The Electrical Show

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk about Tom's business growth in the past 5-10 years and the story behind how Tom has gone from closing down a business, to starting fresh with a small team that he's now built to over 20 people. Thomas talks about the trial and error, how he's done it, what you should do if you would like to emulate this success and the ongoing growth of his business.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look into meter tampering and requests from customers that Electricians engage in meter tampering and other illegal work. Kimmy The Sparks joins the show to talk about her past experiences with this request from the public, Jimmy Hendry shares a Plumbing & Heating perspective on the topic and Tom and Paul talk about their own first hand and anecdotal experiences.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look into efforts to improve competency through training and how we could provide a better standard of training within the industry. Adrian Davey joins the show to talk about a real world example of poor workmanship being allowed to continue and why much of the industry seemingly doesn't care or at least allows poor standards to continue.Craig Wiltshire shares his vision to unionise training in the industry and talks about the reality of what he found when he entered the world of training with regards to poor standards and roadblocks in front of those wanting to make changes. 

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look into the approach to putting together tenders and bids for work. Thomas talks about his experiences as a Contractor, Paul gives some insight into what he's looking for when he gets tenders from those looking for work and Jason Cooney from TSAKs Consulting joins the discussion to explain what he thinks are the key steps in putting together tenders that are most likely to be successful.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk about how and why projects and jobs of all scale go wrong. They chat about past experience, dissect the issues and what caused them, talk about what happens next, how major projects end up badly done, over budget and running over the time alloted and also touch on the kind of work they wouldn't touch with a barge pole. 

This week, Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan go back to the very start of their careers in the electrical trade.They share memories from their first days on site, discuss the challenges they faced as apprentices, and reflect on the moments that shaped their careers.The lads talk about the jobs they'll never forget, what became easier with experience, and whether their expectations of the trade matched the reality.They also discuss how the industry has changed over the years, from life before smartphones to the rise of LED lighting, certification software, Part P regulations and lithium battery technology.Plus, they consider whether today's newcomers have it easier or harder than previous generations.

Lack of sleep is fast becoming one of the biggest health concerns for tradespeople, with new research from Tradesman Saver revealing that 59% say poor sleep is affecting their mental health. In this episode, Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan discuss their own sleep habits, routines, and whether power naps at work should be encouraged. Guests include GP and Sleep Specialist Dr. David Garley who gives expert insights on why sleep matters, how it impacts mental wellbeing, and the simple changes that can improve it. Electrician Callum Biscoe also joins the conversation to share the realities of balancing proper rest with the demands of life on the tools.

This episode explores apprenticeships, skills, and the future of the next generation of tradespeople, featuring a wide-ranging discussion on training, opportunity, and workforce development. Thomas and Paul are joined by Keith Sanderson from the Electrical Contractors' Association, who shares his perspective on the future of apprenticeships, how to encourage more employers to take them on, and why protecting the value of long-term training matters. They also speak with Tony York of Yorkman Group, who offers his thoughts on developing and supporting the next generation entering the industry. Later in the episode, Thomas and Paul chat with Nathan Sheridan about his inspiring journey to the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 finals.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan catch up to discuss their recent experiences, both professionally and personally. Paul reflects on his recent trip to America, while Thomas shares work updates and how he has recently sold a vehicle to Ukraine. There is also conversation on key industry developments, such as the latest amendment to BS 7671.

Plug-in solar is coming to the market in the UK.Before heading off to the States, Paul gave us an early look at what this could mean. Now he’s back, and we’ve been holding onto the follow-up for just this moment.In this episode, we dive deeper into the potential of plug-in solar, what’s changed, and what it could mean for households across the country. Plus, we bring in Mark Coles - Head of Technical Regulations from the IET to get another perspective on where things stand.Is this the breakthrough moment for accessible solar in the UK? Let’s find out.

