Episodes

  • Apprenticeship stories from the trade

    Apprenticeship stories from the trade
    May 11 2026
    In this episode, Robin Clevett shares two stories from Carpentry and Joinery centred around apprenticeships. First, apprentice Rhys Mitchell joins us to share his journey into the trade, the lessons he’s learned on site, and what it took to reach the finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 competition. We’ll also hear from Mark Bradshaw, Curriculum Manager at Northampton College, who has won awards for his work Carpentry apprentices. From hands-on projects at Delapré Abbey to the challenges facing apprenticeships today, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real stories from the trade.
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    28 mins
  • Robin Clevett & Sean Matthews On Customers Taking The...

    Robin Clevett & Sean Matthews On Customers Taking The...
    Apr 27 2026
    Sean Matthews joins Robin at the Fix Radio studios to talk about managing customer expectations and the nightmare of dealing with customers when you try to be accomodating and they take the mick in return. Sean also talks about current work, enquiries and challenges faced recently.
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    44 mins
  • A Worrying Downturn For Outdoor/Garden Builds?

    A Worrying Downturn For Outdoor/Garden Builds?
    Apr 20 2026
    Robin Clevett talks to David Byrne, well known for his top quality domestic outdoor/garden builds about his recent challenges bringing in the work. David explains what's been going on, Why he thinks this is happening, What he will do to keep work coming in and Robin shares his own past experiences taking on higher end and more luxury type garden builds for customers.
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    29 mins
  • Robin Clevett Talks About Plagiarism Online vs. Finding Inspiration With Derek Barrett

    Robin Clevett Talks About Plagiarism Online vs. Finding Inspiration With Derek Barrett
    Apr 13 2026
    Robin was recently accused of plagiarism online - despite never having known about the original work. It got Robin thinking about when it's a case of lateral thinking compared to finding inspiration and also talks about when he's noticed people copying his content for their social media. Robin invites Derek Barrett onto the show as an example of someone who has inspired many online and they discuss both sides and whether it's an overall positive or negative for the trade and online community.
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    29 mins
  • Are The CITB Fit For Purpose? & Addressing Criticism From SMEs

    Are The CITB Fit For Purpose? & Addressing Criticism From SMEs
    Mar 30 2026
    Robin Clevett asks the Construction Industry Training Board to join him and address some misgivings from certain areas of the construction industry. Robin asks whether the CITB are still fit for purpose, asks about decisions behind where grants go and how funds are allocated. Robin addresses the frustration many have about NVQs being favoured over other qualifications in order to get a CSCS card and also asks about the 12-week consultation phase we’re now in with regards to proposals for the CITB and ECTIB to merge as one Industry Training Board.

    Robin also invites Helen Hewitt from the British Woodworking Federation onto the show for a follow up with regards to where we are after Skills England paused proposals to reduce apprenticeships in length…

    …and Christian Hathrell-Good, a leading training provider (Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd) joins the discussion to share good and bad experiences with regards to getting support from the CITB for their training programmes.
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    56 mins
  • Robin Clevett Talks To Other Trades About Their Approach To Working With Wood!

    Robin Clevett Talks To Other Trades About Their Approach To Working With Wood!
    Mar 16 2026
    Robin is joined by Landscaper, John Roberts to talk about his work with wood and timber based products in outdoor space, John talks about changing the molecular structure of wood and using Japanese wood burning techniques. Robin shares the story behind one of London's best French Polish companies - a journey that he witnesses first hand. Wesley Knight - well known as a Painter & Decorator online as 'WKPD' talks about the lengths he goes to when it comes to restoring and repairing wood on his projects.
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    27 mins
  • Where Is The Value?

    Where Is The Value?
    Mar 9 2026
    Robin Clevett looks into site work and domestic work for Carpenters & Joiners and whether there's enough profit and value in certain aspects of the trade. Calum Callachan talks about experiences around this in site work and what his experiences are now having recently jumped into domestic. Friend of the show, Sean Matthews - award winning Tradesperson - joins the chat to share his thoughts on protecting and finding profit in the domestic market.
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    Not Yet Known
  • Are You Ready For This Big Change Coming in April?

    Are You Ready For This Big Change Coming in April?
    Mar 2 2026
    Robin Clevett looks into the changes coming for sole traders and landlords as HMRC push towards implementing steps in 'Making Tax Digital' from April 2026. Craig Ogilvie from HMRC explains how it'll all work and what resources are available to help with reporting. Robin talks about why he thinks this is a postive for the trade and how he's approaching MTD.
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    24 mins