In this episode, Greg Wilkes sits down with Dr Gretchen Gagel — 40-year veteran, board adviser and founder of the Women Thriving in Construction Institute — to unpack the talent shortage crippling the industry and show exactly how getting more women on site (and in the C-suite) accelerates profit, safety and culture for everyone.

🔹 Key topics covered

✅ The numbers that matter – from China’s 16 % female workforce to Indonesia’s 1.6 %, plus why the UK & Australia are moving the needle with government-backed culture standards
✅ Unconscious bias & dominant culture – practical ways to spot the hidden habits that stop women applying (and drive good men away too)
✅ Quick wins on site – flushing loos, correctly-sized PPE and split shifts that turn “death, dirt & divorce” job sites into professional workplaces
✅ Recruitment that works – the 53 % female school-build project and how to write ads that attract skilled women without lowering the bar
✅ Retention & progression – mentors, sponsors and quarterly one-to-ones that create a 99 % engagement score and fuel 2× revenue growth
✅ Leadership superpowers – why mixed-gender teams literally score higher IQ points and the neuroscience of the 12-lane female “super-highway” brain
✅ Small-builder playbook – define your values, keep every coaching meeting, publish the dashboard and watch performance lift across the board
✅ Gretchen’s big vision – scaling the best grassroots programmes worldwide through the Women Thriving in Construction Institute

If you’re struggling to find good trades, juggling half-staffed projects or just want a happier, higher-performing crew, this conversation hands you the blueprint. Tune in, challenge the bias and build a construction business where everyone thrives. 🎧👷‍♀️👷

Gretchen Gagel One Sheet

Gretchen Gagel Book Summary

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg Wilkes breaks down the five core systems every construction firm needs to scale smoothly from £1 million to £5 million — without the owner running on fumes. Drawing on the frameworks he installs in his own companies and those of his coaching clients, Greg shows how the right tech-plus-process combo turns day-to-day chaos into predictable profit.

🔹 Key topics covered

✅ Lead Management – ditch the diary scraps and build a CRM that captures, nurtures and auto-follows every enquiry
✅ Quoting & Job Approval – why outsourced estimating, square-metre benchmarks and one-click approvals protect margin and speed
✅ Project Management – when Asana is enough, when to step up to Buildertrend or Procore, and the daily logs that stop overspend
✅ Document & Communication Control – centralised cloud storage, Slack channels and SOPs that keep teams and clients aligned
✅ Finance & Cash Flow – fast invoicing, realistic 12-week forecasts and the “progress-payment ladder” that ends cash crunches
✅ Bonus – a quarterly review ritual to refine systems before small cracks become profit-draining gaps

If you’re juggling sticky notes, late quotes and mystery margins, this playbook will help you regain control, win the right work and scale with confidence. Plug the gaps, follow the frameworks and watch your construction business grow — sustainably. 🎧🔨

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg Wilkes chats with Jamie Mills, founder of Signature Build, to unpack how he grew a one-man renovation sideline into a multi-million-pound contractor trusted with London’s most prestigious heritage homes. From risky buy-outs to razor-sharp branding, Jamie lays out the real-world moves that turned early hustle into sustainable, high-margin growth.

🔹 Key topics covered:

✅ Starting with modest refurb jobs and networking his way into Prime Central London work
✅ Buying out a business partner—the due diligence, the nerves, and the upside of full control
✅ How a mastermind community gave weekly structure, accountability, and the push to “stop playing small”
✅ Turning brand touchpoints—from site cleanliness to online presence—into a magnet for high-end clients and architects
✅ Fixing under-pricing: building in proper prelims and margins without scaring off prospects
✅ Hiring “rocket-fuel” talent and learning to delegate so the business can scale beyond the owner
✅ Simple ways to solve problems for referrers and lock in repeat work
✅ Jamie’s next steps—regional expansion, apprenticeships, and giving back through community projects

If you’re stuck juggling every role, under-charging, or struggling to break into higher-value projects, Jamie’s story proves you can level up your margins and your market position—without losing the craft you care about. Tune in and map out your own path from small-scale builder to respected industry player. 🎧🔨

https://www.signature.build/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/signaturebuild/

https://www.instagram.com/signature.build/

https://www.signature.build/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Signature-Build-Brochure-2024-Digital-1.pdf

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg Wilkes sits down with David Hernandez, Managing Director of North America for Elecosoft (Loft), to explore how 4D construction planning is reshaping project delivery — making jobs smoother, faster, and far more efficient. If you’re tired of project chaos, constant firefighting, and unpredictable schedules, this episode introduces a powerful tech-driven solution that doesn’t just look impressive — it works in real-world construction.

