Gerard talks to West Midlands-based Lioncourt Homes chief executive Colin Cole, whose tenacious approach to finance saw him launch the private firm in 2006 alongside a strategic land division, as what has termed “a mini-plc housebuilder".

The business is backed by up to 100 investors, who helped drive it through the crash of 'the noughties' to become one of the Sunday Times top 100 fastest growing businesses in the UK, for four consecutive years.

Previously, rising through the ranks at Westbury plc through the 80s and 90s to become executive director and divisional chairman, Colin was an integral part of a management buyout at the business as well as numerous acquisitions and ultimately helped facilitate the housebuilder’s £950 million sale to Persimmon in 2005.

In this podcast, he gives an insight into his extraordinary career and what’s driven his success. He highlights the qualities of strategic focus, work ethos and organisational culture that he believes are integral to his businesses strength and resilience.