Thomas Nagy is joined again by Danny Webb & Mike Toulson from Alpha Tech to discuss the variety of issues and challenges affecting the average Electrical Contractor. They talk about retirement and the challenge of being able to save enough for this, Problems with keeping on top of fuel costs recently and more! 

Thomas Nagy is joined by Mike Toulson & Danny Webb from Alpha Tech while Paul is away enjoying some well deserved time off. Tom asks Danny and Mike about the defining moments from the early days, some best and worst moments that shape you and also some of those fork in the road moments we are faced with as the years roll on.

Paul Meenan talks about value engineering and the issues he's had with how it's applied to many projects and working enviornments. This gets Tom and Paul onto talking about plug in solar panels and why the industry has serious concerns around this emerging technology.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk about what they believe is a clear downturn in trade across not only domestic but industrial and commercial as well. It's affected many trades and fellow Fix Radio Presenter and Plasterer, Steph Leese (The Pink Plasterer) joins the show to talk about what she's experiencing in the North West of England. Thomas invites his Business Development Manager (Ryan Ricard) and asks him to share advice as he's been key in keeping workflow and schedule of works together for Tom's business.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk about the manosphere and how it's impacting young men in the construction industry. They talk through the concept and how it's all come about, what it means to be a man in 2026 and where we can find examples of good role models online and in life. James Ray, Author of 'Responsibility: Becoming The Authentic Man' joins to share an insight into the manosphere culture, talks about what a good man might be, how banter plays a role in professional and personal relationships for many men and gives a perspective on why online trends don't always reflect the reality of the society that we actually live in.

Thomas Nagy talks to Leon Rygol, who covered the story of a seven year old boy killed by faulty wiring at a pub and discusses the risks posed to the public due to sub standard work. Tom and Leon discuss learnings from this tragic case, how prevalent poor workmanship is, How we could better protect the public and tradespeople and Leon explains why he covered this story and what he took from the experience. Site Manager and friend of the show, Mark Pink joins the discussion to talk about risks posed to Electricians and whether we're in a better place on-site with regards to safety than we have been in years gone by. Tom talks about a recent real world experience that he had.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look into plans to try and incentivise routes into teaching the trade, specifically for the aging workforce and discuss why there's not attractive enough benefits for those willing to teach but not prepared to sacrifice most of their income in the process. Kay Allen from Age Irrelevance talks about ConstructED which aims to try to incentivise pathways into teaching and help those still on the tools make a role in education work for them. Tom talks about what it would take for him to teach and Paul explains why roadblocks in industry are creating problems.

Paul and Tom talk about the way things were and how the trade has changed around them for better or worse. They cover things like cash vs. digital, robot electricians in China, the requirement for NVQs, Power tools, value, morals and more.

Thomas Nagy is joined again by Danny Webb & Mike Toulson about approach to pricing jobs and calculating your profit. Danny & Mike have put so much thought into getting this right for their business (Alpha Tech Group) that they've literally written the book on it. They talk about how you can do better at protecting your profit, how you can avoid the race to the bottom, work smarter not harder and also touch on how to check out their book! 

Thomas Nagy is joined in the studio by Danny Webb (Sparky Milan) and Mike Toulson to discuss 'Alpha Tech Group', their business partnership which first began in April 2025. Mike and Danny explain how this partnership came together and why it made sense. They talk about the work they're able to take on together, that would have been to difficult solo. They discuss delegation and playing to each other strengths, how they deal with disagreements and why domestic has become less worthwhile.

Thomas Nagy explains how he has got his business to the point where he can be more ambitious with regards to the area he covers and therefore takes on work across the country.

Thomas Nagy looks at the approach to insurance for your business and how to protect your livliehood in event of the worst possible situation. Rob Driscoll from the ECA provides an overview on the essential steps to getting the correct cover and ammending the cover as your business grows. Richard Egan from Sentio, a commercial insurance broker, shares some hard hitting case studies of what the consequences can be if you're not suffciently covered.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look again into data centres. They react to some listener comments from the last show or two and are joined by Jay Newman, who has first hand experience working in a data centre.

