Zee Razaq interviews construction expert Dave Forde!

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of growing up working class, navigating a system that often feels rigged, and the importance of timing, speed, and resilience in both business and life.

From personal stories to hard lessons, this episode shines a light on ambition, mindset, and the subtle dynamics that shape success and failure.

📌 Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction: The biggest myth about health & safety in property development.

00:01:03 – Dave’s background: From electrician to top construction manager.

00:02:30 – The "lightbulb moment" that changed Dave’s financial future.

00:06:06 – How his partner’s father transformed his mindset.

00:11:24 – The "time vs. money" trap – Why trading hours for pounds won’t make you rich.

00:18:31 – CDM Regulations & Building Safety Act – How developers risk losing everything (even as passive investors).

00:28:44 – IR35 Disaster – Why the UK’s tax system is pushing talent abroad.

00:40:37 – How Dave landed a Russian oligarch client (and what ultra-wealthy clients really want).

00:54:57 – Commercial-to-Resi Success – How Dave saved a client £110K on a single project.

01:00:03 – Brexit’s REAL Impact – The untold story of Eastern European workers & IR35.

01:08:24 – Why Dave is Leaving the UK – Taxes, politics, and where high performers are going.

🚀 Follow Dave Forde:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-forde/