Upskilling to Win, by entrepreneur and business mentor, Mike Greene
Award-winning teams aren’t built from luck. The current environment presents pressing challenges to trades businesses, as costs rise, and recruitment dwindles. However, these issues don’t need to last forever, and forward-thinking companies can bounce back from productivity failure with a refreshed outlook and crucially – a plan fit for the future.
Thanks to technology, company directors can be crafty about how they address internal pitfalls and boost business with streamlined operations that buy back time so time can be spent developing skills to cultivate employee’s ambitions and promote more apprenticeships.
If you want a winning team, you need to invest in winners, and winning teams only have the best players.
That starts with training, development, and paying for quality, not just hiring cheap labour and hoping for premium results. I have personally worked with hundreds of trade businesses and observed thousands more across all sectors. One truth stands out: the businesses making the most money are the ones with the best people.
Upskilling doesn’t need to be overwhelming; it’s about identifying the skills gaps and filling them with accessible resources and rigorous mentorship. For example, providing certifications for EV charging installation, solar panel wiring or smart system integration are all worthwhile to remain competitive and take advantage of emerging technology.
Charlie Mullins, founder of Wefix, is a prime example. He pays his team massively over the market rate (sometimes double). Why? Because he only wants the best. He knows that great tradespeople do better work, win better reviews, and create loyal customers that return. We need to let go of this idea that being “competitive” means being the cheapest.
This outdated outlook is a key reason for industry decline as companies struggle to reconcile with expensive equipment and labour costs. Delivering exceptional value that allows you to charge the right price and still make a healthy margin is what will ultimately keep your business afloat. Without that margin, there’s no reinvestment, no growth, and no real future.
In addition, cheap labour often means poor results, high churn, and constant firefighting. To avoid constant turnover, consider reframing your onboarding process. For instance, in electrics, be more specific in your job description. List skills which will deliver experienced candidates, don’t be vague and demonstrate the opportunities for career advancement, for example workshops and free on-site training courses.
When you invest in your people, training them, backing them, paying them well, your business rises above the rest. Remember, price is not value. Value is the benefit your customer receives, not just the number on the quote. Reliability. Cleanliness. Communication. Consistency. Punctuality etc. These are the real reasons customers stay loyal, and why they’ll pay more.
Want to futureproof your business? Start with your people. Support them by providing clear pathways to growth. Upskilling isn’t a one-off endeavour; it’s a commitment to continuous improvement and monitoring to ensure customers are getting the best type of service and your company is the stand-out in a crowded market. There are tons of talented tradesmen and engineers, but if their expertise isn’t tapped into, industries will quickly fall behind again.
The only way to charge more is to be worth more. Justify your prices by keeping on top of your team’s output, customer reviews and internal dynamics. There is no room for mediocrity, so don’t be afraid to re-invent the wheel and bring your company into the 21st century.
Mike Greene – Entrepreneur, Leadership Mentor, and Philanthropist
Mike Greene is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur renowned for his extensive background in executive leadership, strategic business growth, and philanthropic endeavours. With a keen eye for innovation and a knack for fostering strategic partnerships, Mike is committed to cultivating strong corporate cultures while leveraging his business acumen to drive positive social impact and support local communities.
Mike’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent is evident in his investment portfolio, which includes over 30 start-up and growth businesses such as Shazam and Chargemaster. Currently, he serves as a mentor and strategic advisor to over 40 UK businesses, providing invaluable guidance and support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Mike’s influence extends into the media realm, where he has been featured on Channel 4’s “Secret Millionaire” and is a regular commentator and pundit on business-related topics.
Following the programme, which had a great impact on him, he sold his main business and took a three-month sabbatical with the personal challenge to raise £100,000 for 100 charities in 100 days. He was successful in this bid and was inspired to go on to commit one-third of his time to help charities and mentoring people to change their lives for the better.
Renowned as a sought-after public speaker, he has delivered keynote addresses on business, investing, property, and education across the UK, Europe, US, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, he is the esteemed author of the book “Failure Breeds Success”.
As the Founder and CEO of Global Research Business, Mike successfully led the growth of a multi-million pound global research enterprise, ultimately orchestrating a highly profitable exit and the rebranding of the company as Lumina Intelligence.
Mike’s influence extends beyond his own ventures, as he has served as a main board advisor and speaker at events for numerous global corporations spanning various sectors including energy, retail, consumer goods, food and beverage, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and finance. Notable engagements include advising industry giants such as BP, Tesco, Coca Cola, and GSK.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mike has held various executive positions across multiple industries, driving strategic change and growth. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest Chairman and longest-serving board member of the Association of Convenience Stores, advocating for over 33,500 small retail establishments in the UK.
Beyond the boardroom, Mike is actively involved in large-scale property development projects in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire region, contributing to urban revitalisation and community enhancement efforts.
Driven by a passion for giving back, Mike has dedicated his time and resources to various philanthropic causes. From serving as a Trustee of Peterborough Cathedral to advocating for the establishment of Peterborough University, he remains deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in his community. Additionally, his role as an Ambassador for the Cambridgeshire Children’s Hospital underscores his dedication to healthcare advocacy and fundraising.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Mike embraces physical challenges and adventure pursuits. From sailing in the Clipper 2013/14 Round the World Yacht Race to summiting mountains like Kilimanjaro and Annapurna, he continually pushes the boundaries of achievement and inspires others through his endeavours.
Mike’s dedication to excellence has been recognised with an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Anglia Ruskin University. Furthermore, he has been honoured as one of the 100 most influential Leaders, Thinkers, and Agitators shaping the Grocery Industry, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in his field.
