Tom Davis (DIY SOS Build Manager) Talks About His Experiences Running A Business

How Do We Get Paid?

In this episode, Chris Frediani talks to Simon Green, Bob Hay and Lee Fennell about one of the most important parts of the trade - getting paid. They cover deposits, staged payments, upfront money, and the shift to digital payments, plus how each business handles pricing conversations and payment terms from the start. The guests also share how they deal with chasing late payments, what happens when clients don’t pay, and the red flags they now look out for before taking on a job.

Work-Life Balance & Hobbies

Chris Frediani looks into the hobbies that spreads and fellow tradespeople do, finding out how they find a balance with work and their family life. Guests include Duncan Cowper, who is a specialist lime plasterer. Duncan joins Chris to talk about his motorsport journey, how he balances it with everyday life, the challenges of funding and sponsorship, and whether he hopes to turn his passion into a full-time career following being part of the TV Series: Born Mechanic. We also hear from Pointy Plumber - who discuss how he juggles his business and family life alongside social media, commentary work AND the InstallerSOCIAL. Finally, Chris is joined by Iain Cowie, who is a Scaffolder turned Property Developer. Iain talks about his passion for extreme running, the commitment and lifestyle it demands, and the positive effects it has on his well-being.

Building In Devon

In this episode, Chris Frediani explores the opportunities in his hometown due to tourism. Joining Chris in this episode is John Butler - a builder from Devon who works across renovations of homes in the area. We also hear from Mark Revell from Olympus Building Supplies Ltd. Chris and Mark discuss rising material and fuel costs, supply and delivery challenges in Devon, local building trends, demand from newcomers and DIY renovators, rural logistics, and upcoming concerns in the building supply trade. Finally, we’ll hear from Andy Vallance of Peninsula Custom Construction LTD - who explores the demand from retirees and holiday homeowners in Devon, success in that market, renovation and property investment opportunities, and working with locals, farmers, and planning.

Big Challenges Faced By Builders?

Chris Frediani talks to builders and finds out how tough it is for them out there currently after the FMB reported big hurdles for builders around material cost increases and wage hikes. Chris talks to Ben Rayner about his experiences with this and whether demand is slowing for him too. Chris invites Simon Hodson from Worcester to join him and explain why some issues for builders need to be addressed and talks about how tax is creating more challenges than ever before. Chris also invites DIY SOS Line Producer, Ally Jenkins onto the show to talk about how this could affect their ability to get the materials they need donated for future projects.

Chris Frediani On Current Approach To Lime

Tape Slayer AKA Leigh Griffiths & Ben Kerslake from Carrington Lime join Chris Frediani to talk about the current approach to lime. Chris feels like not enough younger members of the trade are learning lime skills and developing an understanding of lime and asks Leigh for his thoughts on why this might be and Ben talks about it from a training perspective.