Trade Entrepreneur Podcast: Recent Episodes
David Sudworth
The show FOR business owners BY business owners, hosted by David Sudworth, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep. Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing chimney sweeping, inspecting and testing companies in the UK.In Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests will talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work. He’ll also share his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot Chimney Sweep one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping companies.
David meets Lee Mayers, owner of Villlage Fireplaces & Stoves, in the Isle of Man. In this episode, they talk about:
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Going from a solo tradesman to a leading a team
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How Manx customers are different from those in the UK
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His hopes for the future of the solid fuel industry
David meets Lee Mayers, owner of Villlage Fireplaces & Stoves, in the Isle of Man. In this episode, they talk about:
-
Going from a solo tradesman to a leading a team
-
How Manx customers are different from those in the UK
-
His hopes for the future of the solid fuel industry
David looks back at lessons learned in 2024 - and how it's helping him shape his future at Mr Soot.
For details on the Business Masterclass, visit https://mr-soot.com/product/business-masterclass-trade-secrets-revealed/
It’s the heat loss recovery system which took an industry by surprise - and confounded sceptics.
In this espiode, Will Burrows tell David about Recoheat’s journey, and their plans for the future.
Mike Woods trained at our Mr Soot Training Centre earlier this year. He’s now a HETAS approved sweep and facing his first ‘silly season’.
In this interview, Mike talks about his background, why he swapped careers, and what he’s expecting over the autumn and winter months.
When non-league Marine Football Club were drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, it transformed the Merseyside team.
Their Commercial Manager Cara Leach joins David to discuss how they're now engaging with local businesses to provide a real hub for the community.
In this episode, founder of Flue & Ducting, Ryan Hancock, talks about his background, how he brought Duraflue to the UK, and the moment he thought his business would close for good.
This episode is brought to you in conjunction with Fireplace Specialist Magazine - the official and only independent trade magazine supporting the industry. Read the latest edition at www.fireplacespecialistmagazine.co.uk
Yorkshire marketing professional Gary Walker traded black tie dinners for black hands when he trained as a HETAS approved chimney sweep.
He talks to David about his first 'silly season' and how his background is giving his brand the marketing edge.
The Trade Entrepreneur episode is brought to you in conjunction with Advance Chimney Cameras - the quality CCTV flue inspection equipment used by professionals. Visit www.chimneyinspectioncamera.co.uk
Byron Schramm left his chimney business in Colorado behind for six months - and set out for a European adventure.
David catches up with him on the British leg of his tour to discuss chimneys, entrepreneurship and the work-life balance ‘myth’.
This episode is brought to you in association with Rodstation chimney rods - the equipment used by professional sweeps internationally. Visit www.rodstation.co.uk for more information.
Marketing expert Daniel Ezzatvar researched the construction sector for his Masters Degree. He tells David how he’s now using that as a springboard to help bridge the white-blue collar divide across the sector.
This episode is brought to you in conjunction with Fireplace Specialist Magazine - the official and only independent trade magazine supporting the industry. Read the latest edition at www.fireplacespecialistmagazine.co.uk
James Archer went from one-man-in-his-shed to being the face of one of the UK’s best known stove brands.
But as Clock Woodburners underwent a meteoric rise, James found it difficult to adapt to these new pressures.
In a frank interview with David, James talks about how he started out in the industry, the secret behind Clock’s success, and his plans for the future.
“He liked it so much he bought the company!”
In this episode, Liam Hobbs, of More Than Loft Ladders, tells David how he went from being a franchisee to buying the business outright.
It’s a fascinating story from someone who has a real entrepreneurial spirit who only really acted on it a bit later in life.
Essex chimney sweep Joe Gomez sat the US chimney sweep exams - and passed. He now wants to help improve standards here in the UK. In this episode he talks to David about his experiences in America…
Sixth-generation sweep Josh Firkins joins David for an indepth discussion about the future of chimney sweeping, and how he feels trade associations have got it wrong...
