Clive Holland on Fix Radio Podcast

Today is National Tape Measure Day and we discussed the times where you've forgotten one of the most important tools you could have as a tradesperson. Whether it's been misplaced on one of your building sites, or didn't pack it in your tool bag before you left for a day on the tools. We spoke to Alice Illidge of Little Miss Heating and Plumbing and Air Con Ryan, plus we enjoyed lots of your messages, and of course your chance to bag yourself six points in today's Pub Lunch Quiz. Enjoy!

Today on the show, we asked: what's the most expensive thing you've ever broken in a client's home? From smashed appliances to shattered heirlooms, the stories came in thick and fast — and some of them made us wince! We also took a small break to chat to Kieran Ondrak about some amazing fundraising he's been doing! Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and your messages from the site. Enjoy!

What do you do when your jobs get delayed? Whether it's clients dragging their feet, late deliveries, or bad weather putting a stop to play — how do you handle the downtime? We heard from Jack Auletta and Ian Hodgkinson about their go-to coping strategies. Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and all your best messages. Enjoy!

Today, we're asking: do you take hearing protection seriously on site? With grinders, drills, and saws going all day, the risk of long-term damage is very real — but are people actually using ear defenders, or just hoping for the best? We were joined by Ryan Nunn from Viking Construction & Roy Wilders from the British Safety Industry Federation to hear their thoughts. Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and the best of your messages. Enjoy!

You lot are brilliant as I'm always saying - but are the materials you're using good enough to do you justice? And are the prices you're paying fair and decent? Today we're having a materials check in - let us know if the quality has declined, whether the price increased or if you're generally happy with what you're getting from your merchants!. We spoke to Gorgeous George from GM Joinery as well as Joel Bardell to get their takes, plus all the best messages from you lot on site and, of course, the Pub Lunch Quiz. Enjoy!

Today we were live from Leeds for the grand opening of the brand-new Wickes Moor Allerton store — chatting to tradies, soaking up the buzz, and keeping you in the loop. We also dug into the tool theft debate: are things getting better, or are we still far from feeling secure? We spoke live to West Yorkshire's Crime Prevention Officer, Paul Denison about the issue. We also played the Mystery Item Game thanks to Wickes Trade Pro, giving away £500 to two lucky tradespeople! All that, the Pub Lunch Quiz, and the best messages from you lot across the UK.

We've all had one — that job you just wish you could go back and do again. Maybe it didn't go to plan, maybe the client changed their mind halfway through, or maybe it's just been living rent-free in your head ever since. Today on the show, we heard your stories about the ones that got away — and the jobs you'd tackle differently if you had the chance. We spoke to Wobbly Bob and Dan Brown to get their takes, plus all the best messages from you lot on site and, of course, the Pub Lunch Quiz. Enjoy!

Today we're talking about customer trends — what people are asking for, what's falling out of fashion, and how it's shaping the way tradespeople work. From solar panels and EV chargers to smart homes and garden builds, we're finding out what's hot and what's not with homeowners in 2025. We were joined by Nick Bundy and Dave Finnegan to share their experience, and of course we've got the Pub Lunch Quiz and all your messages. Enjoy!

Today on the show, we're asking: how's your business doing at the halfway point of the year? Timber sales are up, construction insolvencies are down — is the market finally on the turn? Or are things still tight out there, with late payments and rising costs making it tough? We took a midyear health check on the state of the trade with Brian Berry from The Federation of Master Builders and John Newcombe from the Builders Merchants Federation, plus we heard your thoughts. We also have the Pub Lunch Quiz and the best of your messages. Enjoy!

Today we opened up the toolboxes — literally. We asked: what's in your box? What are the go-to tools you couldn't work without — and do any of them come with a story? From bits passed down by family to tools that saved the day on site, it's time to show some love to the kit that's been there through thick and thin. We were joined by Ian Salisbury of ITS Joinery to hear about the gear that matters most to him. Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and your best messages from site. Enjoy!

With a growing skills gap and fewer young people choosing the trades, is the industry heading for a crisis? Today we looked at why more and more people are retraining later in life — and what needs to change to attract and support new talent. We were joined by John Cruickshank of Cruickshank Plumbing and Heating, who shared his thoughts. Plus, we've got all your messages, the Pub Lunch Quiz, and plenty more from site. Enjoy!

