The landscape for tradespeople is changing fast. Demographics are shifting, household finances are under pressure, and customers don’t always have the money they once had for home improvements and repairs. You might not notice it straight away. You could be on a long-term contract, have regul

Time can’t be bought back as a tradesman, no matter how successful you become. You can earn more money, grow the business, buy better tools and build a great reputation. But you can’t buy back the hours you’ve missed with family, the weekends you’ve sacrificed or the years that have simply passe

Will AI take over the painting and decorating trade? 🤖🎨 Artificial intelligence is already changing how tradespeople quote, market, plan and run their businesses. But when it comes to actually preparing surfaces, cutting in, filling, sanding and producing that perfect finish, can a robot really

Dream big, work hard. This plastering apprentice has serious ambitions for the future. He’s learning his trade while already thinking about building a property portfolio and creating long-term financial security. That kind of enthusiasm deserves support. Learning a skilled trade such as plasteri

Not being good at school doesn’t mean you won’t be successful in life. This young plasterer and business owner is proof that academic results don’t define your future. The construction trades can offer incredible opportunities for people who are willing to learn, work hard, develop their skills

Social Media Money vs Trade Money A well-known qualified electrician online explains the reality of making money from social media. One month he might make £500, the next £3,000, then £1,000. Social media income can be unpredictable, so don’t abandon your trade. Your electrical qualification,

Who should be installing air conditioning? We asked a plumbing and heating business owner whose actual trade is air conditioning: is it the air conditioning engineers, electricians, or plumbers who should be doing the work? Air conditioning, HVAC, plumbing, heating and electrical trades are i

He’s in the trades for the long haul, aiming to master two trades and already thinking 10 years ahead. That mindset deserves respect. Let’s support his journey, see where it takes him, and revisit this video in the future to see just how far he’s come. Banter Van.

A plumbing apprenticeship can be the start of a much bigger career. I gave this young apprentice advice on getting his gas course sorted next. Adding gas to your plumbing skills can open more doors, increase your opportunities and help you become a more versatile plumbing and heating engineer. Plan

If you’re working outside your comfort zone, make sure that phone is fully charged. You never know when you’ll need to call someone with more experience or better knowledge. Knowing when to ask for help is part of being a good tradesperson. There’s no shame in making the call.

At just 27, this young businessman is already running his own plumbing, heating and bathroom business. Multi-skilled, ambitious and building something of his own. This is exactly what apprentices and young tradespeople should see: with the right skills, attitude and determination, you can achiev

Twisticator1 goes full Rambo in the Banter Van — his drama degree finally gets a workout!

We’ve definitely got a skills shortage, and the support available to young people trying to enter the trades isn’t always where it needs to be. Government, industry, colleges — there are plenty of questions about who should be doing more. But young tradespeople and apprentices can’t afford to

We’re constantly bombarded with energy-saving tips on television — turn your boiler down, use less heating, save money. But here’s the problem: if you’re cold, you’re going to turn it back up. So where is this advice actually coming from? It often feels like the people giving the advice ar

Apprentice bricklayer chose the trade because he knows it can bring good money. And he’s right — being genuinely good at any skilled trade can earn you a great living. But money alone won’t carry you through a career. Think carefully about what you’re choosing, because you could be doing this

Working alongside your dad and your brother isn’t for everyone… but this young tradesman absolutely loves it. 🔧 Family, plumbing, heating, a bit of banter and plenty of hard work — what more could you want? For him, working in the family business isn’t just a job. It’s a blast. Banter Van

When the dinosaurs finally retire from the trades, the younger generation will inherit a huge opportunity. With fewer skilled tradespeople coming through the ranks, demand could rise, and those who build real skills, reputation and business knowledge may find themselves in a premium period. The fut

A mature apprentice brings business experience, life skills and a passion for heritage. Painting and decorating history’s buildings could give him a unique edge over younger tradespeople.

Young tradesman takes his seat in the Banter Van chair and is genuinely impressed by the sheer scale of it! 😂 It’s a serious-sized chair for serious conversations about the trades, apprenticeships, skills and life on the tools. And judging by his reaction, the Banter Van chair has definitely