London Construction + Offices Podcast

The London Construction + Offices Podcast (LCOP) is for everyone working within the London commercial sector. We enable industry leaders to share their journey, challenges, wisdom and insights in a relaxed, enjoyable podcast episode. Hosted by Stephen Berridge, owner of Fidgens; a London based cost management consultancy specialising in commercial refurbishments.

Ep 20 | From Horses to High Rises – The Journey of Yaeger Irwin 04/14/2025

Ep 20 | From Horses to High Rises – The Journey of Yaeger Irwin In this episode, I sit down with Yaeger Erwin, Founder of Bloom Project Management, to explore her remarkable career journey from horse-riding teenager to leading multimillion-pound construction projects—and ultimately launching her own purpose-driven business. Yaeger opens up about her early years growing up in a supportive household, how tutoring helped her earn a place at Burnham Grammar School and how she made the tough decision to choose academics over competitive horse riding at 16. A science-obsessed teen dreaming of becoming a forensic pathologist, she surprised herself by pursuing English and Philosophy at Manchester University instead. Her path to project management was anything but conventional — starting with a temp job in construction that sparked her love for the field. From admin assistant at Pell Project to leading high-stakes retail fit-outs for M&S, she shares how her career evolved rapidly, all while completing a degree in construction at London Southbank University. We follow her transition into consultancy with Davis Langdon (later AECOM), where she delivered major retail schemes and eventually became a regional director. After the birth of her children and navigating work during the pandemic, Yaeger began to reassess what success looked like. A life coach, therapy, and an empowering women’s development course shifted her mindset—leading to the founding of Bloom in July 2023. She shares the three powerful questions that guided her leap: How long have you got left to work? How do you want to spend that time? And who with? Now focused on values-driven growth and putting people at the heart of every project, Yaeger’s mission with Bloom is to create a space of opportunity — for herself, her team, and her clients. If you're at a crossroads in your career or dreaming of doing things differently, this episode is for you. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by providing project and cost management services for real estate clients. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Yaeger Irwin You can follow Yaeger on LinkedIn starts with seeds of ideas and allows them the freedom to grow and flourish. Led by founder Yaeger Irwin, Bloom offers a flexible and collaborative approach where projects are completed in an open and honest partnership. They will take your vision and develop and nurture it, delivering outstanding results that surpass your expectations. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/36124785

Ep 19 | From Surveyor to CEO – Sam Wallis’ Journey 03/25/2025

Ep 19 | From Surveyor to CEO – Sam Wallis’ Journey In this episode, I sit down with Sam Wallis, CEO of GIA, to explore his unconventional path to leadership. Growing up in Southport and studying on the Isle of Man, Sam initially wanted to pursue a career in medicine before realising it wasn’t his true passion. His time in Edinburgh opened new doors and while he never envisioned becoming a chartered surveyor, he followed the family trade, securing a first-class degree and valuable work experience along the way. Sam shares pivotal moments from his career, including early roles at EC Harris and Malcolm Hollis (now Hollis Global) and how his ambition led him to work in Australia before returning to the UK. He opens up about the decision to co-found GIA, its rapid expansion from two to twenty employees and the challenges of private equity investment and business growth. We also discuss leadership struggles, time management and the importance of soft skills in business. Sam reflects on the lessons he's learned, from adapting leadership styles to keeping teams engaged. Plus, he shares his strategies for maintaining discipline - like email power hours, walking commutes and turning off notifications - to stay focused in a demanding role. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on career pivots, entrepreneurial growth and what it really takes to scale a business while leading effectively. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by providing project and cost management services for real estate clients. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Sam Wallis You can follow Sam on LinkedIn . is the UK and Ireland’s leading practice for Daylight, Sunlight, Rights of Light and related technology services. They use cutting-edge technology to accurately analyse and inform, providing a contextual approach to planning and development. Their mission is to passionately and creatively tackle challenges in the built environment, revolutionising the industry by providing incisive solutions for every project they consult on. They work with architects, owners, occupiers, developers and planning consultants across both the public and private sectors. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/35855620

Ep 18 | Kara Thompson - From Small-Town Ambition to Industry Leadership 03/25/2025