🔹 Key topics covered:

✅ Why most tech investments in construction fail — and how to fix your process before the platform
✅ What 4D planning really means (and no, it’s not just for big commercial contractors)
✅ How to go from a 3D BIM model to a complete project schedule in minutes
✅ The truth about AI in construction — what’s hype, what’s real, and what you should focus on first
✅ The power of standardised data, cross-team alignment, and proactive scheduling
✅ How small contractors can use 4D tools to win high-end jobs and separate from the pack
✅ The importance of building with the future in mind — from scalable systems to a strong digital brand
✅ Real case studies of contractors using 4D tools to improve reliability, reduce delays, and win better projects

If you're overwhelmed by disconnected spreadsheets, rework, or missed deadlines — this episode offers a new way to lead your builds with clarity and confidence. Learn how to use the right tech to scale smarter, not harder. 🎧🔧

----

Website - https://elecosoft.com/us/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hernandez-4036264b/

Resources to Promote - https://elecosoft.com/us/support/

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg Wilkes lays out a clear framework for construction business owners to identify when it’s time to bring in a Project Manager – and how doing so can transform your operations, profit, and personal life. If you're overwhelmed and your business feels stuck or chaotic, this episode gives you the insight to know when and how to act.

🔹 Key topics covered:

✅ The five telltale signs you need a Project Manager – from constant interruptions to stagnant growth
✅ How doing everything yourself leads to delays, mistakes, and mental burnout
✅ Why hiring a PM is not a luxury but a strategic necessity for growth beyond the million-pound mark
✅ What a good PM should be responsible for – from managing trades to tracking variations and client updates
✅ Common hiring mistakes to avoid – like promoting a loyal tradie who isn’t suited to PM responsibilities
✅ Tips for hiring right – including interview questions, setting clear responsibilities, and trial periods
✅ The power of proactive project leadership – how the right PM creates smoother jobs, happier clients, and frees up your time
✅ Real-life examples of how a PM can prevent missed orders, over-budget jobs, and communication breakdowns

If you’re constantly firefighting, missing important details, or stuck at the same revenue ceiling month after month – this episode is a wake-up call. Greg shows you how hiring the right Project Manager isn't just about efficiency; it’s about taking back control, reducing stress, and finally building the business you've envisioned. 🎧🛠️

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg lays out a powerful plan for construction business owners who want to stop working on the tools and start leading like a true CEO. If you’re still swinging a hammer and chasing jobs day-to-day, this episode will help you shift gears – practically and mentally – so you can build a business that runs without you.

🔹 Key topics covered:

✅ Why staying on the tools damages your health, limits your income, and chips away at your confidence
✅ The three big myths that keep builders stuck – "I'll save money", "no one meets my quality", and "I can't afford to step away"
✅ Simple maths to calculate how many tradespeople you need before you can stop working on site
✅ The mindset shift from tradesperson to business owner – and how to visualise your new role
✅ Step-by-step transition plan – how to gradually move from full-time on site to full-time CEO
✅ How to avoid micromanaging – and empower your team to perform without you
✅ What life looks like after stepping off the tools – more freedom, better health, higher profits

If you’re tired of cement-stained jeans and working long hours just to keep the business going, this episode gives you a clear and proven roadmap to reclaim your time, health, and freedom. 🎧🏗️

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg shares a practical roadmap for construction business owners who want to escape daily operations by building a team that runs the business without them. He breaks down the key shifts required to scale beyond £1 million, reduce stress, and reclaim personal freedom.

🔹 Key topics covered:
✅ Why most construction businesses rely too heavily on the owner – And how this limits growth and lifestyle
✅ The 3 biggest mistakes that create owner-dependency – Hiring workers, lacking systems, and micromanagement
✅ How to hire and develop leaders – From site supervisors to project managers
✅ Creating SOPs – Systemising your business with easy-to-follow processes
✅ Delegation in construction – How to step back without losing control
✅ Real-world success story – How George systemised his joinery business and took a stress-free honeymoon

If you’re a construction business owner feeling stuck in day-to-day tasks, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you delegate, lead, and grow your business without burning out. 🎧🔥

https://developcoaching.co.uk

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg sits down with Deb Madden, Executive Director at CITB, and Nathan Wilkins, Customer Engagement Manager, to uncover how construction business owners can access CITB funding to train, upskill, and grow their teams. They break down exactly how to claim grants, access training, and make the most of CITB support.

🔹 Key topics covered:
✅ What is CITB? – How it helps small and medium construction businesses
✅ Apprenticeships & funding – Up to £10,000 available per apprentice 💰
✅ Training grants & leadership courses – How to upskill your team for free
✅ Levies explained – What you pay vs. what you can claim
✅ Tackling the skills shortage – Why the industry needs 250,000+ workers and how businesses can benefit

If you’re a construction business owner looking to train your team, take on apprentices, or claim funding you didn’t know existed, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧🔥

Book a call with your local CITB Advisor today. You can find their contact details here: CITB in your local area - CITB

If you’d like to do some research beforehand on the support available, here are some useful links:

• Grants and available funding: Grants & Funding for Training Courses - CITB
• £500 grant for hosting a construction student on work-experience: Into Work grant - CITB
• Support with recruitment of an apprentices: New Entrant Support Team - CITB
• Apprenticeship grant details: Apprenticeship grants - CITB
• CITB levy calculator: Levy Calculator (Guide for What You May Pay) - CITB
• Construction Career portal ‘GoConstruct’: Construction Is A Career Like No Other | Go Construct
• Skill shortage information: CSN Industry Outlook - 2024-2028 - CITB

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator