In this episode of Lifting the Line, Andy Shaw sits down with Toby Loft, CEO and co-founder of BuiltGrid, to talk about how technology is reshaping the way builders and bricklaying businesses find each other, price work, and manage projects.

Toby founded BuiltGrid in 2020 with a clear vision. To create the first connected procurement network that links builders and their suppliers in one integrated system, replacing endless emails, phone calls and paperwork with real-time pricing, quoting, ordering and scheduling.

The aim is simple. Reduce admin, improve productivity, cut cost blowouts and save weeks of wasted time on every project.

Before launching BuiltGrid, Toby spent more than a decade working at a national level across the hardware and trade supply sector, including senior leadership roles with Mitre 10 and Independent Hardware Group. He led trade strategy across a $1.2 billion network, built relationships with national builders, suppliers and industry bodies, and developed technology-driven systems to better connect trades, stores and manufacturers.

His career has been built around one core idea. When the network is connected properly, everyone performs better.

In this conversation, Andy and Toby discuss:

• Why the current way bricklayers are sourced and quoted is broken
• How digital platforms can help bricklaying businesses win the right work, not just more work
• The importance of matching quality trades with quality builders
• How integrated pricing and scheduling can reduce downtime and cash flow stress
• What the future looks like for subcontractors in an increasingly data-driven construction industry
• Why better systems mean stronger businesses and more sustainable careers in the trade

For bricklaying business owners, this episode goes straight to the heart of one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Finding consistent work with good builders, fair pricing, and less wasted time on quoting and chasing information.

Toby explains how BuiltGrid is designed to support exactly that, creating transparency, efficiency and better long-term working relationships across the supply chain.

This is a practical, forward-looking conversation about where the industry is heading and how bricklayers can position themselves to be part of a more professional, connected and profitable future.