In a follow up to last year's interview about whether to grown his one-man band, Wilts chimney sweep Alistair Kemp returns to the show to reflect on what he did next...
With a sluggish economy, the UK needs small businesses to drive growth. So why are some unable to meet even their own aspirations? In this episode, David reveals a key issue which the Government needs to sort out ASAP...
Focusing solely on your business means potentially missing out on opportunities. In this episode, David outlines how 'outside' interests beyond your day-to-day work can help you and your business...
Cashflow can be tricky in a seasonal business. But there are some steps you can take to counteract that, as David discusses in this episode...
Expanding your business can be challenging, but having a scarcity mindset can strangle any idea at birth. In this episode, David looks at how overcoming this is vital if you want to grow...
It's clear we're in choppy financial waters - and adapting to survive can be a necessity. In this episode, David looks at how you can grow even when the economy is shrinking...
Too many people are scared of failure. But it's actually an essential ingredient to any success story. In this episode, David explains why we need to redefine our relationship with it...
When Ray Kroc travelled to a small restaurant in California, little did he know it would be the first step towards creating a global brand. This week, David reveals why you too should watch 'The Founder' - the story of McDonald's
It's tempting to let routines slide, but the key to success often relies on the repetition of tasks which, ultimately, lead you towards your goals...
Many want to expand, but when it comes to the crunch. many tradespeople just can't do it. Is it down to circumstances, or is there something else at play? In this episode, David looks at the 5 reasons why many one-person bands remain stuck...
As business owners, it's easy to believe customers care about the same things you do. It's rarely the case. In this episode, David reveals the 5 things customers really couldn't care less about...
January is a peak time for people taking the plunge and setting up a new business. In this episode, David discusses the five lessons he took from his own business start-up...
In his final podcast of 2022, David explains why Christmas and New Year provides a welcome opportunity to both look forward and back...
For those who aren't yet 'off the tools', this can be the hardest part of the entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, David talks about his own experiences about working both 'in' and 'on' the business at the same time...
Too many great ideas never see the light of day - because people are scared they're 'not ready'. In this episode, David discusses why no idea is ever perfect...
After starting his growth journey in early 2021, David is now ready to take it to the next level in 2023...
The term is widely recognised, but rarely understood. In this episode, David examines how you need to guard against so many things which could undermine you and your professionalism in the eyes of customers.
David returns to Ashton Old Baths in Tameside, Manchester, to chat with Brianna Harvey, of Digital Flamingo. They discuss why scattergun social media marketing doesn't work, and why you need to know your target customer
In this week's episode, David is joined by US-born Brianna Harvey, owner of Manchester social media marketing company Digital Flamingo, to discuss the differing attitudes towards entrepreneurship in the UK and the USA. They also discuss how entrepreneurship can be a lonely business and why it's important to find a good support network.
The demand for chimney sweeps this winter has been unprecedented. David believes the time has come to say what is plain for all to see...
Starting a business is an exciting time - but a dose of reality goes a long way! In this episode, David examines the pitfalls of 'head in the clouds' thinking...
In the second part of his review of Business For Punks, by Brewdog co-founder James Watt, David looks how you need to understand the 'rules' so you know how far to push the envelope...
David dips into one of his favourite reads - Business For Punks by James Watt - and gives his thoughts on advice and criticism from others
In this wide-ranging interview, David quizzes HETAS CEO Bruce Allen on some of the solid fuel industry's major talking points:
🔥 Training chimney sweeps
🔥 Accusations over HETAS’s ‘not for profit’ status
🔥 Its stance over rogue installers and customer complaints
🔥 The emergence of the Federation of British Chimney Sweeps and the chimney sweeping NVQ
🔥 Whether sweeping in the UK will be regulated
In the first of a two-part interview, David sits down with Bruce Allen, Chief Executive of HETAS. Their wide ranging discussion includes how Bruce grew HETAS from a staff of one to 60, the perils of 'losing touch' and what he believes is the 'enemy' of any leader.