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy look into the rise of data centres and discuss what the rollout might look like across the UK in the near future. They invite John Ward to share his thoughts on what this means for the Electrical trade and towards the end there's a chat about Tom's office expansion.

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about the rise of AI in the Electrical sector. Tom and Paul talk about the current good uses of AI, touch on what the future might looks like with AI implemented in a variety of ways and also where we might be heading down the wrong road...

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk about how to be a good apprentice and make the most of your opportunity. Tom and Paul discuss their all-time worst and best apprentices and what made them so bad or good. They reflect on their own experiences as apprentices and also give insight into how they work with apprentices and help them find success and a career path in Electrical. Hugo Helms, a former apprentice who qualified in 2023 joins the discussion to give a perspective on the life lessons around conduct that were lacking when he was on his journey to become qualified. Hugo also discusses the current generational divide on site and how to bridge the gap and find some common ground.

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about some of the big developments, evolving stories and situations that might define 2026 and the future of the trade. Thomas talks about how business looks from his perspective, Paul talks about the opportunities, the things to be cautious of and optimistic about in the wider industry.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk about preventing falls from height. Thomas talks about his approach to protecting those that work for him, Dylan Skelhorn from the No Falls Foundation gives some facts and insight into working safely from height, and Paul talks about how get key points about risk assessment and safety protocol to stick with those that need to hear it. Thomas and Paul also give a bit of a wrap up of 2025 for the Electrical sector - The show will return from Christmas break on Thursday 8th January. 

Thomas Nagy talks about working with Tier 1 Contractors and his honest experiences so far. Rob Driscoll from the ECA joins the show and shares their perspective and some advice for those working for Tier 1 contractors.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look into recently released reports with regards to solar fires from 2024 and the increase of solar installs in 2024 & 2025. Paul and Tom talk about why so many solar fires are happening and Solar PV Installer, Stuart Cato discusses what he's seen with regards to another goldrush in the industry.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan catch up and talk about their recent professional experiences after having seven weeks taking turns hosting the show. Tom talks about challenges with schemes, work vehicles and more. Paul ponders his future involvement in certain aspects of the trade and talks about how this year has been for the Electrical sector as a whole.

Thomas Nagy asks fellow contractors and regular guests, Danny Webb & Callum Biscoe, to join him and talk about what business has been like for them in 2025. Thomas asks them what the focus has been, What they've had enquiries for this year, What setbacks they've faced and the plan for next year. Thomas also talks about his experiences working on highways and expanding the business.

Thomas Nagy is back from some time off and invites Dr. Laura Kudrna from the University of Birmingham to join him and talk about how money relates to happiness for sole traders and business owners. Thomas asks whether there's a limit to how much anyone needs to make to be happy, the fallacy in working to support a family you therefore have no time for and just tries to get some answers for anyone working hard to earn a living and to what point enough is enough. 

Paul Meenan invites Mark Pink, well respected Electrician & Site Manager, back onto the show while Thomas is away on holiday. Paul talks to Mark about coming from a family with a trade background and the mentors that help you along. Paul and Mark then talk about coping with loss and the incredibly devestating loss of Mark Pink's son, Harry who passed six months ago at the age of 22 - after years working with Mark. Mark talks about how hard this has hit him and the family, Paul shares what the reaction of their workplace was to this loss and Paul talks about his own journey with grief after losing his frend Paul Skyrme, from the e5 Group.

Paul Meenan invites seasoned and skilled Electrician, turned Site Manager, Mark Pink to join him and chat while Thomas Nagy is away on holiday. Mark talks about his recent work and experiences as a Site Manager. Mark talks about what has become harder in trade nowadays, the pressure the trade is under due to lack of competancy, poor training, apprenticeship challenges and Paul answers some listener questions.

