TORQUE UP

In this episode of the Torque Up Podcast we sit down with Mitch, aka Bright Spark from the Midlands, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing the trade today – the government’s failure to protect electrical apprenticeships.We discuss the impact of rising costs, why apprentices are at risk of being priced out of the industry, and what this means for the next generation of sparks. Mitch also shares real site stories, the struggles of running a business, and how social media is changing the game for electricians.⚡ Sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK – test and measurement instruments trusted by professionals.00:00 – Welcome to Season 3 01:40 – Meet Mitch aka Bright Spark 04:50 – Social media and the trade 10:10 – Tesla chargers and PEN protection 16:20 – Running your own business as a spark 31:30 – Apprenticeships: then vs now 40:00 – Why government policy is failing apprentices 44:40 – Rising costs and National Insurance impact 50:00 – Will weekend courses replace apprenticeships?

🔌 TORQUE UP PODCAST EPISODE 20 – PART ONE: LIVE FROM THE ELEX SHOW EXETER 🔧We’re back with another massive two-part special – and this time, it’s recorded live on the road at the ELEX Show in Exeter. This is Torque Up like you’ve never seen it before.In Part One of Episode 20, we took the mics to the South West to bring you the raw energy, unfiltered opinions, and real conversations happening on the floor at one of the UK’s biggest electrical trade shows. Whether you were there or missed it, this episode captures everything that makes ELEX a cornerstone of the trade calendar.💥 TOOL WARS. FUSEBOARD FIGHTS. INDUSTRY CHAT. BUSINESS REAL TALK.We kicked things off with our now-infamous "Fuseboard and Tool War" challenge – putting brands to the test and putting installers on the spot. Which fuseboards do electricians actually rate? Which tools make the cut in real-world installs? And what’s the real word on the ground from those who do it every day?Expect laughs, debates, and a few controversial takes as we pit some of the UK’s biggest electrical brands against each other in a format that’s becoming a fan favourite.🎤 WHAT ELSE DID WE COVER IN EXETER?We didn’t just play games – we dug deep into the real issues electricians care about:✅ Trade shows: Are they still worth it in 2025?We asked the crowd – is the cost of travel, time away from site, and effort still worth what’s on offer? The answers were mixed and honest.✅ Electrical business in 2025: What's changed?We sat down with electricians, contractors and suppliers to hear their take on how the game is shifting. From compliance to competition, pricing to product support – nothing was off limits.✅ Why some wholesalers are winning, and others are falling behindThis one hit home with a lot of visitors – especially the ones fed up with bland service and poor product knowledge. As always, we said what others are thinking but won’t say out loud.✅ Industry gossip, honest opinions, and good vibesIf you know Torque Up, you know it’s not just business. We bring the banter, the laughs, and the connections that make the electrical community stronger.🚨 THIS IS ONLY PART ONEPart Two is coming in hot from the ELEX Harrogate show – and trust us, if you liked Exeter, you do not want to miss what’s coming next. Bigger crowd. Bolder opinions. And a few surprise guests that shook up the show.Make sure you’re subscribed to @TorqueUp on YouTube and following us on all socials so you don’t miss the next drop.📍 FILMED ON LOCATION AT ELEX EXETER 2025Big thanks to everyone who came up, shared their stories, and got involved. Whether you’re a spark on the tools, a wholesaler, a manufacturer, or just someone who loves the trade – this episode is for you.🔥 DON’T MISS PART TWO – ELEX HARROGATE SPECIAL 🔥It’s the follow-up you’ve been waiting for – more voices, more energy, more raw talk from the North of England. Coming next week. Hit the bell and stay locked in.🎧 Available on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram🎙️ Hosted by William & Junii from NavitasBacked by real experience. Driven by passion for the trade.#TorqueUp #ELEXShow #ElectriciansUK #ToolWars #FuseBoardGame #CircuitProtection #Navitas #TradeShowVibes #ElectricianLife #PodcastUK #ElectricalBusiness #Wholesalers #ToolsOfTheTrade #ELEXExeter #HarrogatePreview