Today, following the recent “Dads' Strike” for better paternity leave, we turned our attention to the UK's offering — which is the lowest in Europe and six weeks below the average. So, what's fair when it comes to leave for new dads? And should the UK follow countries like Spain, where even self-employed fathers get 16 weeks off? We were joined by London President of the Federation of Master Builders, David Gutierrez and Sam Blakeney who shared their thoughts. Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and all your best messages. Enjoy!

With summer and the warm weather in full swing, we're asking: is this the best time of year to be a builder? Does the sunshine make the job more enjoyable — or do things like constant suncream, hot materials, and sweaty days make you miss the winter months? We were joined by Craig Lovall from LoveAll Garden Services and Will The Roofer to hear about their favourite time of year to work. Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and the best messages from you lot on site. Enjoy!

Today was Lighthearted Thursday and we were talking all about working with animals. When working on site whether its a cat walking through the concrete you spent ages leveling or a dog stealing your tools having an animal on site can always lead to problems. And today we heard some great stories about working around animals. Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz and you'll hear all the messages that we received - enjoy!

Today we were focusing on how to insure your van for the best possible price. With van break-ins up by a worrying fourteen percent compared to last year, it's never been more important to make sure your insurance covers more than just being on the road. You want protection for your tools, your materials, and any damage caused by theft or vandalism — because when your van is your livelihood, any setback can cost more than just cash.We were joined by Kara Gammell from MoneySuperMarket, who brought some brilliant hints and tips on how to get a great deal and we also heard from Dean Saxton, a builder, who shared what he pays and the kind of cover he goes for, along with how he balances cost and peace of mind.And of course, it wouldn't be the same without the Pub Lunch Quiz, and we've rounded up the very best messages you sent in.

Today we were debating what should be done in regards to building restrictions put in to protect the environment. We wanted to know if you think they are necessary to protect nature or if they are excessive and making hitting housing targets unrealistic! We spoke to FMB Chairman Chris Carr and Tony Higson from Grayson MD to hear their views on the matter. Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz and you'll hear the very best messages we received - Enjoy.

Today was all about how you spend your time off site! Clive wanted to know if you work a second job or if its all about sport, either playing or coaching? Construction company owner and RNLI volunteer Dan Sinclair  joined us on the show to tell us all about how he balances his life saving voluntary role with a job on the tools. Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz and you'll hear the very best messages we received - Enjoy.Donate to Dan's Saddles and Sumits Challenge - https://www.justgiving.com/page/dan-sinclair-6RNLI - https://rnli.org/pages/ig/new/monthly?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21684737167&gbraid=0AAAAADRoJzjel-jPaNq9d3v118-utT558&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oODN86LPEWLhjemv12Zt5yImXLHn7yq9vX7KC2mo-piV-KvlOkGIethoC_4QQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds 

Today on the Clive Holland Show with it being National Blame Someone Else Day tommorow, We were talking all about blame! We were asking who are you blaming this week and why? From site shananagens to van mishaps we heard your best storys about pointing the finger at anyone but yourself! Plus theres also the pub lunch quiz for your chance to grab yourself 6 points and youll here the very best messages which we recived!

Today on the Clive Holland Show we talked about solo workers vs squads. We wanted to know if you prefer working alone or as part of a team? We were joined by freinds of the show plumber Becky Bates and Reece Stewart who shared what its realy like to be your own boss on the tools! Plus theres also a chance to grab yourself 6 points in the pub lunch quiz and youll hear the very best messages we recived!!!

Today on the Clive Holland Show we asked: Where is the best place to work? The busstling busy yet costly city center or quiet countryside? With reportedly more trades people leavin ght city center for greener areas we are digging into whether the hussle of the city still holds any appeal or if the countryside realy does offerea better way of working! We spoke to Zach Ouazene and Winston Davis to hear about their experiences and where they think the best place to graft is. Plus theres the Pub Lunch Quiz for your chance to grab 6 points and you'll hear the very best messages we recieved!

