Best Mr Soot Podcasts (2024)

1
#72 - Recoheat: The GROUND-BREAKING Heating System Confounding Industry Sceptics 57:43

29d ago57:43

57:43

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.By David Sudworth - Mr Soot Chimney Sweep & Training Centre

1
#71 - ‘Preparing For My FIRST Silly Season’ - Interview with HETAS chimney sweep Mike Woods 59:39

2M ago59:39

59:39

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.By David Sudworth - Mr Soot Chimney Sweep & Training Centre

1
#70 - How Football Sponsorship Can Transform Your Community... And Business: Interview with Cara Leach of Marine FC 48:21

3M ago48:21

48:21

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.By David Sudworth - Mr Soot Chimney Sweep & Training Centre

1
#69 - ‘I thought COVID was the end - but we’re back stronger than ever’ - Ryan Hancock 42:35

5M ago42:35

42:35

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 la…

1
#68 'From Black Tie to Black Hands!' - Gary Walker's Career Change To A HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep 1:02:45

6M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

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 qu…

1
#67 - Why I Left My Business For SIX Months - Interview with Byron Schramm of Midtown Chimney Sweep Franchise 1:04:36

8M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

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 professi…

1
#66 - We MUST Bridge The White-Blue Collar Divide - Interview with Daniel Ezzatvar 1:00:27

9M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

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 support…

1
#65 - ‘It was the biggest SHOCK - I almost couldn’t cope’ - James Archer, of Clock Woodburners 1:12:59

1y ago1:12:59

1:12:59

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 a challenge 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 pla…

1
#64 - Franchisee To Franchisor: Liam Hobbs of More Than Loft Ladders 57:32

1+ y ago57:32

57:32

“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.…

1
#63 - How British Chimney Sweeps Can Learn From The USA - Interview with Joe Gomez 51:23

1+ y ago51:23

51:23

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…By David Sudworth

1
#62 - 'Chimney Sweep Associations Got It Wrong - Here's How To Fix It' 1:05:45

1+ y ago1:05:45

1:05:45

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...By David Sudworth

1
#61 - Why I Made The Leap To Expand - Follow-Up Interview With Alastair Kemp 43:57

1+ y ago43:57

43:57

In a follow up to last year's interview about whether to grown his one-man band, Wilts chimney sweep Alastair Kemp returns to the show to reflect on what he did next...By David Sudworth

1
#60 - Taxing Times: Why Some Businesses Are Stalling 19:04

1+ y ago19:04

19:04

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...By David Sudworth

1
#59 - Why I Started This Podcast, Became A Business Mentor & Now Champion Fellow Tradespeople 22:02

1+ y ago22:02

22:02

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...By David Sudworth

1
#58 - Banishing Seasonality: How To Create All-Year-Round Business 19:33

1+ y ago19:33

19:33

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...By David Sudworth

1
#57 - The Mindset Which RUINS Business Growth... 22:51

1+ y ago22:51

22:51

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...By David Sudworth

1
#56 - Five Tips For GROWTH In A Recession 20:43

1+ y ago20:43

20:43

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...By David Sudworth

1
#55 - Why FAILURE Definitely Is An Option 23:31

1+ y ago23:31

23:31

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...By David Sudworth

1
#54 - Lessons From 'The Founder' - aka McDonald's The Movie 17:33

2y ago17:33

17:33

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'sBy David Sudworth

1
#53 - Why Consistency REALLY Matters in Business 22:52

2y ago22:52

22:52

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...By David Sudworth

1
#52 - Why Tradespeople FAIL To Grow Their Business 22:49

2y ago22:49

22:49

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...By David Sudworth

1
#51 - Stop BORING Your Customers: 5 Things They Really Don't Care About 22:09

2y ago22:09

22:09

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...By David Sudworth

1
#50 - The FIVE Lessons From My Own Business Start-Up 26:24

2y ago26:24

26:24

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...By David Sudworth

1
#49 - Christmas: A Time For Reflection & Planning Ahead 19:16

2y ago19:16

19:16

In his final podcast of 2022, David explains why Christmas and New Year provides a welcome opportunity to both look forward and back...By David Sudworth

