The Build Up Podcast

Building control is changing, and many builders are feeling the impact. In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we look at what the Building Safety Act means in practice, why roles and responsibilities can feel unclear, and how builders can protect themselves with better records and communication. We hear from Local Authority Building Control (LABC), builders from southern parts of the UK, as wel...

What role can builders play beyond delivering the job? In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we look at how good construction can improve homes, support communities and still make commercial sense. Reza Yunis and Kaleem Ghani from Redbrickz share how they're raising standards in transitional housing, refurbishing existing buildings and creating better places for people to live. It's a practical...

Conflict can cost time, money and trust. In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we look at how builders can avoid common disputes before they happen, from unclear scopes and payment terms to changes that aren't written down. Sarah Fox shares why simple, clear contracts matter, while Jason Grounsell explains how strong communication, proper records and early conversations help keep projects runni...

Thinking about moving into housebuilding? In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we look at what it really takes to make the jump from extensions and renovations to new build homes. Kev Wilson shares the lessons he learned from taking on housebuilding projects, from checking plots properly to managing utilities, finance and workload. Gill McAteer from Citation also joins us to talk about the peo...

Body copy: What does it take to grow a building business without losing control of quality, culture and client experience? In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we hear from Alex Strikovs, Director of Home Republic Limited, about the decisions, challenges and systems that helped turn a small business into an award-winning design and build company. If you’re juggling site work, pricing, people a...

Winning building work isn’t just about price. It’s about trust, communication and how you show up from the first conversation. In this episode of the Build Up podcast sponsored by Citation, we explore how you can stand out in a crowded market and win more of the right jobs. Joined by Alexandra Powell and Paula Higgins, we share what homeowners are really looking for – and how you can meet those ex...

Want to grow your business but not sure how to make it happen? In this episode, we’re joined by  Robin Hayhurst, a coach for builders and developers, to talk about smart ways to fund and manage your next stage of growth. Whether it’s taking on bigger jobs, building a team, or setting up systems that actually work, Robin shares his best advice for builders who want to scale up – with less stre...

In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we’re joined by Dorian Bowen of Project One , whose work has earned national awards and high-end recognition. But it didn’t happen overnight. From humble beginnings to high-spec renovations, Dorian shares the lessons he’s learned running a growing building company – including how to build a strong team, adapt to change, and deliver outstanding work clients...

Thinking about offering more energy-efficient work? In this episode of the  Build Up  podcast, builder  Nikki Lambert  shares how she got started with retrofit – and how it’s helped her business grow. From insulation upgrades to better heating systems, Nikki talks about the training, the client conversations, and the real results she’s seen from making retrofit a core part of w...

What is retrofit and why should builders care? In this episode, we’re joined by  Rachael Owens  from the National Retrofit Hub to unpack what retrofit really means – and how it can help you grow your building business. Whether you’re already upgrading windows, improving insulation or fitting better heating systems, chances are you’re already doing some retrofit work. But unders...

Want to build a brand people trust? In this part two of our ‘Marketing your business’ episode, we’re back to talking to two builders who have tried different marketing approaches – revealing what’s paid off, what fell flat, and the key moves that made the biggest impact on marketing their businesses. Chris Shaw  of TDG Contracts Ltd has built a brand that shines across social media, and Kulve...

If you want to win better work, marketing matters. In this episode of the  Build Up  podcast, we talk to two builders who’ve found success with different marketing strategies – sharing what worked, what didn’t, and what’s made the biggest difference for their businesses. We get down to business with Chris Shaw  of TDG Contracts Ltd, who has built a brand that shines across social me...

Running a building business means juggling quotes, clients, and your team – and sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. In this episode of the Build Up podcast, we explore how builders can use AI to save time, cut admin, and look more professional – without needing any tech skills. Whether you’re a sole trader or a growing a team, construction coach Greg Wilkes joi...

Mental health isn’t a side issue - it’s a construction issue.  In this episode of the Build Up podcast, hosts David Gutierrez and Aidan Cropper are joined by Sarah Bolton from the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity to explore the pressures faced by builders and why mental health needs to be a priority on every site, no matter the size of your business.  They discuss how to spot the...

When it comes to growing your building business, word of mouth still matters – and building the right network can open doors.  In this episode of the Build Up podcast, hosts David Gutierrez and Aidan Cropper are joined by Nik Nelberg of Earl & Calam Design and Build Ltd to explore how creating a strong community around your business can help you win more work, expand your skills, and conn...

Are you a builder looking to attract more of the right clients and grow your business? In this episode of the  Build Up  podcast, hosts Aidan Cropper (Director, IPSUM UK Ltd) and David Gutierrez (Director, Nest Building Group Ltd) share how marketing has helped them scale their own building company – and how it can do the same for you.    From getting your brand foundations rig...

If you're a builder running your own company – or thinking about taking the leap –  Build Up  is the podcast built for you. Brought to you by the  Federation of Master Builders (FMB)  and hosted by fellow builders  David Gutierrez  (Nest Building Group) and  Aidan Cropper  (IPSUM UK Ltd), joined by our anchor  Amy Voce , each episode dives into the real...

Client relationships can make or break your building business. In this episode of the Build Up podcast, our guests Paula Higgins of HomeOwners Alliance and Alli Gay of CHI Homes Ltd join our hosts David and Aidan to share the homeowner's and builder’s perspectives on how to win trust, communicate clearly, and build long-term success.  Discover:  Why setting expectations upfront helps you...

Welcome to the BuildUp Podcast - brought to you by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). If you're running a building business or thinking about going solo, this is your new must-listen.  In our second episode, our regular hosts David Gutierrez (Nest Building Group) & Aidan Cropper (IPSUM UK Ltd) share how they went from the early days on-site to managing successful companies. Find ins...

Hold onto your hard hat - the Build Up podcast is coming soon from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). If you run a building business (or are thinking of starting one) make a date to tune in for inspiration, ideas and advice from builders and industry experts that can help your business soar. Join the discussion on the stuff that matters to your business, including: Managing your cashflow Gro...