It's Men's Health Week – and on today's show, we're diving into the state of wellbeing in the trades. From GP Dr Helen Wall to builder and TV personality Peter Finn, we're asking: how can we better look after ourselves, physically and mentally? Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz — your chance to bag yourself six points — and your top messages from the site. Enjoy!

It's Lighthearted Thursday and we're mixing a bit of fun with the trades! We're asking you to get creative and come up with hilarious, tool-inspired movie titles. From clever puns to classic film twists with a builder's twist, it's your chance to show off your wit and have a laugh. Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz — your chance to bag yourself six points — and the top messages from the site. Enjoy!

Managing people isn't always smooth sailing, and sometimes you have to make tough calls – like firing someone. Today, we get real about those tricky conversations: what you say, how you handle it, and how to keep things professional. Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz — your chance to bag yourself six points — and the top messages from the site. Enjoy! 

We all know the hours in the trades can be long – and today we're asking how many hours you actually work in a week. The national average is just over 40, but we know a lot of you are doing way more than that. Plus, how much of that time is taken up by paperwork – and could AI be the answer? Also, the shocking fact that most in the trades don't even get the holiday allowance many other industries take for granted.Emily Kitchen and Jeff The Tough Built Ranger joined us to talk about our topic, plus we had another Flying The Flag caller!Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz – your chance to bag yourself six points – and your top messages from the site. Enjoy!

The football season might be over, but the summer sports calendar is packed with action! From cricket to F1, rugby to tennis, and everything in between, there's no shortage of events to keep you entertained over the coming months. We're asking: what's your go-to sport once football's done? We were joined by a former England Captain… Red Roses and Saracens regular Marlie Packer as well as Plasterer and racer Duncan Cowper! Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz – your chance to bag yourself six points – and your top messages from the site. Enjoy!

It's Thursday, which means we're kicking back and getting into a lighter mood – and this week, we're asking about one of the great perks of trade life: the early Friday finish. From long lunches to sneaky rounds of golf, we heard your best routines and how you make the most of a few extra hours of freedom at the end of the week. Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from the site – enjoy!

Today on the Clive Holland Show with the countrys biggest trade shows just round the corner we were talking all about the benifits of attending a trade show! We asked what the benifits of attending a trade show are and what you should look for when deciding what ones to attend. To give his oppion on this subject we were joined by freind of the show and a man who regulary attends trade events John Cruickshank to hear why he loves attending events within our industry. Plus as always theres the pub lunch Quiz and youll have a chance to bag yourself 6 points in the Pub Lunch Quiz and youll here all the messages we recived!

Today we discussed commuting specificaly how far trades people are traveling each day to get to work. We wanted to know if you're one of the lucky ones getting work right on your doorstep or if your traveling miles to get a job. We wanted to know just how far you're traveling and if you're passing your travel costs onto the customer! We were joined by freinds of the show James and Liam to hear how many miles they're doing. Plus theres also the Pub Lunch quiz and you'll hear the very best messages we recived!

It's Lighthearted Thursday, and today we had a laugh at those classic timing mix-ups – from turning up on the wrong day to rocking up at the crack of dawn only to realise you've got your dates completely wrong. We heard some brilliant stories from the trade, shared a few of our own, and of course, squeezed in the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from site – Enjoy!

Today we explored the world of PPE - how much are tradespeople really spending, and is it worth investing in branded workwear versus standard protective gear? Joining us are Jack Auletta and Jason Dunsford to share their insights on staying safe on site without breaking the bank. Plus, don't miss the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from the site.

Today, we asked the big question – is it better to specialise in a single trade or take a broader approach as a general builder? We were joined by James Lawrence, a plumber who's built his business on mastering one skill, and Dave Finnegan, carpenter and owner of Elwood Enterprises, to hear why they've taken different paths. Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from the site – Enjoy!

Today we discussed Labour's proposed immigration changes and how they could impact the UK's trades. With tougher visa rules, extended settlement periods, and stricter English language requirements on the table, we asked whether this approach will help protect British jobs or just make the skills gap worse. We heard from Dr. David Crosthwaite, chief economist at the Building Cost Information Service and Damian Walters, CEO of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, who shared their thoughts on what these changes could mean for the industry. Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from site - Enjoy!

