Systemise Your Business with James Brown

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. 🎧🛠️

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. 🎧🏗️

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! 🎧🔥

In this episode, Greg dives deep into how to protect and increase your profit margins in construction. He breaks down the biggest margin killers, the difference between gross vs. net profit, and the strategies you need to ensure your business stays profitable. 🔹 Key topics covered: ✅ Common mistakes that eat into your profits ✅ The difference between markup vs. margin (and why it matters) ✅ How to accurately track job costs in real time ✅ Negotiating better supplier rates & payment terms ✅ The importance of cash flow management & planning If you’re a contractor or construction business owner looking to increase profits without taking on more work, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧🔥