The Electrical Show

Thomas Nagy is back from some time off and invites Dr. Laura Kudrna from the University of Birmingham to join him and talk about how money relates to happiness for sole traders and business owners. Thomas asks whether there's a limit to how much anyone needs to make to be happy, the fallacy in working to support a family you therefore have no time for and just tries to get some answers for anyone working hard to earn a living and to what point enough is enough. 

Paul Meenan invites Mark Pink, well respected Electrician & Site Manager, back onto the show while Thomas is away on holiday. Paul talks to Mark about coming from a family with a trade background and the mentors that help you along. Paul and Mark then talk about coping with loss and the incredibly devestating loss of Mark Pink's son, Harry who passed six months ago at the age of 22 - after years working with Mark. Mark talks about how hard this has hit him and the family, Paul shares what the reaction of their workplace was to this loss and Paul talks about his own journey with grief after losing his frend Paul Skyrme, from the e5 Group.

Paul Meenan invites seasoned and skilled Electrician, turned Site Manager, Mark Pink to join him and chat while Thomas Nagy is away on holiday. Mark talks about his recent work and experiences as a Site Manager. Mark talks about what has become harder in trade nowadays, the pressure the trade is under due to lack of competancy, poor training, apprenticeship challenges and Paul answers some listener questions.

Thomas Nagy invites guests with success and understanding of how to brand and present a business, in order to win the kind of work you want. Thomas talks to Scott Mullins, son of Charlie Mullins (Pimlico Plumbers) and founder of 'We Fix', to find out what has made their family businesses so successful and scalable. Trade Business Expert and founder of The Trades Freedom Club, Craig Wilkinson shares ten minutes of solid advice that he should be selling to you about how to create a brand and image for your business. Craig also shares the mistakes so many make and how to avoid them.

Thomas Nagy takes the opportunity with Paul Meenan away, to invite contractors from other trades to join him, so that he can compare notes and experiences in the construction industry. Guests include: Dan Tempest (Plumbing & Heating), Allen Burt (Carpentry & Joinery) and Peter Clark (Painting & Decorating)

Paul Meenan finally brings Tony Hennessey onto the show to discuss Thomas Nagy's snagging journey on rail work. Tony talks about his role as the Clerk of Works, How he works with contractors to get the best quality out of every job, Tony talks about Tom and his employees going on a journey of competency and the positive results that brings to the industry when a contractor embarks on it.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk to Electrical contractors who work in the domestic sector about the potential challenges and pitfalls. They discuss how to run a business in this marketplace successfully and get advice for any of you looking to make a success of it.

Thomas Nagy talks to Ashley Waines & Ashley Kanes - two Electrical Contractors who are finalists for The Screwfix Top Tradesperson Award - about what makes a good tradesperson. They discuss things others do that they wouldn't do in the trade.

Thomas shares a recent Band of Builders project completed to help the family of an Electrician who sadly took his own life at the end of 2023.

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy follow up last week's episode with a further look at good and bad inventions and the positive steps with regards to innovation. John Ward joins the show to discuss the role social media plays in pushing good and bad products on the market and more!

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy look at some of the good and bad products currently on the market and talk honestly about what they feel with regards to quality, usefulness and whether the marketplace is crowded with stuff not worth your time. Guests include: Tony York from Yorkman

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan share some of the mistakes they've made and confess their electrical sins. They also talk about why mistake occur and how to learn from your mistakes.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look into how to de-risk your business and why 90 day payment terms need to end. Contractor, Callum Biscoe returns to share his roadmap for de-risking your business and putting protection in place when sub-contracting to Tier 1 contractors. The Small Business Commissioner, Emma Jones joins the discussion to explain her plan to use the stick rather than the carrot to re-shape rules around payment terms and the detremental affect that waiting for payments has on small businesses. 

Alex Wood tried to qualify in 2019, but due to the pandemic and lack of apprenticeships… he's been left in limbo. In this episode, Alex joins Thomas and Paul to share the effects this has had on his mental health, and how this led to his involvement in Andy's Man Club.

Adrian Davey shares his journey through divorce and recent self-discovery, exploring how understanding communication styles can change the way we relate, connect, and build healthier relationships.

Paul Meenan hosts a Q&A featuring some questions from listeners. Paul answers juicy questions about the industry, ponders sliding doors moments and more!