It's lighthearted Thursday, and today we had a bit of fun putting together the ultimate Trade Football XI – From Bricky Lambert, to Groutinho and even Mason Mount… let's see who makes your dream team Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from site – Enjoy!

Today, we took a closer look at the government's plans for renewables. Are schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme doing enough to support tradespeople, or is there still a long way to go? We were joined by Miatta Fahnbulleh, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to talk about the big picture, and had a chat with Kevin Pocock, managing director of Renew East, about what's really needed to make the green transition a reality. Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from the site – Enjoy!

I'm fed up. For YEARS we have been banging the drum, trying to force some action, and nothing. Your tools... your livelihoods... your chance to put food on the table for your families are being taken by thugs, by scum. Tools are being stolen every twelve minutes in the UK. Every. Twelve. Minutes. It's unacceptable. I'm not having it anymore. We want to know what is going to stop these scumbags once and for all, and when politicians from both sides are going to take the issue seriously, rather than treating us like a political football. We're talking about this again because nothing is being done... So today, we're asking: how do we make sure action is taken? Shadow Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, and MP for Stockton South, Matt Vickers joined us, along with Amanda Martin MP, who has put forward her own anti-tool theft bill. Friend of the show Wobbly Bob also joined us to share his experience with tool theft. Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from site. Enjoy!

Hiring your first member of staff is a massive step for any small business, and today we talked to two tradespeople who've been through it. We were joined by John Argyle, a carpenter from Enfield Refurbishments, who shared his experience of making that first hire and the challenges he faced, and by Robert "Pointy" Clarke from PPH Pointy Plumbing & Heating, a Fix Radio regular, who gave us his tips on finding the right person and managing those early days of building a team. Plus, we had the Pub Lunch Quiz and loads of your messages from site. Enjoy!

Today was Lighthearted Thursday and we wanted to know: what's the weather like where you are? Whether it was glorious sunshine, pouring rain or anything in between, we asked you to send in your pics and let us know what it's like on site today. Loads of you got involved from all across the UK. Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and your best messages from the Fix community - Enjoy!

Tool theft continues to hit the trades hard, with over 11,200 vans stolen in the UK last year alone. Weasked: how much have you spent securing your van? From new locks and alarms to full security systems, we spoke with tradesman Marc Firkins, whose van was broken into a few years back, about how he's still recovering and what he's learned. We also spoke to Jeff Scott of Sussex Installations who gave us his view on van theft and why van manufacturers aren't doing enough to protect their customers. Plus, the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from site - Enjoy!

As demand increases and customers get more price-conscious, accurate cost estimation is more important than ever for tradespeople. With online tools from Checkatrade and more builders working with Quantity Surveyors, we asked: how do you put your cost estimates together, and how accurate are they? We were joined by Ash Mahoney, Bricklayer and host of The Bricklaying Show on Fix Radio, to talk about the common pitfalls in pricing up a job, how digital tools are changing the game, and what makes a solid quote. And Connor Price from Price My Project to explain how professional support can tighten up your numbers and take the stress out of quoting. Plus, there's the Pub Lunch Quiz and your top messages from site - Enjoy!

Ahead of the bank holiday, we want to know - if there was a national “Tradesperson Day Off,” what would it include and what would be the rules?

Thankfully, as the year goes on, the sun is becoming a more frequent view on site. But with hotter daysand more outside jobs being made possible there is also a level of risk involved with working in the sun.A study by Imperial College London estimated that occupational sun exposure leads to approximately 48 deaths and 241 new cases of melanoma skin cancer annually in Britain, with construction workers accounting for 44% of these deaths. I want to talk about how you're protecting yourself from this often forgotten risk. Do you have your sun cream with you? And if so, how often do you apply? We were joined by Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, and Y to hear about how to stay safe on sight. Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz and you'll hear the very best messages we received - Enjoy.

In construction the biggest unknown on any job is often the client! And when they don't hold up their end of the bargain it can be infuriating! And with 81% of trades people being reported to be chasing onaverage £6000 in late payment or no payment today I wanted to know how you would deal with a client who refuses to pay?We were joined by friends of the show Reece Stewart and James Reeve to hear about the experiences they've had with late payers and how they've dealt with that.Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz and you'll hear the very best messages we received - Enjoy.

