In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Trevor Wilkins, Managing Director of PAH Building & Construction — a contractor working deep inside one of the UK’s most complex and least-understood built environments: the defence estate.

Trevor shares the unique story of PAH’s evolution from a one-client refurb contractor to a £15m business operating across the UK, including the landmark MOD housing portfolio recently brought back into government ownership. He opens up about the early days, the risks he took, and the leadership principles that have helped him build a loyal, long-serving team.

In the second half, Paul and Trevor dive into the reality of retrofit — far removed from the glossy headlines of a “retrofit revolution”. Trevor gives a frank assessment of funding gaps, skills shortages, inconsistent standards, and the operational challenges that make large-scale retrofit so difficult today. He also offers practical guidance for contractors considering a pivot into the field.

Finally, Trevor discusses PAH’s commitment to developing the next generation of tradespeople, including hands-on partnerships with local colleges, mentoring new apprentices, and bringing students onto live sites.

This is a grounded, real-world conversation about leadership, resilience, retrofit, and what it actually takes to run a values-driven construction business in 2025.

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📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:

Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success

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