Robin Clevett Reflects On How The Trade Will Test You!

Robin Clevett looks into the proposed reforms to appentieshoips once again. Guests include: James Filus from the Institute of Carpenters/Director of the National Association of Shopfitters & Interior Contractors and Carl Shaw - Assistant Principal at Tameside College.

Robin Clevett is joined by Derek Barrett from Derek Barrett Design to discuss his experiences in the trade and his approach to running his business. Derek talks about why he decides to create a lot of what he's working with in-house, Derek also talks about finding & training people to work with him, experiences on social media, use of technology & more. 

Robin Clevett looks into what's currently happening with regards to Skills England's plans to reduce apprenticeships to just 8 months in duration. Robin shares his initial reaction and talks to Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation. The BWF have formed a coalition with other trade bodies to fight against planned reforms and talks in detail about the journey they've been on with this and why it would be such a bad decision. 

Samuel Gough and Nathan McCartney from GM Haus return to share some thoughts about the wider industry and talk more about their working practices. Robin also asks them to take part in some fill in the blank and word association exercises about the trade.

Robin Clevett is joined by Nathan McCartney & Samuel Gough about their Cornwall based business GM Haus, the projects they take on and the success they've experienced over the past four or five years. Samuel and Nathan talk about their upbringing and family legacy in construction as well as learning their craft and going into business together. There's also conversations about subbies, notable projects and the day to day of running GM Haus.

Robin Clevett talks to Carpenters about their best and worst all-time jobs and what some of the worst individual days and moments on the tools as well. Guests: John Argyle, Jason Joyce & Sean Matthews.

Robin Clevett looks into how well Carpenters are getting their heads around all the changes to reporting that are coming with 'Making Tax Digital. Robin invites Derek Barrett, a well experienced and organised business owner onto the show so that he can explain his approach. Robin also talks to his Nephew (Josh Richards) who is a younger limited business owner, so that he can ask him about the digital aspects of reporting and sees what he can learn from the current or 'with it' generation, as Robin puts it.

Robin Clevett talks to Carpenters, David Byrne & Jay Elliott to find out how business has been for them, after checking in at the start of the year. David and Jay talk about the aspects of the trade they've had success with, what had been challenging and how they'll finish off the year as well as plans for 2026. Robin also talk to Australian Carpenter, Frank Schipano about how his Carpentry tour across europe in 2025 has been, as he reaches the end and plans to return to Australia.

Robin Clevett talks to Carpenter and Woodworking Enthusiast, Richard Wagner about the variety of niches he's taken on and experiened within the trade. Richard talks about theatre set building, high rope course design and the work he's put into a boat.

Robin Clevett invites Adam Foster, who is a plumber by trade, to join him and talk about his amazing water tower conversion, which is still ongoing and was featured on Grand Designs. Adam talks about the Carpentry skills he’s self taught and developed on the project, Robin gets into what he loves about this conversion and more!