Press Office
New podcast launches to showcase the people that make the construction industry
Leading Hertfordshire-based construction firm WREN, alongside software partner Chime Site have today announced the launch of its new podcast, Wallplug and Grommet. Sharing interviews with some of the country’s top industry experts of past and present along with chat around the do’s and don’ts of running your own construction company, and how to make it in the industry.
Hosted by WREN’s own Roger Bradbury and colleague Ellie Elworthy, Wallplug and Grommet will present listeners with unique first-hand insights from current professionals alongside the benefit of hindsight from those that have made it through the ups and downs of running both small and multi-national construction companies.
Wallplug and Grommet have just kicked off with three exceptional interviews, featuring Mike Wellington now retired former CEO of two multi-million-pound companies, Bernie Wilks who after much success went on to buy the oldest construction business in England and David Bates leading QS that has had the opportunity to work on projects in the UK as well as Malaysia, Egypt, Thailand and Dubai.
In Episode 1, Mike Wellington shares stories from his past from moving to London and joining the small-works department at Bardon Hill (now Aggregate Industries) to launching Spade Oak alongside his brothers and navigating both the financial difficulties and successes along the way. Mike speaks candidly about working with family, allowing Roger to marry his daughter and the one thing he considers to be essential to achieve business success.
Episode two follows Bernie Wilks as he goes from plumber’s apprentice in 1980 to purchase the oldest construction business in England, George Jackson and beyond. Bernie brings his character and sense of humour to the podcast. After admitting he cheated his way into plumbing, he banters his way through his route to money and success, how he achieved both and what that meant to him.
The third episode spotlights on Quantity Surveyors, what their role encompasses, whether or not David, an experienced QS thinks people starting in the industry should consider it as a career and the amazing jobs and opportunities becoming a QS have brought to him.
Future episodes include a spotlight on mental health within the construction industry and how to come back from the many knockbacks that can be faced on the path to industry success as well as honest and up-front chats about money, management and making the next career move.
Wallplug and Grommet was started to highlight the hard work going on behind the scenes in construction, as well as allow both those starting in the industry and the old-timers like Roger to listen to insightful stories, have a good chat and learn a little along the way. Wallplug and Grommet offers a refreshing take on the construction industry and the people that make it. You can listen to the podcast on all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts from 6 May 2021.
Founded in 2010, WREN construction has grown from a start-up with just a few employees to a national construction company recognised for their workforce, delivery and skill. owner Roger has over 25 years of experience in the industry. Roger credits his success in the industry to retaining complete control of every project, which is why he, along with partners developed Chime Site. Chime Site is an easy-to-use construction software platform that allows you to manage daily signing in of your operatives, authorise timesheets, sign Health & Safety documents, upload and manage skill certificates, store site notes and more.