance marketer with extensive experience in the construction sector. We explore the challenges of marketing in construction, from branding and B2B strategy to the unique difficulties of selling services like facilities management and maintenance contracts. Craig sha...

The Build Up podcast is back with another deep dive into marketing in the construction industry. In this episode, Dan, Creative Director at dissident, sits down with Martin Fallon, Head of Marketing at Wera Tools UK to explore how the brand has set itself apart in the tool industry. Martin shares his unique journey from professional sports to construction marketing, bringing fresh ideas and innova...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Scott Bagley (Scott DIY) to discuss his journey from marketing professional to full-time content creator in the home renovation space. Scott shares how he turned his DIY passion into a massive online presence, growing a loyal following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Tune in for insights on overcoming content creation challenges, the power of storytellin...

In this episode of The Build Up, Dan engages in a dynamic conversation with Alex Insley from Unilite, a family-run business that has evolved significantly over the years. Alex shares the journey of Unilite, which began in 1981 and has seen substantial growth under his and his sister's leadership, particularly by focusing on the construction trades. The discussion delves into the strategic shift to...

In this episode of The Build Up, Dan welcomes Mark Pearson, the UK and Ireland Country Manager for Beta Tools, a premium tool manufacturer with a century-long heritage. Mark shares his extensive background in the construction industry, highlighting his journey from sales to a hybrid role that encompasses both sales and marketing. The conversation delves into the competitive landscape of tool marke...

In this episode of The Build Up Podcast, Dan sits down with Liam Wood, better known as Liam the Plumber, to discuss his inspiring journey from full-time tradesman to becoming a prominent micro-influencer in the plumbing and construction space. Liam reflects on his evolution within the industry, sharing how his authentic passion for tools and brands, like fischer Fixings UK, Thomas Dudley, and STAB...

In this episode of The Build Up Podcast, Dan welcomes Will Hickman, the Sales and Marketing Director of Ideal Bathrooms, who shares his insights on marketing within the construction industry. Will discusses his diverse background in home improvement and the challenges he faced upon entering the bathroom sector. He emphasizes the importance of effective marketing strategies in an industry that is o...

In this episode of The Build Up podcast, Dan has a dynamic conversation with Peter Sumpton, the founder of the marketing consultancy Build Different and the podcast Construction Disrupted. They delve into the unique challenges and opportunities within construction marketing, emphasising the importance of strategic planning over mere tactical execution. Peter shares insights from his extensive expe...

In this episode of The Build Up, Dan engages in an insightful conversation with Rob Lawton, affectionately known as the "King of Copper" and a key figure at Lawton Tubes, a family-run business with a rich history dating back to 1918. Rob shares his journey within the company, detailing his transition from sales to marketing and the strategic shift towards engaging directly with end users, rather t...

In this episode of "The Build Up," host Dan speaks with Emma Stefanotti from Limitless EJS about marketing in the construction industry, focusing on influencers and content creators. Emma shares her background and insights on establishing fair rates, building genuine relationships, and the challenges faced by content creators. The discussion highlights the importance of engagement rates and the ro...

In this episode of The Build Up Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark, the owner of MJ Tiff Plumbing and Heating, who shared his remarkable journey from being a sole trader for over two decades to becoming a prominent influencer in the plumbing and heating industry. Mark discussed the challenges he faced during his transition to self-employment, including personal hardships and the ini...

In this episode of The Build Up Podcast, host Dan Moore, Creative Director at dissident creative agency, sits down with Ryan Jones, Managing Director of SLG Agency, to explore the evolving landscape of marketing in the construction industry. With over 12 years of experience at SLG, Ryan shares how his background in PR has influenced his approach to brand strategy and client services, emphasising t...

In this episode of The Build Up Podcast, host Dan Moore, Creative Director at dissident creative agency, chats with Ollie Partington, Managing Director of Stabila UK and Ireland. Ollie shares his journey from marketing graduate to leading the UK arm of a renowned German construction brand. They dive into the shifting landscape of construction marketing and how market research has played a vital ro...

Welcome to The Build UP. Launching 14th October 2024