1
#48 - Entrepreneurship While Still 'On The Tools' 21:42

2y ago21:42

21:42

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...By David Sudworth

1
#47 - Don't Let Perfect Be The Enemy of The Good 23:11

2y ago23:11

23:11

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...By David Sudworth

1
#46 - Why I'm Expanding My Business Further 24:18

2y ago24:18

24:18

After starting his growth journey in early 2021, David is now ready to take it to the next level in 2023...By David Sudworth

1
#45 - When Professionals Act Unprofessionally... 21:53

2y ago21:53

21:53

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.By David Sudworth

1
#44 - Everyone Is NOT Your Customer - Smart Social Media with Brianna Harvey 43:33

2y ago43:33

43:33

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 customerBy David Sudworth

1
#43 - Celebrating Entrepreneurs: What Britain Can Learn From America 30:57

2y ago30:57

30:57

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.…

1
#42 - Why the UK Needs MORE Chimney Sweeps 23:11

2y ago23:11

23:11

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...By David Sudworth

1
#41 - Five WORST Reasons For Starting A Business 22:33

2y ago22:33

22:33

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...By David Sudworth

1
#40 - Get Forgiveness, Not Permission: Business For Punks (Part 2) 26:14

2y ago26:14

26:14

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...By David Sudworth

1
#39 - Be Selfish, Ignore Advice & Get Haters: Business For Punks 26:07

2y ago26:07

26:07

David dips into one of his favourite reads - Business For Punks by James Watt - and gives his thoughts on advice and criticism from othersBy David Sudworth

1
#38 - 'Why We Want To Train Chimney Sweeps' - Interview with HETAS CEO Bruce Allen (Part 2) 1:18:32

2y ago1:18:32

1:18:32

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 NV…

1
#37 - 'I Hate Arrogant Leaders' -Interview with HETAS CEO Bruce Allen (Part 1) 41:21

2y ago41:21

41:21

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.By David Sudworth

1
#36 - Pragmatism & Principles 19:14

2y ago19:14

19:14

On the eve of the Queen's funeral, David discusses why he decided to suspend business for a day - and the thought processes behind itBy David Sudworth

1
#35 - Events Dear Boy, Events 19:30

2y ago19:30

19:30

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 challengesBy David Sudworth

1
#34 - Why You Should NEVER Hire A Labourer 20:09

2y ago20:09

20:09

Are you offering just a job, or an actual career? In this episode, David explains why most trades recruitment strategies are wrong...By David Sudworth

1
#33 - 'Not Everyone Is Made To Run Their Own Business' - Talking Franchising with Peter Stubbings 45:11

2y ago45:11

45:11

Hampshire entrepreneur Peter Stubbings talks to David about how he went from working for Gordon Ramsay to starting up a franchise. He also recalls the time he was 'threatened' by a chimney sweep!By David Sudworth

1
#32 - You're Having A Laugh! 5 Business Lessons From The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 25:49

2y ago25:49

25:49

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.By David Sudworth

1
#31 - Net Zero: A Looming Skills Crisis? Interview with Malcolm Farrow of OFTEC 42:27

2y ago42:27

42:27

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 consumersBy David Sudworth

1
#30 - Surviving Your FIRST 'Silly Season' 20:11

2y ago20:11

20:11

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 yearBy David Sudworth

1
#29 - Testing Times: How Getting Educated Will Set Your Business Apart 23:30

2+ y ago23:30

23:30

With the exam results season now approaching, David looks at the whole issue around trades, education and the fatal mistake many make...By David Sudworth

1
#28 - David's Top 5 Holiday Reads For Tradespeople 23:25

2+ y ago23:25

23:25

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.By David Sudworth

1
#27 - Five Reasons NOT To Employ Staff* 28:13

2+ y ago28:13

28:13

*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...By David Sudworth

1
#26 - Leadership: Lessons We Can All Learn From Boris Johnson's Premiership 23:38

2+ y ago23:38

23:38

In the week of Boris Johnson's resignation, David examines what leadership lessons can be leant from his political demiseBy David Sudworth

1
#25 - Criticism: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly 20:48

2+ y ago20:48

20:48

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 advantageBy David Sudworth

1
#24 - How VAT Can Turbo-Charge Your Business 21:33

2+ y ago21:33

21:33

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...By David Sudworth

1
#23 - BEWARE Ego Trips and Echo Chambers 20:12

2+ y ago20:12

20:12

Working solo can be great, but there are perils lurking which could hamper the development of both you as a person, and your business...By David Sudworth

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