Own the Build Leadership Series
Real conversations and insight from the front lines of UK construction leadership
Join Paul Heming, co-founder and Director of C-Link, each month as he sits down with leading experts from the world of construction. Through honest discussions with industry leaders, Paul explores how the best commercial teams deliver profit, performance and project certainty.
Episode 1
A conversation with Mark Sheridan, Commercial Director at BAM
Mark shares his 25-year journey from graduate Quantity Surveyor to Commercial Director of a £3.5bn Tier 1 contractor. Mark & Paul explore what actually differentiates commercial management from true commercial leadership, moving from cost-focused to value-led outcomes, and what great Commercial Directors look like heading into 2026.
Episode 2
A conversation with Chris Hartley, Former Commercial Director at McLaren Construction
Chris, former Commercial Director at £1bn+ contractor McLaren, reflects on his journey from QS to leading commercial teams of 50+, exploring what commercial leadership really involves: building trust through technical expertise, empowering teams to learn from mistakes, and staying close to core construction fundamentals.
Episode 3
A conversation with Mark Walker, Managing Director at Seddon Housing Partnerships
Mark shares his journey from trainee QS at 16 to leading an £85m social housing contractor. Mark & Paul explore stepping into leadership before you feel ready, how difficult projects shape judgement, and the shift from project delivery to full commercial oversight.
They also discuss building collaborative cultures, leading with transparency, and why ownership and fairness define high-performing teams heading into 2026.
Episode 4
A conversation with Anil Rai, Commercial Director at M Group Water
Paul is joined by Anil Rai, Commercial Director at M Group Water, part of the £2.5bn M Group. Anil shares his journey from early commercial roles to leading at scale in a complex Tier 1 environment. They explore what effective commercial leadership looks like in 2026, building consistency across teams, aligning commercial and operational goals, empowering ownership, and managing large frameworks. A practical conversation for QSs and senior leaders navigating growth and scale.
Episode 5
A conversation with Justin Fahy , Managing Director at Structure Tone UK
Justin Fahy, Managing Director at Structure Tone UK, shares his journey from trainee surveyor to leading a £400m+ fit-out business. Justin shares practical lessons on leadership, trust, advocacy, taking on responsibility early, and transitioning from commercial to full business leadership. The conversation also unpacks how Structure Tone UK scaled from £90m to £400m+ through strong people management, fair risk practices, and paying the supply chain on time, ending with a simple message for aspiring leaders: work hard, stay consistent, build trust, and be a good person.
Download the margin report
Where Main Contractors commonly lose margin
This report outlines the most common procurement and commercial gaps that contribute to margin erosion across construction projects, along with the early warning signs Directors should watch for before profitability is impacted.
Even well-managed projects can experience margin loss when visibility and procurement consistency break down.
Identifying margin pressure early gives commercial teams greater control over project profitability and procurement risk.
Want to be a voice on Own the Build?
Paul's always on the lookout for inspiring voices and real-world experience. Email him for more information.