

Taylor Talks Trades
Taylor Talks
Join Jamie Taylor, Managing Director of Taylor Roofs, as he talks to friends and businesspeople from across various trades about their journey, what they’re up to now, and what the future will bring.Listen to valuable insights and advice from experienced tradespeople, as well as some good chat and stories from people with a lot to tell!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 4, 2025 • 53min
Master Tiler To Mentor | Episode 89 Ross Cunningham | Taylor Talks Trades
In this episode, Jamie sits down with Ross Cunningham — founder of ROSSCO Tiling Specialists — to talk about building a business known for precision, pride, and purpose.From restoring Victorian porches to tiling restaurants and homes, Ross shares his journey from qualified tradesman to running a business with real standards.They cover why it’s so hard to get off the tools, the struggle of hiring tilers, and how trade opportunities should be for everyone, not just the underprivileged.It’s a raw, honest chat on craftsmanship, business, and why hard work still matters.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk from the heart of the trades.Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrade Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstradesSpotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5LApple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM#taylortalkstrades #taylorroofs #podcast #roofing #construction #trades #industry #scotland

Jun 20, 2025 • 34min
Should FLOORING be a recognised trade? | Episode 88 Alex Durham | Taylor Talks Trades
In this episode, Jamie sits down with Alex Durham, founder of Smartwood Flooring Scotland — a business built on decades of grit, craftsmanship, and a passion for perfect floors. 🪵✨ Alex opens up about starting out as a labourer in his parents’ business, gaining elite training in Germany, and building a family-run brand that champions quality over shortcuts.We dive into why he believes flooring deserves recognition as a trade in its own right, how rejecting the 9-to-5 sparked his entrepreneurial journey, and the mindset it takes to turn a skill into a lasting legacy.It’s one for the grafters, the makers, and anyone dreaming of building something of their own. 💪 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk from the heart of the trades.Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrade Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstradesSpotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5LApple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM#taylortalkstrades #taylorroofs #podcast #roofing #construction #trades #industry #scotland

Jun 6, 2025 • 30min
Installer Show 2025: What to Expect | Episode 87 Mike Costain | Taylor Talks Trades
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Costain, Managing Director of the Installer Show — the UK’s biggest and boldest event for tradespeople. 🛠️Mike shares the journey of how the show started from humble beginnings and grew into a must-attend event for plumbers, electricians, roofers, and builders across the country.We also dive into what’s coming up this year — including a full two-storey house being built INSIDE the event 🤯Whether you’re in the trade or just love hearing how big ideas come to life, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories from real people in the industry! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstradesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-tradesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstradesSpotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5LApple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

May 23, 2025 • 1h 13min
Starting a Business. Dealing with the Skills Shortage. Starting Fires? | Episode 86: Jason Wright | Taylor Talks Trades
Starting a Business. Dealing with the Skills Shortage. Starting Fires? | Episode 86: Jason Wright | Taylor Talks Trades Jamie sits down with Jason Wright of J. Wright Roofing. Jason started his journey in trades at only 7 years old and at 22, struck out on his own. He now runs a highly respected roofing business and has some tips, advice, and thoughts he'd like to share for all of the budding entrepreneurs and tradespeople in the UK.Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstradesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-tradesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstradesSpotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5LApple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

May 9, 2025 • 48min
Tendering isn't a Race to the Bottom | Episode 85: Anne Farr | Taylor Talks Trades
Bidding and Tendering expert, Anne Farr, sits down with Jamie to talk about her journey from a corporate world, to running her own consultancy business. Top tips for bidding and tendering, stories of science expeditions in the Antarctic, this episode has it all! See more of Anne Farr and the Rothera Group at their LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annefarr/Anne is also offering a giveaway for special access to her full catalogue of videos offering bidding and tendering advice. Simply follow the link below and input one of the codes for a chance to win! https://www.rotheragroup.com/training/winconstructiontenders/Codes:c2350d-3b3395f5eda2-76a17a85d5b9-c6a47cSubscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstradesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-tradesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstradesSpotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5LApple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM

Apr 25, 2025 • 60min
Schools need to CHANGE, Trades are not just a BACKUP | Episode 84: David Sudworth | Taylor Talks Trades
Schools need to CHANGE, Trades are not just a BACKUP | Episode 84: David Sudworth | Taylor Talks TradesSitting down with David Sudworth, AKA Mr Soot, to talk about their training centre for business owners.Diving deep into how the education system needs to evolve for all types of learning to allow for equal chances and the perception of the trades in these environments need to be shifted!Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstrades Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-trades TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstrades Spotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM #taylortalkstrades #taylorroofs #podcast #roofing #construction #trades #industry #scotland

Apr 18, 2025 • 44min
Tradesman. Survivor. Business Owner | Episode 83 Adam Murphy | Taylor Talks Trades
Tradesman. Survivor. Business Owner. Adam Murphy’s Journey Is Next Level In this episode, we sit down with Adam Murphy — a true example of grit, resilience, and determination.🔥From learning his trade skills in college to battling cancer not once, but twice, Adam’s journey has been anything but easy. Despite massive challenges, he pushed forward — managing large-scale projects, starting his own business, and even relocating to a new country to chase his dream.After thriving overseas, Adam shares the real highs and lows of his journey, the lessons he learned, and how he turned setbacks into stepping stones for success, to then finally returning home to the UK and starting his business Nuevo.Whether you’re a tradesperson, business owner, or someone chasing a fresh start — this episode will motivate the hell out of you. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories from real people doing big things.Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstradesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-tradesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstradesSpotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5L Apple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM#taylortalkstrades #taylorroofs #podcast #roofing #construction #trades #industry #scotland

Apr 11, 2025 • 55min
Little Fish in a Big Pond... AND LOVING IT | Episode 82: Ashley Lawson | Taylor Talks Trades
Little Fish in a Big Pond... AND LOVING IT | Episode 82: Ashley Lawson | Taylor Talks TradesJamie sits down with Ashley Lawson from AFTA Interiors to discuss her journey into the business of interior design. Hers was a journey of self-discovery before becoming the businesswoman she is now. You can find Ashley here 👇Website - https://bit.ly/4lcZMn9Instagram - https://bit.ly/446IfXkLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/43MBhqHFacebook - https://bit.ly/3XyaF8TSubscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstradesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-tradesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstradesSpotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5LApple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM #taylortalkstrades#taylorroofs #podcast #roofing #construction #trades #industry #scotland

Apr 4, 2025 • 57min
From My Garage to 10,000 Sq Ft HQ – The Journey of Cube Wraps | Episode 81 Gary Smillie | Taylor Talks Trades
🎙️ From Garage Startup to 10,000 Sq Ft – The Inspiring Story of Cube Wraps! 🚀In this episode, we sit down with Gary Smillie, the director of Cube Wraps, a leading commercial wrapping company.Gary shares his incredible journey—from learning the craft of vehicle liveries to starting his own business in his garage and scaling it to a massive 10,000 sq ft operation!💡 What You’ll Hear:✅ How Gary got into the wrapping industry 🎨✅ His experience with a business partnership that didn’t work out 🤝✅ The struggles & triumphs of building Cube Wraps from scratch 🏗️✅ Lessons on resilience, growth, and making it in business 💪This is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone chasing their dreams! 🌟🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Subscribe to the podcast oninstagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstradesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-tradesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstradesSpotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5LApple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM #taylortalkstrades #taylorroofs #podcast #roofing #construction #trades #industry #scotland

Mar 28, 2025 • 53min
Know Your NUMBERS, Know your BUSINESS | Episode 80: Craig Rattray | Taylor Talks Trades
Jamie sits down with Craig Rattray, from Know Your Numbers, to discuss the importance of taking hold of your own finances in your business and demystifying the "complexity" of knowing your numbers.Craig Rattray is also offering a place on his Know Your Numbers course worth £3600 for FREE! Follow the link below for more details 👇https://knowyournumbers.biz/taylor-talks-trades/Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylortalkstradesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-talks-tradesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylortalkstradesSpotify 👉 https://spoti.fi/3ZMHf5LApple Podcasts 👉 https://apple.co/3Lri8RM#taylortalkstrades #taylorroofs #podcast #roofing #construction #trades #industry #scotland


