Trade Entrepreneur Podcast

January is a peak time for people taking the plunge and setting up a new business. In this episode, David discusses the five lessons he took from his own business start-up...

In his final podcast of 2022, David explains why Christmas and New Year provides a welcome opportunity to both look forward and back...

For those who aren't yet 'off the tools', this can be the hardest part of the entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, David talks about his own experiences about working both 'in' and 'on' the business at the same time...

Too many great ideas never see the light of day - because people are scared they're 'not ready'. In this episode, David discusses why no idea is ever perfect...

After starting his growth journey in early 2021, David is now ready to take it to the next level in 2023...

The term is widely recognised, but rarely understood. In this episode, David examines how you need to guard against so many things which could undermine you and your professionalism in the eyes of customers.

David returns to Ashton Old Baths in Tameside, Manchester, to chat with Brianna Harvey, of Digital Flamingo. They discuss why scattergun social media marketing doesn't work, and why you need to know your target customer

In this week's episode, David is joined by US-born Brianna Harvey,  owner of Manchester social media marketing company Digital Flamingo, to discuss the differing attitudes towards entrepreneurship in the UK and the USA. They also discuss how entrepreneurship can be a lonely business and why it's important to find a good support network.

The demand for chimney sweeps this winter has been unprecedented. David believes the time has come to say what is plain for all to see... 

Starting a business is an exciting time - but a dose of reality goes a long way! In this episode, David examines the pitfalls of 'head in the clouds' thinking...

In the second part of his review of Business For Punks, by Brewdog co-founder James Watt, David looks how you need to understand the 'rules' so you know how far to push the envelope...

David dips into one of his favourite reads - Business For Punks by James Watt - and gives his thoughts on advice and criticism from others

In this wide-ranging interview, David quizzes HETAS CEO Bruce Allen on some of the solid fuel industry's major talking points: 🔥 Training chimney sweeps  🔥 Accusations over HETAS’s ‘not for profit’ status 🔥 Its stance over rogue installers and customer complaints 🔥 The emergence of the Federation of British Chimney Sweeps and the chimney sweeping NVQ 🔥 Whether sweeping in the UK will be...

In the first of a two-part interview, David sits down with Bruce Allen, Chief Executive of HETAS. Their wide ranging discussion includes how Bruce grew HETAS from a staff of one to 60, the perils of 'losing touch' and what he believes is the 'enemy' of any leader.

On the eve of the Queen's funeral, David discusses why he decided to suspend business for a day - and the thought processes behind it

In a tumultuous week for the UK and the world following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, David reflects on the lessons we can learn on how to provide leadership and rise to unexpected challenges

Are you offering just a job, or an actual career? In this episode, David explains why most trades recruitment strategies are wrong...

Hampshire entrepreneur Peter Stubbings talks to David about how he went from working for Gordon Ramsay to starting up a franchise. He also recalls the time he was 'threatened' by a chimney sweep!

Following perhaps the most ill-timed holiday ever, David shares his take on the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival - and how it is a useful lesson for entrepreneurs.

David is joined this week by Malcolm Farrow, Head of Public Affairs at OFTEC to discuss the UK's 2050 pledge for renewable energy - and what it means for businesses and consumers

Every trade has busy times - and for chimney sweeps, the start of August represents the beginning of 'silly season'. In this episode, David gives his tips to new sweeps on how to get through this busy time of year

With the exam results season now approaching, David looks at the whole issue around trades, education and the fatal mistake many make...

With holidays now fully back on the agenda after two years, David picks out his top 5 books which are worth a space in his suitcase.

*Unless You're Willing To Change! He's regularly asked about staff recruitment, so in this episode David points out the five things you need to avoid if you want to go down this route...

In the week of Boris Johnson's resignation, David examines what leadership lessons can be leant from his political demise