A Worrying Downturn For Outdoor/Garden Builds?

Robin Clevett talks to David Byrne, well known for his top quality domestic outdoor/garden builds about his recent challenges bringing in the work. David explains what's been going on, Why he thinks this is happening, What he will do to keep work coming in and Robin shares his own past experiences taking on higher end and more luxury type garden builds for customers.

Robin was recently accused of plagiarism online - despite never having known about the original work. It got Robin thinking about when it's a case of lateral thinking compared to finding inspiration and also talks about when he's noticed people copying his content for their social media. Robin invites Derek Barrett onto the show as an example of someone who has inspired many online and they discuss both sides and whether it's an overall positive or negative for the trade and online community.

Robin Clevett asks the Construction Industry Training Board to join him and address some misgivings from certain areas of the construction industry. Robin asks whether the CITB are still fit for purpose, asks about decisions behind where grants go and how funds are allocated. Robin addresses the frustration many have about NVQs being favoured over other qualifications in order to get a CSCS card and also asks about the 12-week consultation phase we’re now in with regards to proposals for the CITB and ECTIB to merge as one Industry Training Board.Robin also invites Helen Hewitt from the British Woodworking Federation onto the show for a follow up with regards to where we are after Skills England paused proposals to reduce apprenticeships in length……and Christian Hathrell-Good, a leading training provider (Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd) joins the discussion to share good and bad experiences with regards to getting support from the CITB for their training programmes.

Phil Phillpou joins Robin Clevett to talk about his work in Film & TV. Phil describes in detail his experiences working on a variety of sets for Warner Bros and coming from an engineering background, working for British Aerospace.

Robin is joined by Landscaper, John Roberts to talk about his work with wood and timber based products in outdoor space, John talks about changing the molecular structure of wood and using Japanese wood burning techniques. Robin shares the story behind one of London's best French Polish companies - a journey that he witnesses first hand. Wesley Knight - well known as a Painter & Decorator online as 'WKPD' talks about the lengths he goes to when it comes to restoring and repairing wood on his projects. 

Robin Clevett looks into site work and domestic work for Carpenters & Joiners and whether there's enough profit and value in certain aspects of the trade. Calum Callachan talks about experiences around this in site work and what his experiences are now having recently jumped into domestic. Friend of the show, Sean Matthews - award winning Tradesperson - joins the chat to share his thoughts on protecting and finding profit in the domestic market.

Robin Clevett looks into the changes coming for sole traders and landlords as HMRC push towards implementing steps in 'Making Tax Digital' from April 2026. Craig Ogilvie from HMRC explains how it'll all work and what resources are available to help with reporting. Robin talks about why he thinks this is a postive for the trade and how he's approaching MTD.

Robin Clevett talks tools with a variety of guests from the world of Carpentry and Joinery. Robin looks into inventions, innovation in the marketplace and looks to new ideas with regards to products and tools you might not be aware of. Guests: Dan Brown (U-Scribe), Chris Keel (Keel's Joinery) & Adrian from Buzz Production.

Robin Clevett talks to a Plasterer, Roofer and a Decorator about their honest experiences working with Carpenters & Joiners. Guests: Plasterer & DIY SOS Cast Member - Chris Frediani, Roofer - Will Hughes AKA Will The Roofer, Chris Ordinaire - Painting & Decorator.

Robin Clevett is joined by Father & Son, Dean & Jay Elliott. Dean has had a similar route into the trade as Robin (both only being one year apart in age) and has brought his son Jay into the trade (Known as 'Carpentry By Jay') Jay and Dean talk about the experiences working together and the passing of skills from one generation to another. Dean talks about some notable projects and experiences working for celebrities and Robin compares Jay and Dean's experiences learning the trade, decades apart.