Episode 03 · Trades

How I hired my first employee without breaking the business

Marie spent three years doing everything herself. Here is how she worked out she could afford someone, what she got wrong in the first hire, and the trial arrangement she uses now.

17 July 2026 · 55 min

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How I hired my first employee without breaking the business

55 min listenRecorded in one sitting, unedited answers
Guest
Marie Duthie, Owner
Business
Duthie Joinery
Sector
Trades
Stage
Year 6
Based
Glasgow
Numbers
£320k turnover, 4 staff

Session notes

Marie covers the cost of an employee beyond salary, and the two-week paid trial that filters out mismatches.