In this episode of The Build Up, Dan chats with Mark Morris, Marketing Manager at Thomas Dudley, recorded live at The Installer Show.

Mark shares how the 110-year-old British brand continues to stay relevant through loyalty-building with plumbers, standout product innovation, and bold marketing moves — including sending their Quantum siphon into space.

They also talk agency relationships, the power of a great brief, and how Thomas Dudley uses social media and reputation to connect with merchants and end users alike.

Whether you’re in-house or agency-side, this one’s full of takeaways for anyone working in construction marketing.

In this episode of The Build Up, Dan speaks with Scott Jones, founder of Stair Guys, about how he's using artificial intelligence to radically transform his construction business. With a team of just three people, Scott has managed to generate over 6,000 website visitors a month, attract 20–30 qualified leads each week, and replace the equivalent workload of more than three staff members using AI tools that cost under £500 a month.

What’s most surprising is that Stair Guys doesn't manufacture staircases—yet they rank among the top four staircase companies in the UK thanks entirely to AI-driven SEO and content strategies. Scott walks us through his complete AI toolkit, from creating blog content that genuinely ranks, to producing customer quotes and 3D renders in under a minute.

This conversation is essential for business owners, tradespeople, and marketers working in traditional sectors who want to grow without continually expanding their team. Scott shares his perspective that AI is the great leveller for small businesses, along with a refreshingly honest take on the learning curve, the mindset shift from chasing revenue to buying back time, and the privacy challenges that come with adopting AI tools.

From automating compliance documentation and building case studies from Zoom transcripts to training AI for tone of voice and quality control, this discussion shows how even a tiny team can compete with industry giants when they harness the right tools.

Whether you're excited about AI or deeply sceptical, this episode offers practical, down-to-earth insights into how AI is already revolutionising traditional industries like construction.

In this episode of The Build Up — the go-to podcast for marketing professionals in the construction industry — host Dan (Creative Director at dissident creative agency) welcomes Lee Wilcox, co-founder of On The Tools, for an unfiltered, inspiring conversation.

On The Tools has grown into one of the most influential platforms in the UK trades scene, with millions of followers across social media, a dynamic media arm, and deep roots in the construction community. But its success didn’t happen overnight.

Lee shares the full story, from his early career drifting between jobs to the late-night conversation that sparked an idea for a recruitment app. What followed was a series of unexpected pivots: a viral Facebook page, a chaotic merch business run from his mum’s living room, and eventually, a full-blown media company that now helps brands authentically connect with tradespeople.

This episode dives into:

• The origin story of On The Tools
• The power of content and community in construction marketing
• The failures that paved the way for success
• How to build an audience before a product
• Why humour, honesty and relevance win in this industry

Whether you're a marketer, founder, or creative working in the built environment, this conversation is packed with insight, practical lessons, and the kind of candour that’s rare in business podcasts.

In this episode of The Build Up, host Dan, sits down with Russell Payne — third-generation

tradesman and host of The Talking Tradesman podcast — for an honest conversation about

the mental health crisis within the construction industry, and the role brands and marketing

can play in driving change.

Russell shares his powerful personal story: from growing up on the tools and running his

family painting and decorating business by 17, to facing struggles with mental health that

ultimately pushed him to become an advocate for change. What begins as a deeply personal

narrative expands into a wider discussion about how the construction industry, particularly

those shaping its public voice through branding and marketing, can help create a culture

where vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but a strength.

Together, Dan and Russell explore the opportunity that brands have to go beyond

surface-level messaging and build genuine connection by engaging with real issues like

mental health. From championing authentic stories to creating safe spaces for open

dialogue, Russell explains how companies in the built environment can use their platforms

not just to sell, but to support, and why that matters now more than ever.

This episode is essential listening for marketers, brand managers, contractors, and anyone

who wants to use their voice to build something more meaningful in construction.

The Talking Tradesman:

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This podcast is produced by dissident creative agency, the original disrupters of construction marketing. This podcast is born out of our passion to create conversations that push boundaries as hard as our content!

If breaking rules and standing out is your thing, we want to hear from you...

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In this episode of The Build Up, host Dan (Creative Director at dissident creative agency) sits down with Ben Russell — founder of Russell Interiors, part-time carpenter and decorator, full-time fireman and family man.

Ben started his business just 18 months ago, and in that short time, he’s been making a name for himself through smart, scrappy marketing and a whole lot of hustle. We dive into how he’s building up his brand while managing a packed schedule and what’s working for him as a startup tradesperson trying to stand out in a competitive market.

From Facebook group hacks to trade show networking, Ben shares the marketing tactics that are actually moving the needle — all without a big budget. We also talk about the power of honesty in branding, balancing multiple trades, and why referrals are still king in the construction world.

Whether you’re just getting started in the industry or looking for fresh marketing ideas for your own business, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world insight.

In this episode of The Build Up, host Dan, sits down with Dan Czerwinski, Sales and Marketing Manager at fischer fixings UK. They dive into the fascinating evolution of fischer fixings, a German brand, as it localised its marketing strategy to succeed in the competitive UK trade and DIY markets.

Dan shares his journey into the construction industry and the importance of understanding both sales and marketing. He discusses how fischer transitioned from a technical, product-focused approach to one that resonates with consumers, tradespeople, and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Discover how fischer’s rebranding, including new packaging and logo design, played a critical role in building consumer trust and standing out in a crowded market. Dan also explores the key differences between marketing to tradespeople and DIY customers, and how localisation and tailored strategies have been essential in driving their success.

Join us for this insightful conversation filled with industry tips, branding wisdom, and a closer look at the challenges and opportunities in construction marketing.

Derek Barrett, founder of Derek Barrett Design Limited, joins The Build Up to share his journey in bespoke furniture making and how social media transformed his business. Starting with a foundation course in Ireland and earning a BA in furniture design, Derek took an unconventional path into cabinetmaking. His early experiences managing large projects taught him valuable lessons about efficiency, investment in the right tools, and running a streamlined workshop.

In this conversation, Derek opens up about how Instagram became a game-changer for his brand. A single viral post reaching over 20 million views shifted the way he approached digital marketing, helping him connect with a wider audience and attract new clients. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining engagement, the importance of authenticity, and the balance between showcasing craftsmanship and growing a business online.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

In this episode of The Build Up Podcast, host Dan, Creative Director at dissident creative agency, is joined by Craig Hancock, a freelance marketer with extensive experience in the construction sector.

We explore the challenges of marketing in construction, from branding and B2B strategy to the unique difficulties of selling services like facilities management and maintenance contracts. Craig shares insights from his work with Ignite Facilities, discussing how personalised marketing and real-world experience can help brands stand out in a competitive market.

The conversation also covers the role of health and safety in marketing, the often-overlooked value of preventative maintenance, and how to engage customers in industries where marketing is traditionally an afterthought.

Subscribe now and don’t miss future episodes of The Build Up podcast!