In this episode, Tom Griffiths speaks with Joe Hopson, Managing Director of UPR Scaffolding, about the evolution of a family-run construction business, the challenges currently facing the UK housebuilding sector, and the leadership lessons learned from taking over and growing a company.

Joe begins by sharing the origins of UPR Scaffolding, which was founded by his father nearly 20 years ago. Although Joe initially pursued a different route in construction, working for a main contractor after leaving school, he joined the family business in 2013 with the aim of helping modernise its operations. Over the past decade, Joe has progressed through several roles—from quantity surveyor to commercial manager, then director, and eventually Managing Director—before completing a management buyout and taking full ownership of the business.

A major focus of the conversation is how the business has evolved both culturally and operationally. Joe explains how he introduced a more professional and modern working environment, replacing the traditional image often associated with scaffolding companies. Improvements included better office facilities, clearer professional standards, and a stronger emphasis on teamwork and professionalism.

The episode also explores UPR Scaffolding’s growth strategy. Since Joe joined the business, turnover has more than doubled from approximately £4–4.5 million to over £10 million. Joe attributes this growth not to aggressive expansion, but to building strong relationships with the right clients—particularly residential housebuilders—and growing alongside them as their projects expanded into new regions.

Tom and Joe also discuss several industry-wide challenges, including a slow housing market, an ageing workforce, and the difficulty of attracting younger workers into physically demanding trades such as scaffolding. Joe outlines some of the initiatives his company is exploring to address this issue, including outreach to schools, training organisations, and alternative recruitment pathways.

Finally, Joe reflects on his role as Managing Director and the importance of balancing operational oversight with long-term strategy. Looking ahead, his focus is on maintaining stability during uncertain market conditions while continuing to build strong client partnerships that support sustainable long-term growth.

Contact Joe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-hopson-bsc-hons-49a1b9123

In this episode, Tom Griffiths speaks with Laszlo Daragics, founder of Bonus Eventus, about building and scaling a facilities maintenance business while maintaining strong customer relationships and operational efficiency. Bonus Eventus provides heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), gas, and building maintenance services to commercial and residential property portfolios, primarily working with property and facilities management companies across the UK.

Laszlo begins by sharing the origins of the company and the meaning behind the name Bonus Eventus, which reflects the business’s core philosophy of delivering a good outcome for every customer. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in the mechanical and electrical services sector, he explains how the business evolved from small residential plumbing jobs into a national maintenance provider responsible for numerous commercial properties and apartment blocks. Much of the company’s early growth came through referrals from property managers who valued reliability and consistent service.

A key theme throughout the conversation is scaling a service-based business while protecting profitability. Laszlo reflects on earlier stages of the company when revenue grew quickly but margins remained extremely low. This experience led him to focus on improving operational control, particularly by introducing a custom-built field service management system. The software enables the business to track job performance, monitor contractor productivity, and measure profitability on a job-by-job basis, providing clear financial visibility and supporting better decision-making.

The discussion also explores Laszlo’s approach to team structure and growth. Rather than relying heavily on traditional payroll structures, he prefers partnership-style relationships with contractors, allowing flexibility while maintaining long-term collaboration. He emphasises the importance of understanding both employees and clients on a personal level, arguing that strong relationships are central to sustaining quality service.

Looking ahead, Laszlo outlines his ambitions to grow the business steadily to around £10–15 million in revenue while maintaining the company’s personal approach. He also discusses the increasing role of AI and automation in improving productivity, while stressing the importance of balancing technological efficiency with human interaction and customer care.

Contact Laszlo here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laszlo-daragics-md-462316117

In this episode, Tom Griffiths speaks with John Saysell, Managing Director at MCP Consulting, a long-established asset management and maintenance consultancy that has been operating for nearly 50 years. The discussion explores MCP’s role in addressing the growing skills shortage within the UK’s engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance sectors, as well as John’s personal journey into technical training and leadership within the business.

John explains how MCP supports organisations by delivering practical training programs designed to upskill existing employees in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation disciplines. Rather than focusing solely on new apprentices entering the workforce, the company often works with experienced operators and technicians, helping them develop additional skills so they can maintain equipment as well as operate it. This approach allows companies to increase productivity and efficiency while reducing reliance on scarce specialist engineers.

A key theme throughout the conversation is the widening engineering skills gap in the UK. John highlights that tens of thousands of maintenance technicians are expected to retire over the coming years, while demand for technical skills continues to rise—particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and electric vehicles. MCP aims to help bridge this gap through accredited training courses, practical learning environments, and tailored programs designed around the real equipment and challenges faced by industrial organisations.

The episode also explores how the business operates commercially. MCP runs dedicated training centres, including a recently expanded facility in Reading, while also delivering customised training directly at client sites for larger cohorts. Clients range from global brands such as Coca-Cola and Jaguar Land Rover to major infrastructure organisations like Heathrow Airport and Thames Water.

Finally, John shares insights into the long-term growth of the business and its future plans. With demand for engineering skills continuing to increase, MCP is investing in new training equipment, expanding course offerings, and considering the launch of additional training centres to support industries across the UK.

Overall, the conversation provides valuable insight into the importance of technical training, workforce development, and the critical role skilled engineers play in supporting economic productivity.

Contact John here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-saysell-a7aa9813