Paul Meenan flies solo and looks into what Electrical Contractors are currently making in domestic, comercial and industrial and whether money is going up in line with inflation. Paul talks to Contractor, Callum Biscoe about his move away from domestic and the great structure he has in place to account money accurately. Craig Wilkson, Trades Business Coach and founder of The Trades Freedom Club, explains why it's okay to expect your money to go up year on year and how to do it to beat the cost of living. Friend of the show, Danny Webb AKA Sparky Milan talks about whether the old cliche joke about electrician's money is still accurate and whether he feels the pinch currently.

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about how the trade has changed, how their perception of the trade changes and ask two guests to join them and share their perspective. Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 winner, Dan O'Shea talks about his perception of the trade and how it's already been shaped by his experiences so far... Sparky Ninja, Dave Watts talks about how he's changed and how the trade has changed around him over the course of his career.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk to Leadership Consultant and Author of 'Responsibility: Becoming the Authentic Man' about soft skills for leaders in the trade. James talks about the challenges everyone has when trying to figure out how to lead people on site and when running a business. James also gives some advice on how to have difficult conversations with people and Paul Meenan touches on how it all relates to how we communicate in the wider industry.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan discuss the rising costs of health and safety and some of the illogical ways safety protocol is implemented and played out on sites. Paul gives some stats and research into how much it can cost, depending on the aspects of work you do. Thomas shares some training experiences and on-site instances of health and safety creating an obstacle in trying to get work done.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk to Roofer John Lees about his approach to taking on Solar PV installs. They ask John how he goes about working with an Electrical contractor, the safety steps, communication around safety and observations on pre-existing intallations. Stuart Cato talks about the safety steps on larger scale domestic projects as well as thoughts about safety and competence as a whole

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about the differences between domestic and larger/commercial Solar PV installs and some of the missing safety steps in domestic, that could be implemented from the larger/commercial installs

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy discuss the divide between HV and LV systems. Paul talks about the issues with chucking rubbish each over the fence, how to bridge the gap, why this divide exists and what can be gained from working closely and collaborating between HV and LV

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about earthing after a recent conference attended by Paul, which he also spoke at with regards to diverted neutrals. Paul discusses the future of electrical infrastructure, reliability and performance, surge and lightning protection and other key take aways Paul had after attending

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about the race to the bottom that's prevelant in all aspects of the electrical sector. Paul defines the race to the bottom, Thomas and Paul talk about the race that's present in commercial aspects of the trade and the 'too good to be true' emails blowing up your emails and LinkedIn inbox

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk to Electrical Contractor, Callum Biscoe about his aims to help raise £100,000 for his local boxing club. Callum shares his experiences in the trade and talks about why he's decided to try and help out the club. If you can help or would like to donate, please do - https://bbch.org.uk/

Paul Meenan returns to the show alongside Thomas Nagy. Paul gives an update of where he's been and what he's been up to. Thomas Nagy gives a bit of a professional update and discusses the challenges that come with accreditations. Paul also gives a lowdown on the latest developments from the industry as a whole

Thomas Nagy is joined by Principal and CEO of The Leeds College of Building, Nikki Davis to discuss the open letter she sent to the Government, requesting an open conversation around the challenges to attract people from the trade into education and pay those what they need to do it. Nikki discusses the inherent problems as she sees them as well as ideas for a solution. Nikki also touches on why you should really deeply consider teaching as an option and the lesser known benefits of doing so

Thomas Nagy answers some frquently asked questions and questions sent to him via social media and the radio show. Thomas gives some advice and talks through his approach to varous things like: protecting his vehicles and high value equipment, how to snag and access the quality of work completed by his company and more

Thomas Nagy takes the opportunity while Paul is on holiday to discuss business growth and development. Thomas talks about his own experiences, both good and bad, and what he's learnt from them. Tom also outlines the pros and cons of expanding a business and whether you even want the job you're creating for yourself 

Paul Meenan is joined by guests involved with teaching the trade so that he can explore the challenges that we have in getting competent tradespeople with a wealth of knowledge and experience to give up their careers on the tools and get into teaching. Guests include: Dave Love & Adrian Davey