On the eve of the Queen's funeral, David discusses why he decided to suspend business for a day - and the thought processes behind it
In a tumultuous week for the UK and the world following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, David reflects on the lessons we can learn on how to provide leadership and rise to unexpected challenges
Are you offering just a job, or an actual career? In this episode, David explains why most trades recruitment strategies are wrong...
Hampshire entrepreneur Peter Stubbings talks to David about how he went from working for Gordon Ramsey to starting up a franchise. He also recalls the time he was 'threatened' by a chimney sweep!
Following perhaps the most ill-timed holiday ever, David shares his take on the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival - and how it is a useful lesson for entrepreneurs.
David is joined this week by Malcolm Farrow, Head of Public Affairs at OFTEC to discuss the UK's 2050 pledge for renewable energy - and what it means for businesses and consumers
Every trade has busy times - and for chimney sweeps, the start of August represents the beginning of 'silly season'. In this episode, David gives his tips to new sweeps on how to get through this busy time of year
With the exam results season now approaching, David looks at the whole issue around trades, education and the fatal mistake many make...
With holidays now fully back on the agenda after two years, David picks out his top 5 books which are worth a space in his suitcase.
*Unless You're Willing To Change! He's regularly asked about staff recruitment, so in this episode David points out the five things you need to avoid if you want to go down this route...
In the week of Boris Johnson's resignation, David examines what leadership lessons can be leant from his political demise
Regardless of who you are, when you put yourself out there, you are ripe for criticism. In this episode, David shares his tips for dealing with criticism and how you can use it to your advantage
Many businesses can spend years trying to stay away from the VAT threshold. But, as David shows in this episode, it can actually be a catalyst for growth...
Working solo can be great, but there are perils lurking which could hamper the development of both you as a person, and your business...
With summer now here, David shares his tips for ensuring a relaxing holiday while still feeling in control of your business
Businesses - even one person bands and tradespeople - can be real agents for social and economic change. Is yours?
Ever heard yourself saying you've 'got no time'? Well, that's a lie... as David reveals the real reason you tell yourself that.
With the cost of living (and doing business) rising drastically, David looks at the one economic lever - prices - which many trades businesses shy away from
It's now a whole year since David started to expand Mr Soot Chimney Sweep. In this episode, he shares the top five lessons he's learnt during the past 12 months.
David reveals his number 1 customer service 'pet hate', and how you can stop yourself from falling into that trap…
David discusses his thoughts on tradespeople offering work for free, and why he thinks it’s a slippery slope…
How do you sell a service which most customers don’t realise they may desperately need? In this episode, David speaks to Steve Murray, of Lime Mortar Restorations, about his mission to educate customers on the need for sympathetic building materials in period properties.
In part two of this mini series, David looks at numbers six to 10 on his list of what separates business owners and entrepreneurs
There are distinctive traits which separates the straightforward ‘business owner’ and the ‘entrepreneur’ psyche. In the first instalment of this two part episode, David examines five of these mindsets.
Robert Downes, of the Federation of Small Businesses, joins David in a special podcast recorded at Manchester's Central Library. The Manchester city region is currently weighing up whether to implement charging for commercial vehicles to use its roads. But is it simply just a ‘tax on trades?’
"Lazy. " "Entitled." "Snowflakes." Young jobseekers always seem to get a bad rap from employers - but is this justified?
In this week’s episode, David examines the issues when recruiting young people from both sides of the argument.
It’s becoming an increasingly important part of your marketing toolkit. So in this episode David talks to chimney sweeping Mark Fenton about the importance of social media and how it’s helped raise his profile.
‘Team work makes the dream work’ - but do you know how to get the best out of your colleagues?
In this episode, David shares his views on what makes an effective team, and what you as a leader can do to make it work.
In the week England lifts its remaining COVID restrictions, David looks back at the past two years and the lessons he’s learnt from it.
Trade Entrepreneur is hosted by David, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep.
Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing chimney sweeping, inspecting and testing companies in the UK.
In Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work.
He also shares his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot Chimney Sweep one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping companies.
This, and previous episodes of Trade Entrepreneur, can be listened by clicking on the following links:
You Tube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFIE1ICHXghnaBbRtmZ5Ld0XBhjpsuYnd
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trade-entrepreneur-podcast/id1604063582
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19rXhNo2o49FPlydZPhPtg?si=JO7XiQXuSDq6474uN_lrmg
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6b23f16a-2e2e-4130-9a05-1d66b7cd35ee/trade-entrepreneur-podcast?ref=dm_sh_wIbwOjTSywWT7m0ldIc2J5JwE
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xOTExNTA5LnJzcw==
Buzzsprout: https://tradeentrepreneurpodcast.buzzsprout.com//
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Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/trade-entrepreneur-podcast-david-sudworth-VP12ZJkROUG/
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/trade-entrepreneur-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/4742100
German master chimney sweep Sascha Meding joins David to examine the massive differences in businesses and trades between Germany and the UK.
While the German system has some big benefits, particularly for the consumer, they do come at a cost for some people.
Trade Entrepreneur is hosted by David, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep.
Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing chimney sweeping, inspecting and testing companies in the UK.
In Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work.
He’ll also share his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot Chimney Sweep one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping companies.
Leadership is what many aspire to - so why are so many ill-prepared for it?
In this episode, David speaks to former Sergeant Major Glenn Howat, who set up his own chimney sweeping business once he’d left the army.
He talks about what he thinks makes a good leader, and how he came to expand his business.
Trade Entrepreneur is hosted by David Sudworth, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep.
Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing chimney sweeping, inspecting and testing companies in the UK.
In Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests will talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work.
He’ll also share his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot Chimney Sweep one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping companies.
David discusses the four ‘zones’ which individuals need to go through to help realise their potential.
He uses personal experiences to bring the stages to life, including how he built and grew his own business into a multi-location operation .
Trade Entrepreneur is hosted by David Sudworth, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep.
Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing chimney sweeping, inspecting and testing companies in the UK.
In Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests will talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work.
He’ll also share his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot Chimney Sweep one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping companies.
Deciding whether to take the plunge and grow or stay the same size is a perennial problem for many business owners. In this episode, Alastair Kemp talks about how he went from being a London police officer to opening up a successful chimney sweeping business in Wiltshire, and his thoughts on the benefits and potential pitfalls of expansion.
Trade Entrepreneur is hosted by David Sudworth, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep.
Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing chimney sweeping, inspecting and testing companies in the UK.
In Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests will talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work.
He’ll also share his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot Chimney Sweep one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping companies.
Do you think like an entrepreneur? In this episode, David sets out 10 signs of how entrepreneurs think. Taking examples from sport and politics, he explains how success can sometimes be ‘hard-wired’ into an individual’s personality.
Trade Entrepreneur is hosted by David Sudworth, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep.
Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing chimney sweeping, inspecting and testing companies in the UK.
In Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests will talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work.
He’ll also share his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot Chimney Sweep one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping companies.
Bethan Richards knows first-hand the impact mental health issues can have on individuals and communities. As a chimney sweep in rural Wales, she meets isolated and vulnerable customers regularly. She’s also open about her own mental health issues, and is passionate about raising awareness of the challenges.
Trade Entrepreneur is hosted by David Sudworth,, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep.
Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing chimney sweeping, inspecting and testing companies in the UK.
In Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests will talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work.
He’ll also share his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot Chimney Sweep one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping companies.
In his first podcast, David reveals how he became to be a chimney sweep, what drove him to grow the business and what inspires him. He'll also share his 5 golden rules for business and life
Trade Entrepreneur is hosted by David Sudworth,, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep.
Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing chimney sweeping, inspecting and testing companies in the UK.
In Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests will talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work.
He’ll also share his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot Chimney Sweep one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping companies.