Thomas Nagy invites guests with success and understanding of how to brand and present a business, in order to win the kind of work you want. Thomas talks to Scott Mullins, son of Charlie Mullins (Pimlico Plumbers) and founder of 'We Fix', to find out what has made their family businesses so successful and scalable. Trade Business Expert and founder of The Trades Freedom Club, Craig Wilkinson shares ten minutes of solid advice that he should be selling to you about how to create a brand and image for your business. Craig also shares the mistakes so many make and how to avoid them.

Thomas Nagy takes the opportunity with Paul Meenan away, to invite contractors from other trades to join him, so that he can compare notes and experiences in the construction industry. Guests include: Dan Tempest (Plumbing & Heating), Allen Burt (Carpentry & Joinery) and Peter Clark (Painting & Decorating)

Paul Meenan finally brings Tony Hennessey onto the show to discuss Thomas Nagy's snagging journey on rail work. Tony talks about his role as the Clerk of Works, How he works with contractors to get the best quality out of every job, Tony talks about Tom and his employees going on a journey of competency and the positive results that brings to the industry when a contractor embarks on it.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan talk to Electrical contractors who work in the domestic sector about the potential challenges and pitfalls. They discuss how to run a business in this marketplace successfully and get advice for any of you looking to make a success of it.

Thomas Nagy talks to Ashley Waines & Ashley Kanes - two Electrical Contractors who are finalists for The Screwfix Top Tradesperson Award - about what makes a good tradesperson. They discuss things others do that they wouldn't do in the trade.

Thomas shares a recent Band of Builders project completed to help the family of an Electrician who sadly took his own life at the end of 2023.

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy follow up last week's episode with a further look at good and bad inventions and the positive steps with regards to innovation. John Ward joins the show to discuss the role social media plays in pushing good and bad products on the market and more!

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy look at some of the good and bad products currently on the market and talk honestly about what they feel with regards to quality, usefulness and whether the marketplace is crowded with stuff not worth your time. Guests include: Tony York from Yorkman

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan share some of the mistakes they've made and confess their electrical sins. They also talk about why mistake occur and how to learn from your mistakes.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan look into how to de-risk your business and why 90 day payment terms need to end. Contractor, Callum Biscoe returns to share his roadmap for de-risking your business and putting protection in place when sub-contracting to Tier 1 contractors. The Small Business Commissioner, Emma Jones joins the discussion to explain her plan to use the stick rather than the carrot to re-shape rules around payment terms and the detremental affect that waiting for payments has on small businesses. 

Alex Wood tried to qualify in 2019, but due to the pandemic and lack of apprenticeships… he’s been left in limbo. In this episode, Alex joins Thomas and Paul to share the effects this has had on his mental health, and how this led to his involvement in Andy’s Man Club.

Adrian Davey shares his journey through divorce and recent self-discovery, exploring how understanding communication styles can change the way we relate, connect, and build healthier relationships.

Paul Meenan hosts a Q&A featuring some questions from listeners. Paul answers juicy questions about the industry, ponders sliding doors moments and more!

Paul Meenan flies solo and looks into what Electrical Contractors are currently making in domestic, comercial and industrial and whether money is going up in line with inflation. Paul talks to Contractor, Callum Biscoe about his move away from domestic and the great structure he has in place to account money accurately. Craig Wilkson, Trades Business Coach and founder of The Trades Freedom Club, explains why it's okay to expect your money to go up year on year and how to do it to beat the cost of living. Friend of the show, Danny Webb AKA Sparky Milan talks about whether the old cliche joke about electrician's money is still accurate and whether he feels the pinch currently.

Paul Meenan and Thomas Nagy talk about how the trade has changed, how their perception of the trade changes and ask two guests to join them and share their perspective. Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 winner, Dan O'Shea talks about his perception of the trade and how it's already been shaped by his experiences so far... Sparky Ninja, Dave Watts talks about how he's changed and how the trade has changed around him over the course of his career.