Ep 18 | Kara Thompson - From Small-Town Ambition to Industry Leadership In this episode, I sit down with Kara Thompson, a powerhouse in project management who has carved an impressive career path from Australia to London. Born in Australia, Kara was a natural overachiever — school captain, competitive athlete and eldest of four siblings. Despite excelling in science and psychology at university, she quickly realised her degree wasn’t her calling. Instead, she entered the workforce in administrative roles, starting with the Red Cross Blood Bank before transitioning to the technology and project management sectors. Her career took off when she joined Incoll in 2009, later acquired by Savills, where she thrived in affordable housing and public sector projects. A two-year overseas work experience plan led her to London in 2012 — arriving in a year of grand celebrations, including the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee. Initially planning to stay for just a couple of years, Kara found herself drawn to the challenges and excitement of life abroad, eventually spending a decade at Savills. After a career-defining sabbatical where she hiked the GR20 solo, Kara took a leap into a new challenge at Gleeds. Just six months into her leadership role, the pandemic hit, forcing her to manage a 30-person team remotely whilst securing a £400 million mixed-use development. Her resilience paid off, as she continued to grow, innovate and push industry boundaries. Fast forward to 2023, Kara joined FACTION to launch the UK team — a firm redefining project management by hiring only the top 1% of professionals. With a selective client base and a focus on expert advisory, FACTION is setting a new industry standard. Now, as she looks ahead to 2025, Kara remains determined, balancing perseverance with optimism in an ever-evolving market. Tune in to hear how Kara’s competitive nature, relentless drive, and bold career choices have shaped her success — and how she’s challenging the status quo in project management. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by , providing cost-management services for commercial projects in London. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Kara Thompson You can follow Kara on LinkedIn are one Global community, who are redefining the Global standard. We are defined by our values — Value Creation, Challenger Thinking, Passion and Collaboration. These values are the guiding principles and behaviours that drive our approach and execution in everything we undertake. Our international community is the driving force behind our distinctiveness. We provide our clients the invaluable advantage of accessing a vast network of global talent that can rapidly scale to meet the ever-changing demands of their projects or organisations. Our difference is in our approach. We listen, identifying solutions and tailoring our service to deliver the best outcome for our clients. We go beyond the norm by providing a comprehensive, fully integrated lifetime value service offering and a single point of accountability. We love talking to people about how we are different, get in touch to learn how our community can benefit you, your organisation or your project. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/35604030

Ep 17 | The Journey of Harriet De Freitas – From Athletics to Real Estate 03/25/2025

Ep 17 | The Journey of Harriet De Freitas – From Athletics to Real Estate In this episode, I sit down with Harriet De Freitas, a Director at Avison Young, to explore her unconventional journey into the property industry. Growing up with parents based in Africa, she spent much of her childhood moving between family and friends, always surrounded by love. Though not naturally academic, she thrived in athletics — ironically sparked by early morning detention runs at school. Harriet’s academic turning point came during her GCSEs at school in Surrey, leading her to pursue geography in her A-levels in Dorset, drawn to its links with the built environment. Despite struggling with dyslexia and feeling unsure about her future, she considered running a farm shop before choosing university as a way to gain direction. She attended Bristol University, where she studied Geography with Environmental Management and was inspired by friends pursuing careers in real estate. After university, Harriet moved to London and worked at a headhunting firm, quickly learning the importance of work ethic and self-motivation. Realising she wanted a professional qualification, she initially considered teaching but ultimately pursued a master's in real estate at South Bank University. During her studies, she gained hands-on experience at a small surveying practice and through work experience at Edward Simmonds. Harriet’s early real estate career saw her working at Nightingale Partners, gaining insight into London’s investment market, before moving into leasing at Tuckerman in 2015, focusing on the Victoria and Westminster markets. In 2022, she made the leap to Avison Young, joining a larger team during a personally turbulent time but embracing the challenge. She has since been involved in cross-selling business development and recently participated in a panel discussion forecasting 2025’s market trends. Beyond her professional achievements, Harriet is deeply involved in fundraising as Chair of the West End Agency Society. An avid runner, she’s set to take on the London Marathon in 2025, a charity swim across the Caribbean, and marathons in Berlin, Chicago and Medoc. Join us as we uncover Harriet’s inspiring story of perseverance, adaptability and her relentless drive to push boundaries in both real estate and sport. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by , providing cost-management services for commercial projects in London. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Harriet De Freitas You can follow Harriet on LinkedIn . is built on the belief that commercial real estate isn’t just about the buildings and the square footage and the occupancies. At its best it’s about spaces and places that improve lives and help businesses thrive; for the employees, citizens and communities that make impact matter. Avison Young strive to be real estate at its best, helping people be more productive, prosperous and positive. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/35338980

