Own The Build
Construction is one of the most complex, fragmented and challenging industries to work in, but when you reflect on a finished project, there is always great satisfaction in the work done. Join Quantity Surveyor and Founder of C-Link (www.c-link.com), Paul Heming, each week as he interviews experts from across the construction industry to share tactics for project success and uncover technologies of the future that will take us forward. Own the Build is a show for Main Contractors, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers or anyone interested in learning more about the construction world.
Own The Build
Mastering the Middle East Construction Market: Lessons from 70 Years in Business with Marcus Siddons (EP 197)
In this episode, Paul is joined by Marcus Siddons, Director of Baker Wilkins & Smith, an international firm of construction consultants with a long history of working in the Middle East. Marcus shares insights from his family business, founded in 1955 and has grown significantly across the Gulf region, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Key Topics:
- Challenges in the Middle East Market: Marcus discusses the unique challenges of working in the Middle East, including getting paid, managing advanced payments, and navigating mobilisation fees. He also explains how contract frameworks in the region differ from those in Europe and what adaptations are necessary.
- Drivers of Growth in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s rapid development, fuelled by projects like NEOM, is a significant topic of conversation. Marcus highlights the key drivers behind this growth, including demographics, oil, and the push for economic diversification, as well as the impact of scaling back on certain megaprojects.
- Routes to Market and Partnerships: Marcus shares advice on how businesses can enter the Middle East market. He discusses the pros and cons of partnering with local firms versus setting up foreign-owned entities. He also talks about the fast pace of regional projects and the practicalities of meeting delivery expectations.
- Talent and Lessons Learned: Drawing on 70 years of experience, Marcus reflects on the key lessons learned about structuring and managing teams in the Middle East. He also shares the story of how his father pioneered the business in the region, and the valuable lessons passed down through the generations.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into the Middle East construction market, learn about the challenges and opportunities, and discover what it takes to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
💡 Get your free Contract Audit document by messaging Paul on LinkedIn or emailing him at paul@c-link.com.
Reminder: We’re launching a Q&A segment soon! Send in your questions to paul@c-link.com about construction contracts, commercial challenges, or anything else for a chance to have them answered on the show.
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
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