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Episode #521 - Building Relationships Not Contracts Creating a Business That Truly Cares - with Tom Hill — ScaleUp Radio Episode #521

Episode #521 - Building Relationships Not Contracts Creating a Business That Truly Cares - with Tom Hill

Episode #521 29 Sep 2025

Show notes

Hi, I’m Granger Forson. You can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.

 

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Tom Hill, founder and director of Collina MEP, a mechanical and electrical design consultancy based in Bristol that has grown rapidly since its launch in 2021. Tom shares how he left behind corporate consultancy life to create a business with a difference, one that blends technical excellence with a genuine personal touch.

 

From the early lonely days of handling everything himself, through to building a thriving team of 11 in just a few years, Tom opens up about the highs and lows of starting and scaling a consultancy. He reveals the importance of culture, why leading by example is key, and how focusing on relationships rather than contracts has been central to their success.

What shines through is Tom’s deep commitment to client trust, sustainability, and the wellbeing of his team. From sending hampers at Easter to ensuring every project feels personal, his boutique approach sets Collina MEP apart in an industry often dominated by the “bare minimum.”

 

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance growth with culture, or how to create repeat business through trust and care, this conversation is full of golden insights.

 

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

 

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of a caring culture, sustainability and stunning growth with Tom Hill.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

 

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

 

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.
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You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that’s you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

Smart90 Summit

 

Tom can be found here:

https://www.collinamep.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hill-4328b135/

 

 

Resources:

Start with Why by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-15th-anniversary-edition-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/7820616?ean=9781405977593&next=t

The Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Monday - https://monday.com/

Liked this conversation? Bring the same thinking to your business.

ScaleUp Radio is hosted by Kevin Brent — founder of Smart90, author of the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System (ESUS), and the same Kevin who works directly with founders inside the G90 Summit.

The Summit is a structured half-day — quarterly, virtual via Zoom — where founders and their teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and leave with a plan committed to making them happen.

Reserve Your Place at the G90 Summit →

Next session: 26th June 2026 · £97 for a standalone seat · smart90.co.uk/summit