Ep 16 | Building the Future with Christopher Husband 03/25/2025

Ep 16 | Building the Future with Christopher Husband In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Husband, co-founder of Radcliffes, to explore his journey from a childhood fascination with property to leading a dynamic construction consultancy. Coming from a real estate family, Christopher always had an eye for the built environment, but his path wasn’t conventional - leaning more toward creativity than academia. After studying Investment and Finance in Property at Reading University, he carved out a role for himself in project management at Drivers Jonas, which took him as far as Dubai. In 2013, he co-founded Hush, his first business venture, before amicably parting ways to establish Radcliffes with Josh McEvoy and later Nick Cady. Over the last eight years, the trio has built a company that blends project management, BIM, information and asset management and environmental consulting - all while staying client-first and value-driven. Christopher shares the highs and lows of growing Radcliffes, the importance of team culture, and why he encourages employees to build their own brand within the industry. With a team of 20 passionate professionals, Radcliffes continues to grow, expanding into retail, large-scale energy and commercial development in 2025 while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and innovation. Tune in for an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership and the future of property and construction. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by , providing cost-management services for commercial projects in London. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Christopher Husband You can follow Christopher on LinkedIn here. is a construction and development consultancy with a reputation for intelligent delivery of complex, high-quality projects. They work with some of the UK’s leading commercial developers, landlords and real estate funds, local authorities, tenants and high-net worth individuals. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/35094325

Ep 15 | Building a Legacy in Real Estate with Colin Becker 03/25/2025

Ep 15 | Building a Legacy in Real Estate with Colin Becker In this episode, we sit down with Colin Becker; a seasoned real estate professional who has spent nearly three decades at Metrus, helping shape it into one of London’s leading property advisory firms. Colin shares his journey from a sports-loving teenager to becoming a shareholder in a company that now manages over £6 billion in assets. Colin reflects on his early influences, including the strong family tradition in real estate and the values instilled by his parents — his father’s advice to forge his own path and his mother’s emphasis on the power of human relationships. With a background in Business and Finance and a degree in Estate Management from the University of Westminster, Colin’s career was launched when a coaching opportunity led him to his first work placement in property. At Metrus, Colin quickly cemented himself as an integral part of the business, rising to equity partner within five years. He discusses the transformation of the company from a small team of seven to a thriving organisation with over 67 staff, emphasising the importance of effective leadership, patience, and people-first values. Colin also opens up about the responsibilities of ownership, the art of negotiation and the significance of controlling emotions in high-stakes deals. Beyond the boardroom, Colin treasures the opportunity to mentor and empower others, including his two sons who now work alongside him. He shares timeless advice for success, from embracing patience to writing down personal goals at the start of each year. Tune in for Colin’s invaluable insights on leadership, legacy and the relationships that drive his career and life. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by , providing cost-management services for commercial projects in London. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Colin Becker You can follow Colin on LinkedIn is London’s leading bespoke Independent Property Advisor with combined assets under management valued at over £5 billion and an annual rent roll of £300 million from 2,750 tenancies administered throughout the UK. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/34532350

Ep 14 | Making Moves: From Property Rookie to Industry Leader with Tobi Crosbie 03/25/2025

Ep 14 | Making Moves: From Property Rookie to Industry Leader with Tobi Crosbie In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey behind Making Moves. A business built on a foundation of resilience, culture, and innovation. Our guest shares how he stumbled into a property degree at Sheffield Hallam University, igniting a passion for business through urban land economics and financial insights. From a transformative placement year at DTZ in Manchester to landing a graduate role in their London office, he recounts navigating the challenges of the 2008 financial crash and the lessons learned from big transactions that spanned years. Seeking a more dynamic lifestyle, he pivoted to Devono, mastering the art of managing multiple deals and a growing team. Yet, his entrepreneurial spirit couldn’t be contained. By selling his flat, he took the leap to start Making Moves in 2015; a business built with culture at its heart and a mantra of “people lead to profit.” Over the years, Making Moves has grown to a 34-strong team, with a focus on training, strategic hiring and fostering a supportive workplace. From overcoming the challenges of 2020 to setting record-breaking revenue goals, the company now eyes expansion with a new residential team. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of building a thriving agency, the importance of adaptability and what it takes to lead a business into the future. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by , providing cost-management services for commercial projects in London. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Tobi Crosbie You can follow Tobi on LinkedIn Making Moves London advise forward thinking businesses on their London office strategies, covering the whole London market. They represent occupiers, never landlords, which means they can offer impartial, bespoke advise to their clients. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/34153615

Ep 13 | From Law to Real Estate: Michelle Marwood’s Unexpected Journey 03/25/2025

