• Kevin Morgan: What the homeowner wants you to know about energy efficiency
    Feb 13 2024

    Can you talk the talk? Energy price pressures, the rising cost of living, economic uncertainty… it’s no surprise that homeowners want the most energy efficient solutions for their windows and doors. Not forgetting comfort - think air quality, acoustics, warmth. And then's sustainability too. So much to consider. This episode with Joanna Mulgrew from HBXL and Kevin Morgan, Commercial Director of Crystal Direct, will give you everything you need to know - knowledge that you can pass on to your customers. Help them achieve their energy efficient (and comfortable) renovation, extension, conversion or self-build project.

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    27 mins
  • Neil Groom: The realities of running a small building firm
    Jan 23 2024

    Running a small building firm isn’t easy but as Neil Groom of NJG Building Solutions discusses with Jo Mulgrew, there are ways of avoiding the road blocks frequently put in the builder’s way. He’s discovered you’re never too old to grow your business, improve processes and manage time better. Can you relate?

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    40 mins
  • Nail getting paid by the customer
    Oct 3 2023

    Construction has the highest insolvency rate of all industries. In April – June 2023, a staggering 18% of all insolvencies were in construction. Simon Lazarus of the Better Business Group believes this reflects a long-standing and serious problem with the way in which so many construction companies operate. In this episode, Joanna Mulgrew, HBXL's MD, finds out what building firms can do to better protect themselves.

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    55 mins
  • Simple changes to your quoting that will make you more money
    Aug 25 2023
    Are you quoting too low? Jo and Simon discuss common mistakes and explain how to put them right. They talk accurate quoting, overheads, and mark-ups. They touch on stage payments and cash flow, and more. With the right support, builders instead of just breaking even, can can go on to make decent money… This could be the start of something big!
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    56 mins
  • Why you're under-charging and how to change
    Aug 1 2023

    If you want to increase your profit doing less work whilst improving your work/life balance then this episode is a must! Every sentence is a valuable tip. Joanna and Simon talk about a shift in mindset, your competitors, your goals for the future...and much more…It’s not for the faint-hearted. Simon talks cold hard truths!

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    44 mins
  • Why the heat is on for building firms in the UK
    Jul 25 2023
    New Building Regulations relating to carbon emissions came into effect on 15th June 2022. There followed a grace period of 12 months. That of course has been and gone. So any renovations, extensions and new builds you put through planning from now on, need to comply with the new regs. Do you know what the updates and new additions were? Check out this episode for the answers.
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    31 mins
  • Toby Peacock: The reality of stress in construction
    Jul 13 2023

    Toby Peacock is an electrician and the Screwfix Tradesperson of the Year 2022. And he’s making his name for breaking down the mental health barriers in the construction industry. His Podcast ‘Tearoom Talks’ discusses difficult topics honestly and openly. In our podcast Toby shares his thinking with Joanna Mulgrew, MD of the HBXL Group. He talks about his own struggles and suggests where listeners can get some help themselves. An important listen.

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    31 mins
  • What you should know about PVC-u windows and doors
    Jul 6 2023

    Why is PVC-u still popular? What are the best products? How should you be purchasing them? And what do you say to customers so that you can take charge of ordering them? HBXL MD, Joanna chats with Kevin Morgan, Commercial Director of Crystal Direct who has lots to say on the subject! Sit back for half an hour, listen to them chat and get the inside track.

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    31 mins