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.
Download a free checklist
Procurement Compliance Checklist for Commercial Teams
Staying compliant shouldn’t slow your projects down. This Procurement Compliance Checklist for Commercial Teams distils the essentials your procurement and commercial functions need to stay audit-ready, contract-aligned and fully protected across every project. Benchmark your current process and identify where stronger controls can deliver greater confidence, consistency and commercial protection.
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.