Ep 13 | From Law to Real Estate: Michelle Marwood’s Unexpected Journey In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Marwood, Head of Corporate Real Estate at Norton Rose Fulbright, to explore her remarkable career journey. From her industrious school days and a love for academics to her unexpected foray into real estate, Michelle shares how her career has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability and the power of networking. Starting with dreams of becoming a criminal barrister, Michelle studied law at Cardiff University, delving into areas like penology and rehabilitation. Her early career saw her working on licensing agreements for major Hollywood cartoon characters but it was a newspaper job ad for Bloomberg that set her on a path she hadn’t planned. During her decade at Bloomberg, Michelle developed a passion for real estate, learning on the job while handling global office setups and transitioning into the property team. This role ignited her fascination with the built environment, leading her to major projects, including Bloomberg’s New York headquarters. Michelle reflects on her stints at financial giants like Citibank and Morgan Stanley, as well as her time at Kirkland Ellis, where she travelled extensively across the U.S. After moving back to the UK in 2017 for family reasons, she joined Blackstone before landing at Norton Rose Fulbright in 2020. Now, Michelle oversees property management and built environments while championing work-life balance through NRF’s flexible 2:2:1 working model. She shares insights on the evolving workplace landscape, the unpredictability of the coming years and why companies with entrepreneurial spirit inspire her. Join us as Michelle unpacks her journey, from law to real estate, proving that sometimes the best careers are the ones you stumble upon. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by , providing cost-management services for commercial projects in London. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Michelle Marwood You can follow Michelle on LinkedIn provides a full scope of legal services to the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions. The global law firm has more than 3,000 lawyers advising clients across more than 50 locations worldwide. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/33942037

Ep 12 | From Thirdway to Anomaly: redefining architecture with Liam Spencer 03/25/2025

Ep 12 | From Thirdway to Anomaly: redefining architecture with Liam Spencer In this episode, I sit down with Liam Spencer, co-founder of Anomaly, who takes us on his journey as a thoughtful and academic child with no burning desire to become an architect, to co-founding a thriving architectural practice with Petr Esposito. Initially interested in medicine, Liam's curiosity for architecture grew during his studies at Edinburgh and Westminster, where he found a balance between academia and practicality. After his first role as a graduate, Liam discovered a passion for retrofitting buildings where he eventually met his business partner; Petr while working on projects like Pinnacle and Wellington. This collaboration sparked a new chapter in their careers, leading to the development of Thirdway — a firm known for breaking the mold of traditional architecture by offering turnkey solutions to their clients. Liam reflects on the rapid growth of their practice, the challenges they faced as they expanded too quickly, and how they leaned on their centralised HR during turbulent times. As the pandemic hit, they made the grown-up decision to scale back and rebrand, leading to the birth of Anomaly. With a core focus on sustainable design and maintaining strong relationships, Anomaly quickly established itself in the market, working with clients like Kinrise and delivering innovative projects. Join us as Liam shares his insights on growing a business organically, the importance of real-time communication, and why relationships are key in the fast-paced world of architecture. Plus, hear his thoughts on the office market’s recovery and why the future looks brighter than ever. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by , providing cost-management services for commercial projects in London. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Liam Spencer You can follow Liam on LinkedIn isn’t your run-of-the-mill architecture practice. They see themselves as outsiders in the best way possible; a collection of architects, designers and creatives who believe in challenging the most archaic aspects of traditional architecture. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/33355017

Ep 10 | The Art of Building a Creative Business with Paul Arad 03/25/2025

Ep 11 | From Stage to Skyline: Michelle Anthony’s Journey of Resilience, Leadership, and Sustainable Development 03/25/2025

Ep 11 | From Stage to Skyline: Michelle Anthony’s Journey of Resilience, Leadership, and Sustainable Development In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Anthony, Head of Development at Oxygen Asset Management, to hear her fascinating journey from aspiring actress to leading over £1 billion in capital projects. Starting her career far from real estate, Michelle’s early love for English and drama led her to London’s theatre scene—until a vocal injury forced her to pivot into sales and eventually the world of development. Michelle shares how her entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of The Building Exchange, a business venture designed to give senior business leaders insight into how industries function across different cities. However, her biggest career shift came when she joined Cube, a project management and quantity surveying firm before a chance meeting at MIPIM 2014 opened the door to Oxygen Asset Management. As the first woman at Oxygen, Michelle talks candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome and building a development team from scratch. Her ethos is clear: adding value is key, and if money isn’t being spent wisely, it’s not worth doing. From working solo to now managing transformational projects, Michelle and her team have saved over 50,000 tonnes of carbon through innovative reuse and repositioning strategies. Tune in to hear Michelle’s insights on the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and constantly pushing boundaries in the real estate industry. With her passion for sustainable development and projects growing from £5m to £120m, Michelle is excited about the future and the impact her work will continue to make. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. See you next time, Steve ---- This podcast is sponsored by , providing cost management services for commercial projects in London. And finally, connect with me on where I share my thoughts on industry insights and updates. ---- Guest: Michelle Anthony You can follow Michelle on LinkedIn is a leading asset and investment management business based in London. /episode/index/show/1cf7077a-fffc-4c23-9b7d-fd569c212cfa/id/32994312