Wallplug & Grommet

We spend the final episode of Season One rounding up the best advice and tips our guests have shared, discussing the challenges they’ve had to face as well as putting together some of our ‘best bits’. We also have a special guest appearance from Roger’s 5 year old son, Leo, to see whether he wants to join the industry! Thank you to all our guests - and we can’t wait for Season 2.

Liz started off her career stacking bananas at Sainsbury’s, working her way up to become the youngest store manager in the company age 27 and then winning store manager of the year. In 2010, she moved from retail to construction where, together with Roger Bradbury, they set up Wren Construction.

But, it has been a bumpy ride enduring sexism, long hours, and being a single parent to the gorgeous James who was diagnosed with autism 10 years ago.

 

John started off learning his trade as a carpenter in a Sawmill & Joinery shop before scaling the heights to become Director at RG Group, a multi million pound main contractor firm. Not only that, he was also Roger’s first boss - so he spills the dirt! And, for the first time, we have included a full, unedited version of the interview - so be prepared for a two and half hour long episode - we think it’s that good we didn’t want to cut anything out!

 

We delve deep into a discussion around the importance of our EU workforce and how now could be a pivotal moment in the industry for change. How do we navigate the future post Brexit and Covid? Kestutis, our top Lithuanian site supervisor, shares his story of moving to the UK 2004, how he found adjusting to life here and what he thinks about the new government points based system.

Clive has gone from Mechanical Engineer to MD and founder of his own company Apex Circuit Design - creating world-famous racetracks. Not only that, his first job out of uni was with Rolls Royce, and he is now on the industry advisory panel at Brunel School of Engineering helping to get more youngsters into the industry.  Listen in our canid chat where Clive shares some great tips for both old and youngsters in the business!

Ben has been an architect for the past 20 years and in 2014, took the leap to set up his own company - Ben Reed Architects.  He has worked on a huge number of exciting and award-winning projects including the UK’s first net-zero carbon house, designing buildings and housing for the homeless in Rwanda for Rwanda Action, and not forgetting the esteemed projects he has done with us here at Wren. Listen in to advice he’d give for budding young architects and why not to be part of the ‘rubble club’.

Nick has travelled to more countries in the world than probably most of us will ever do in our lifetime and there is next to nothing he can’t teach us about roads, runways and racetracks. MD of Roadgrip, a specialist white lining and surfacing company he shares stories and advice from his 20 years in business, including the time he had to write off 1 million dollars from a client! 

Join Roger Bradbury and Ellie Elworthy as they dive into discussions with leading industry experts from the past and present. Hear what they think makes a successful construction company, learn how to avoid the pitfalls of payroll and discover how to navigate your way from apprentice to CEO.

Grab a cup of tea, sit down and press play. 

David is one of Wren’s top-notch Quantity Surveyors.  With nearly 50 years in the business, he has worked for some of the best construction companies in the world and on projects in balmy Malaysia, Egypt, Thailand and Dubai.  He even built Maggie Thatcher’s House!

Join Roger Bradbury and Ellie Elworthy as they dive into discussions with leading industry experts from the past and present. Hear what they think makes a successful construction company, learn how to avoid the pitfalls of payroll and discover how to navigate your way from apprentice to CEO.

Grab a cup of tea, sit down and press play. 

Bernie started out in 1980 as a plumber’s apprentice in London before rising up the ranks to run and sell a multi-million pound contracting business - Advanced Interiors. He also bought the oldest construction business in England - George Jackson and then went on to set up another successful business - CWM2.  He talks the highs and lows of running businesses. 

Join Roger Bradbury and Ellie Elworthy as they dive into discussions with leading industry experts from the past and present. Hear what they think makes a successful construction company, learn how to avoid the pitfalls of payroll and discover how to navigate your way from apprentice to CEO.

Grab a cup of tea, sit down and press play. 

Mike has run two multi-million pound companies, been in the business for 50 years, he is the king of the road, a titan of the tarmac and all-round asphalt guru.