Paul Meenan is joined by Andy Leggat, known as Isolate 4 Life on Instagram to discuss the previous talking point of 'whether we need insulated tools'. Paul starts with a conversation around apprenticeships and how apprentices are taught health and safety. Paul and Andy discuss how diverted neutrals changes the conversation around insulated tools slightly and also leads us to a discussion about needed regs changes

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy are joined by Deborah Graham-Wilson from Eland Cables to discuss the degradation of cables. Tom and Paul ask about quality assurance, the impact of transportation and location of where cables are made, how to access quality of cables and there's much more insight into how cable quality is assessed and implemented

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look at the latest developments and progress (or lack of) around tackling tool theft in the UK. Met Police Sergeant, Dave Catlow joins the discussion to explain the challenge the Police have in dealing with the issue, how you can improve the chances of getting back your stolen tools and touches on vigilante justice. Van Security Expert, Jeff Scott from Sussex Installations talks about why some van manufacteurs need to do more and discusses van security. Towards the end of the show, Thomas talks about his experiences with tool theft/van break ins and Paul talks about those using innovation to tackle tool thieves

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy discuss whether the wiring regs constrain innovation, discuss too fatigue and the cost and time black hole caused by keeping up to date with regs

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk about some random electrical things you should know, if you dont already. There's a conversation about what makes a good and bad cable, BS4163 & a global standards update

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy discuss the range of hidden dangers you might encounter on old installations. John Ward joins the show to discuss examples he's found in the real world and his approach to reducing these dangers

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan are joined by Leadership Development Consultant, James Ray (https://www.instagram.com/jamesacray?igsh=MXJmcXJydGcxbWh3Mw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) to discuss how to manage people as the boss and also deal with HR issues that might arise with employees, subbies or apprentices

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about the push for full electrification and whether it's realistic

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan about whether you 'sell them the dream' and how much of the 'hard realities' of the industry you share with apprentices. Guests include: Tony York from Yorkman

Paul Meenan and Danny Webb AKA Sparky Milan (in for Thomas Nagy) discuss the growing gap in competency in the trade among domestic installers and the reasons why this gap is becoming ever more apparent. Paul talks about the challenges with regards to antiquated technology and teaching at colleges, the hesistancy to embrace new tech and understanding the need for CPD, as well as many other factors

Paul Meenan and Danny Webb AKA Sparky Milan (in for a hard working Thomas Nagy) talk about instances of unreported shocks and why it could be important to change the mindset in the trade around reporting, of lack of. Andy Baker from Electrical Safety UK joins the discussion to share his thoughts on unreported shocks towards the end of the show as well! 

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk about how they approach troubleshooting and problem solving in a variety of circumstances they find themselves in. Thomas talks about troubleshooting while on the tools and managing a business. Paul talks about choosing your battles, gives advice and disusses the process to take when troubleshooting different issues

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan are joined by Nathan Smoothy (Message Therapist) to discuss some of the ways you can combat, prevent and manage aches and strain that come from a lifetime on the tools

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan start 2025 with a look at what possible developments we might see across the Electrical sector and Construction Industry as a whole this year 

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan debunk some common myths and misconceptions about the trade. Guests include: Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services at SELECT

With Paul Meenan away for a second week, Stand in co-host Danny Webb (Sparky Milan) uses it as an opportunity to ask Thomas Nagy how he transitioned from more domestic based work to working on the highways and railway 

Danny Webb AKA Sparky Milan joins Thomas Nagy while Paul Meenen is in Ireland to discuss their best and worst moments in the trade

Stuart Cato joins Paul Meenan to discuss his experiences installing Solar PV and working in the industry. Stuart talks about his time serving in the Royal Engineers, the leap he made into Solar PV, His positive experiences in Solar, Riding the Solarcoaster and the need for more guidance

Paul Meenan is solo on the show and uses the opportunity to get some reaction from the trade with regards to the budget. Paul is joined by an Electrician who made national news after he stated he would pack up his family & business and move to Spain due to the budget. Paul has also invited Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders to join him and add context and opinion with regards to the impact the budget will have on the trade

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan invite two well esteemed members of the trade to join them and offer some meaningful advice from their experiences in electrical. Dan Jackson talks wellness, alcohol, diet, work life balance and Mark Pink shares his experiences and lessons learnt from the variety of working environments he's found himself in over the years