We’re back with a monster episode — LIVE (well, filmed live) from the buzzing ELEX Show at Alexandra Palace!Episode 18 of the Torque Up Podcast brings you a full mix of laughs, honesty, trade talk, and behind-the-scenes realities from some of the biggest personalities in the industry.Featuring: • Tall Sparky & Ryan Davis – raw takes on content burnout, chasing dream lives, and what people don’t see behind the posts • OM Electrical – from bored spark to content beast, saying no to brands, and why filming a consumer unit isn’t always worth it • Charlie from Wiha UK – tools, backpacks, and his first-ever trade show experience • Julian & Elliot from Chauvin-Arnoux – banter, testing talk, and rescuing pigs during a year off • Plus reflections on social media pressure, holiday cover systems, and the truth about making content in the tradeThis episode is a proper celebration of trade creators, community, and graft — filmed in the middle of the busiest tool show in the UK.AND this is just the beginning. Torque Up will be at EVERY ELEX SHOW for the rest of the year.Come find us, jump on the mic, and be part of the movement.🎧 Watch on YouTube. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.Follow @TorqueUp for all episodes, shorts, and trade content with no filters.

Torque Up Podcast - Episode 16: Inside South & City College Birmingham’s Trade Day!In this action-packed episode of the Torque Up Podcast, Will & Jay travel to South & City College Birmingham to attend their highly anticipated annual Trade Day—an event dedicated to helping electrical apprentices, trainees, and students connect with leading electrical brands, manufacturers, and employers.This episode is all about giving future electricians a deeper insight into the electrical industry, from the latest tools and technology to career opportunities and professional growth. If you're an apprentice, a newly qualified electrician, or an experienced spark looking to stay ahead, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!We sit down with some of the key figures behind the event to get their thoughts on the state of the industry, emerging electrical technologies, and how trade events like this shape the future workforce.🔹 Richard Fort – The organiser of the event explains why Trade Days are vital for students, how they bridge the gap between education and employment, and what apprentices can do to maximise their opportunities.🔹 Emma from SOLAX – Discussing the latest developments in solar energy, battery storage, and renewable technology, plus how electricians can upskill to work with EV charging, solar PV, and home energy management systems.🔹 Connar from Navitas – Breaking down the importance of circuit protection, RCBOs, surge protection devices, and electrical safety, while also sharing his insights on BS 7671 wiring regulations and best practices for modern installations.💡 Get insider knowledge on the best brands, electrical products, and career pathways for electricians.⚡ Learn about new trends in renewable energy, EV charging, and smart home technology that are shaping the future of the trade.🔧 Hear from experts about the skills electricians need to stand out in a competitive industry.🛠️ Discover how apprentices and trainees can gain hands-on experience and network with potential employers at events like these.Whether you're just starting your electrical apprenticeship, considering becoming a self-employed electrician, or looking to grow your career in commercial, industrial, or domestic electrical work, this episode is packed with actionable insights and industry updates.👉 Hit play now to dive into the latest trends and opportunities in the electrical industry! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the Torque Up Podcast.📺 Watch now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!#ElectricianPodcast #TradeDay #ElectricalApprentice #TorqueUpPodcast #SolarEnergy #EVCharging #ElectricalTraining #WiringRegulations #SmartHome #ElectricalSafety #RenewableEnergy #BS7671 #CircuitProtection #ElectriciansLife #ElectricianBusinessExclusive Interviews with Industry ExpertsWhy You Should Watch This Episode

🔧 Torque Up - Episode 14: Hackwood Electrical, Tool Theft, and more!Welcome to Episode 14 of Torque Up, the ultimate podcast for electricians and tradespeople looking to level up! 🎙️💡 In this episode, hosts Will from @navitascp and @jimbotheelectrician3819 sit down with the brilliant @hackwoodelectrical – a tradesman with a powerful story to tell. From surviving a tough apprenticeship to building a thriving electrical business, Hackwood shares his highs, lows, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. 🛠️✨But that’s not all! The guys tackle one of the most critical issues plaguing the trades industry today: tool theft. 🧰💔 This epidemic leaves hardworking tradespeople across the UK reeling from financial losses, emotional stress, and stalled projects. We explore the harsh realities of theft, why it’s such a massive problem, and the severe lack of government action to support and protect those affected. “It’s not just about losing tools; it’s about losing your livelihood.” – Will The episode also dives into productivity hacks and must-have software that help electricians and tradespeople work smarter, not harder. From scheduling tools to apps that help you keep track of quotes and invoices, Jimbo, and Hackwood reveal the systems they swear by to save hours of time, grow their businesses, and boost profits. 💼⏳⚡ This week’s episode is sponsored by Wiha – the trusted brand for premium tools that make life easier for tradespeople. Whether you're working on-site or on the go, Wiha products are built to perform. Check them out and take your toolkit to the next level! 🔧✨Why You Should Watch This Episode:Hear Hackwood’s inspiring story and gain valuable tips for your own careerLearn how to protect yourself from tool theft and minimise its impact 💼🔒 Discover time-saving software to streamline your business and improve your bottom lineGet insights on the challenges tradespeople face and how to overcome them Don’t miss out! Hit that LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔, and SHARE with your fellow tradespeople to spread the word. Relevant Links & Resources: 📸 Follow @hackwood_electrical for more on instagram🔗 Explore Wiha Tools: https://wiha.com/gb/en/#TorqueUpPodcast #TradespeopleSuccess #HackwoodJourney #ToolTheftAwareness #WihaTools #ElectriciansBusiness #TimeSavingTools #TradesLifeHacks 💡 Got a topic you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Thanks for watching! 🎥✨

Torque Up Podcast Episode 12: The Band's Back Together! 🎙️ After months apart, the Torque Up crew is reunited for the first time in what feels like forever to kick off Season Two with a bang! Will, Junii, and James dive into some of the highlights from the upcoming season and reflect on how far the podcast has come. What started as a small idea between three industry pros has grown into a platform that’s resonating with electricians and the wider electrical community across the UK. The guys look ahead to 2024, discussing some of the big changes they’ve all been experiencing and sharing their hopes for the podcast’s future. There’s a lot to get excited about, from new opportunities in the industry to the lessons they’ve learned since launching the podcast. They also shine a spotlight on the ELEX shows, talking about their experiences so far and how they hope to see these vital industry events evolve in 2025 and beyond. This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and, as always, the down-to-earth conversations that make Torque Up a favorite among sparkies. Whether you’re here for the tips, the banter, or just to stay up to date with the industry, Episode 12 is a must-watch! Sponsored by @NavitasCP – Pound for pound, the UK’s best range of circuit protection products. Navitas is helping electricians raise the bar with innovative solutions designed for modern installations. Plus, listeners can get 20% off their next order at navitascp.co.uk using the promo code PODCAST20. Tune in, get inspired, and join the conversation as we kick off another amazing season! #TorqueUpPodcast #Electricians #SeasonTwo #NavitasCP #ELEXShows #ElectricalCommunity

The wait is finally over! In this highly anticipated episode, all your favorite hosts—Will, Junii, and James—are back together, and they’re joined by a very special guest: Steve, the Managing Director of Wiha UK! Whether you’re an electrician, engineer, or just passionate about the electrical world, this episode is packed with insider tips, expert insights, and electrifying discussions. Steve takes us behind the scenes of Wiha UK, sharing how their top-tier tools are revolutionising the industry. From pro tips for staying ahead in the trade to the tools that will transform your work, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Don't miss out—make sure to subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to stay plugged in! ⚡️ And don’t forget to sign up for the Watts Up Newsletter for even more electrifying updates. Sponsored by Wiha UK – Precision at your fingertips.