NSBRC - Harvey Fremlin Talks Self-Build, Leadership and His Career on The Self Build Sessions
National Self Build & Renovation Centre Logo close Menu
Book Free Now

Harvey Fremlin Features on The Self Build Sessions Podcast

What do you get when you combine a former acting career, a passion for self-build and the man at the helm of one of the UK's best-known self-build destinations? An interesting conversation with plenty of unexpected insights!

Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director of the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon, recently joined Jay Hubbard and Matt Higgs from English Brothers for Episode 2 of their podcast, The Self Build Sessions.

The episode offers a chance to get to know Harvey beyond his role at the NSBRC, exploring his career journey, approach to leadership and enthusiasm for the self-build and renovation industry.

A little more about the man behind the role

The conversation starts by looking back at Harvey's unexpected former career in acting, before moving on to his journey into the world of self-build and his role managing the NSBRC.

Jay and Matt also explore Harvey's management style and what makes a good leader, alongside what life is really like running a national centre dedicated to helping people research, plan and deliver their own building projects.

There's plenty of fun along the way, too. Harvey is challenged to reveal where he'd choose to sleep if he had the entire NSBRC to himself, and what his dream home would look like if money were no object.

More than just a conversation

As with every episode of The Self Build Sessions, there are some familiar features to look forward to, including:

  • True or False? – Separating fact from fiction.
  • Quick Fire Round – Quick questions and even quicker answers.
  • Lay One Brick – One final thought to leave viewers with.

The result is a relaxed and entertaining conversation, with plenty of laughs, unexpected answers and a few insights into the people behind the roles in the self-build industry.

Whether you're considering building your own home, planning a renovation, working in construction or simply interested in hearing from the people shaping the industry, it's well worth a watch.

Watch the full episode

Watch Harvey's conversation with Jay Hubbard and Matt Higgs in Episode 2 of The Self Build Sessions.

Watch the full episode on YouTube

Latest articles


Planning to Self-Build or Renovate? 5 Top Tips Before You Start | With Georgina Burnett (AKA The Home Genie)

Planning a self-build or major renovation? Before you start choosing paint colours, ripping out bathrooms or getting builders through the door, there are a few things I’d strongly recommend doing first.

I’ve renovated, styled and worked on enough properties to know that the projects that run most smoothly aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets - they’re the ones where the homeowner has thought ahead.

Because when you’re in the middle of a renovation, there will be things you didn’t expect. There will be decisions you need to make quickly, deliveries that don’t arrive, costs that change and, inevitably, the odd moment when you wonder why on earth you started.

So, here are my five top tips for getting yourself organised before the work begins.

September Trade Village Newsletter

Our Trade Village is home to more than 200 permanent exhibiting partners, selected for their reputable and relevant services and their expertise in the self build and renovation community.

Keep reading to discover the latest offerings & events at the NSBRC...

VIEW THE FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS AT THE NSBRC

NSBRC Aspirations & Motivations Survey 2026

Each year The National Self Build & Renovation Centre produces a survey in partnership with the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA).

The 2026 survey marks our sixth edition and was completed by 415 people. This data provides a detailed view of those planning, undertaking, or having recently completed substantial homebuilding projects.