How To Get More Women Into Construction with Gretchen Gagel
In this episode, Greg Wilkes sits down with Dr Gretchen Gagel — 40-year veteran, board adviser and founder of the Women Thriving in Construction Institute — to unpack the talent shortage crippling the industry and show exactly how getting more women on site (and in the C-suite) accelerates profit, safety and culture for everyone.🔹 Key topics covered✅ The numbers that matter – from China’s 16 % female workforce to Indonesia’s 1.6 %, plus why the UK & Australia are moving the needle with government-backed culture standards ✅ Unconscious bias & dominant culture – practical ways to spot the hidden habits that stop women applying (and drive good men away too) ✅ Quick wins on site – flushing loos, correctly-sized PPE and split shifts that turn “death, dirt & divorce” job sites into professional workplaces ✅ Recruitment that works – the 53 % female school-build project and how to write ads that attract skilled women without lowering the bar ✅ Retention & progression – mentors, sponsors and quarterly one-to-ones that create a 99 % engagement score and fuel 2× revenue growth ✅ Leadership superpowers – why mixed-gender teams literally score higher IQ points and the neuroscience of the 12-lane female “super-highway” brain ✅ Small-builder playbook – define your values, keep every coaching meeting, publish the dashboard and watch performance lift across the board ✅ Gretchen’s big vision – scaling the best grassroots programmes worldwide through the Women Thriving in Construction InstituteIf you’re struggling to find good trades, juggling half-staffed projects or just want a happier, higher-performing crew, this conversation hands you the blueprint. Tune in, challenge the bias and build a construction business where everyone thrives. 🎧👷♀️👷Gretchen Gagel One SheetGretchen Gagel Book Summary https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit:https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator
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5 Core Systems with Greg Wilkes
In this episode, Greg Wilkes breaks down the five core systems every construction firm needs to scale smoothly from £1 million to £5 million — without the owner running on fumes. Drawing on the frameworks he installs in his own companies and those of his coaching clients, Greg shows how the right tech-plus-process combo turns day-to-day chaos into predictable profit.🔹 Key topics covered✅ Lead Management – ditch the diary scraps and build a CRM that captures, nurtures and auto-follows every enquiry ✅ Quoting & Job Approval – why outsourced estimating, square-metre benchmarks and one-click approvals protect margin and speed ✅ Project Management – when Asana is enough, when to step up to Buildertrend or Procore, and the daily logs that stop overspend ✅ Document & Communication Control – centralised cloud storage, Slack channels and SOPs that keep teams and clients aligned ✅ Finance & Cash Flow – fast invoicing, realistic 12-week forecasts and the “progress-payment ladder” that ends cash crunches ✅ Bonus – a quarterly review ritual to refine systems before small cracks become profit-draining gapsIf you’re juggling sticky notes, late quotes and mystery margins, this playbook will help you regain control, win the right work and scale with confidence. Plug the gaps, follow the frameworks and watch your construction business grow — sustainably. 🎧🔨 https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit:https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator
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How Jamie Mills Built a Multi-Million Pound Construction Company
In this episode, Greg Wilkes chats with Jamie Mills, founder of Signature Build, to unpack how he grew a one-man renovation sideline into a multi-million-pound contractor trusted with London’s most prestigious heritage homes. From risky buy-outs to razor-sharp branding, Jamie lays out the real-world moves that turned early hustle into sustainable, high-margin growth. 🔹 Key topics covered:✅ Starting with modest refurb jobs and networking his way into Prime Central London work ✅ Buying out a business partner—the due diligence, the nerves, and the upside of full control ✅ How a mastermind community gave weekly structure, accountability, and the push to “stop playing small” ✅ Turning brand touchpoints—from site cleanliness to online presence—into a magnet for high-end clients and architects ✅ Fixing under-pricing: building in proper prelims and margins without scaring off prospects ✅ Hiring “rocket-fuel” talent and learning to delegate so the business can scale beyond the owner ✅ Simple ways to solve problems for referrers and lock in repeat work ✅ Jamie’s next steps—regional expansion, apprenticeships, and giving back through community projects If you’re stuck juggling every role, under-charging, or struggling to break into higher-value projects, Jamie’s story proves you can level up your margins and your market position—without losing the craft you care about. Tune in and map out your own path from small-scale builder to respected industry player. 🎧🔨https://www.signature.build/https://www.linkedin.com/company/signaturebuild/https://www.instagram.com/signature.build/https://www.signature.build/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Signature-Build-Brochure-2024-Digital-1.pdf https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit:https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator
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How 4D Tech Can Improve Your Delivery with David Hernandez
In this episode, Greg Wilkes sits down with David Hernandez, Managing Director of North America for Elecosoft (Loft), to explore how 4D construction planning is reshaping project delivery — making jobs smoother, faster, and far more efficient. If you’re tired of project chaos, constant firefighting, and unpredictable schedules, this episode introduces a powerful tech-driven solution that doesn’t just look impressive — it works in real-world construction.🔹 Key topics covered:✅ Why most tech investments in construction fail — and how to fix your process before the platform ✅ What 4D planning really means (and no, it’s not just for big commercial contractors) ✅ How to go from a 3D BIM model to a complete project schedule in minutes ✅ The truth about AI in construction — what’s hype, what’s real, and what you should focus on first ✅ The power of standardised data, cross-team alignment, and proactive scheduling ✅ How small contractors can use 4D tools to win high-end jobs and separate from the pack ✅ The importance of building with the future in mind — from scalable systems to a strong digital brand ✅ Real case studies of contractors using 4D tools to improve reliability, reduce delays, and win better projectsIf you're overwhelmed by disconnected spreadsheets, rework, or missed deadlines — this episode offers a new way to lead your builds with clarity and confidence. Learn how to use the right tech to scale smarter, not harder. 🎧🔧----Website - https://elecosoft.com/us/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hernandez-4036264b/ Resources to Promote - https://elecosoft.com/us/support/ https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit:https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator
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5 Signs You Need To Hire A Project Manager
In this episode, Greg Wilkes lays out a clear framework for construction business owners to identify when it’s time to bring in a Project Manager – and how doing so can transform your operations, profit, and personal life. If you're overwhelmed and your business feels stuck or chaotic, this episode gives you the insight to know when and how to act.🔹 Key topics covered:✅ The five telltale signs you need a Project Manager – from constant interruptions to stagnant growth ✅ How doing everything yourself leads to delays, mistakes, and mental burnout ✅ Why hiring a PM is not a luxury but a strategic necessity for growth beyond the million-pound mark ✅ What a good PM should be responsible for – from managing trades to tracking variations and client updates ✅ Common hiring mistakes to avoid – like promoting a loyal tradie who isn’t suited to PM responsibilities ✅ Tips for hiring right – including interview questions, setting clear responsibilities, and trial periods ✅ The power of proactive project leadership – how the right PM creates smoother jobs, happier clients, and frees up your time ✅ Real-life examples of how a PM can prevent missed orders, over-budget jobs, and communication breakdownsIf you’re constantly firefighting, missing important details, or stuck at the same revenue ceiling month after month – this episode is a wake-up call. Greg shows you how hiring the right Project Manager isn't just about efficiency; it’s about taking back control, reducing stress, and finally building the business you've envisioned. 🎧🛠️ https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit:https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator
Navigating the difficulties of running a construction business can be challenging, but you're not alone. "Develop Your Construction Business" brings you bi-weekly insights on best business practices, marketing strategies, operational efficiency, and much more, tailored specifically for construction business owners. Whether you're a general builder, electrician, plumber, or carpenter looking to grow profitably, this podcast is your blueprint for success. Greg Wilkes is an award-winning construction business coach who has successfully grown his own construction business and wants to help you. Learn more about our Mastermind Course designed to help construction businesses grow -https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/courses/mastermind-course/Schedule a 10 Minute Scale Session - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator
Ireland