Fake Reviews are a plague in our industry - They can make a cowboy look just as good as you to acustomer or damage the reputation you've worked so hard for. However with new legislation coming into effect to fight these reviews they could soon be a thing of the past.Today we were joined by Damien Walters, the Founder and CEO of the The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, and Steve Gray to learn more about the new legislation and discuss whether it will actually help.Plus here's also the pub lunch quiz and you'll hear the very best messages we received - Enjoy.

Today was Lighthearted Thursday and as it's turning out to be a great year for construction, Clive wanted to know the best thing to happen to you or your business this year? We received some great messages on the topic which you will hear. Plus there is also the pub lunch quiz - Enjoy.

Whether it's helping out a neighbour, taking on a project for a good cause, or lending your skills to someone in need - most tradespeople have done a bit of free work or charity work at some point. It might not pay the bills, but it can make a big difference. So today, we're shining a light on the generosity in the trade-have you ever given your time or skills for free? What inspired you to do it, and what did you take away from the experience? And in an industry where time is money, how do you make space to give back? Plumber Lee Ellerker and joiner Ben Brindley joined us to tell us about the amazing jobs they do. Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz for your chance to grab yourself 6 points as well as the very best messages that we received.

Profit margins - they're the bit that keeps the business ticking over after the dust has settled and the job's done. But how much are trades actually making? Is it 10%, 20%, 30%… or are rising costs and tight budgets squeezing it even lower? Today, we talked money - specifically, what profit margin do you aim for on each job, and is it realistic in the current climate? From pricing up to getting paid, we want to know how you keep things profitable without pricing yourself out of the market. Danny Madden and Steph Leese - the Pink Plasterer - joined us to tell us what sort of margin they make. Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz for your chance to grab yourself 6 points as well as the very best messages that we received!

Today was Lighthearted Thursday and we were talking about all the bills and subscriptions you hate to pay. I wanted to know the bill you hate paying the most? With research suggesting it's the TV licence i wanted to know if thats true or if instead its something like ULEZ? We received some great messages on the topic which you will hear. Plus there is also the pub lunch quiz - Enjoy.

For most people in the trades their van is the most important tool! Recent changes to the Zero Emission Mandate will allow new diesel vans to stay on sale until 2035, which could be good news for tradies but could also have a major environmental impact. With major government provided benefits for going electric but a low take up due to concerns such as range, payload and downtime, Is this good or bad news for the  trade? And what else can the government do to promote the move to electric?! We were joined by David Byrne and Mandy Dean - Commercial Vehicle Director for Ford to hear their views. Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz and you'll hear the very best messages we received

When you're running your own business in the trades you don't get certain benefits that are considered normal to everyone else. One of those being paid bank holidays! So today with the bank holiday weekend approaching I wanted to know who would be taking it off and if so what their plans are? We were joined by friends of the show Kevin and Freya to hear about their bank holiday plans, whether they ever fully switch off and how their clients react to them taking off the holidays. Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz and you'll hear the very best messages we received.

Tool theft continues to plague tradespeople across the UK, causing significant financial and emotional distress. On April 25th, the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill is scheduled for its second reading in Parliament. This bill, introduced by Amanda Martin, Labour MP for Portsmouth North, aims to impose tougher penalties on those convicted of stealing trade tools. So today we spoke with Amanda to discuss how we can support the bill. And heard from Steve about how it affects every aspect of a tradesperson's life.  Additionally, we want to hear from you if you've been victims of tool theft, as we highlight the urgent need for stricter measures to combat these scumbags! Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz and you'll hear the very best messages we received.

Today it was  lighthearted Thursday and we think anyone who works in the trade providing quality work and saving their clients from cowboys are superheroes. So today we wanted your ideas for Trade Super Heroes. Clive wanted to know what they would be called? And more importantly what powers they would have?  We got some great suggestions which you will hear plus there's also the pub lunch quiz for your chance to grab yourself 6 points. - Enjoy