Scottish construction stands at a crossroads. In this special episode, Helen and Will recap their time at the Scottish Construction Summit, joined by Ricky Milliken and Neil Brownlie from Valorem First. With 300+ decision-makers in the room, the message was clear: transformation isn't optional anymore.

From Mark Farmer's call for systemic reform to the urgent reality of an ageing workforce, fragmented supply chains, and the rise of AI, this episode unpacks what it will take for Scotland's construction sector to modernise, and whether it has the collaboration, government backing, and courage to lead the way.

What's the secret to building a construction business where staff stay for 20+ years and trainees get real experience from day one?

In this episode, Helen McMillan and Ricky Milliken sit down with David Wylie, Managing Director of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, to share the strategic thinking behind running a family construction business that prioritises legacy over quick growth. From giving trainees meaningful experience from the start to running at 120% capacity knowing some jobs will slip. David reveals how deep industry knowledge and relationship-driven culture create competitive advantage.

With candid insights on why face-to-face still wins, the true cost of innovation, and navigating political funding cycles, this episode explores how thoughtful leadership builds resilience when the only certainty is uncertainty.

Breaking Barriers: How to Inspire the Next Generation of Construction Leaders
🎙️ Hosts: Helen McMillan & Will Pearce
🎤 Guests: Lynsey Brydson & Hannah Lloyd of BEST (Built Environment Smarter Transformation)

Episode Summary:
How can we attract the next generation into the construction industry, especially young people, women, and underrepresented groups? In this episode, Helen and Will are joined by Lynsey and Hannah from BEST, Scotland’s national innovation centre for the built environment. Together, they explore the exciting opportunities available in the industry and discuss how we can shift perceptions and attract more young people to careers in construction. From digitalization and sustainability to skills shortages and gender inclusivity, the conversation touches on the pressing issues shaping the future of the built environment in Scotland.

🔍 What’s Covered:
1️⃣ Current State of the Construction Industry – The need for innovation, digital skills, and a more inclusive workforce.
2️⃣ The Gender Gap – Why the construction industry remains male-dominated and how to close the gap for women.
3️⃣ The Role of Technology in Attracting Young Talent – How digital tools and smart construction are transforming the industry.
4️⃣ Youth Engagement – How can we shift the narrative to make construction an attractive first-choice career, not just a fallback option?
5️⃣ The Importance of Diverse Role Models – Showing young people what’s possible through visible leaders and mentors in the built environment.
6️⃣ Sustainability and Smart Construction – How the younger generation's focus on the environment and sustainability aligns with innovation in the sector.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ The construction industry offers diverse roles beyond the traditional trades, including tech, design, sustainability, and management.
✔️ Attracting young talent requires changing perceptions, showcasing the full range of opportunities, and making the industry more inclusive.
✔️ The future of construction depends on innovation, digitalization, and collaboration between different sectors.
✔️ Role models are key - especially women in the industry - to inspire the next generation of leaders.
✔️ Schools and communities play a pivotal role in exposing young people to careers in construction and the built environment.

Listen to the full episode for insights and practical strategies on bridging the gap and inspiring the next generation of construction leaders!

Join the conversation!
✅ What changes do you think the construction industry needs to make to attract young talent? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn!