Pull up a Chair with Bina Mehta

Concrete is the second most commonly used resource on the planet after water – and its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for about 7% of the world’s CO2 emissions.  Hear from Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK, on the transformational impact of investing in sustainability – not just on the UK's climate footprint, but for Heidelberg Materials’ ability to attract new generations to its workforce.  This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.     

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK. Concrete is the second most commonly used resource on the planet after water – and its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for about 7% of the world’s CO2 emissions. So, when it comes to building a sustainable future, Heidelberg Materials is an organisation that is truly at the centre of this. Together, Simon and Bina talk about how the industry is being transformed for the better, plus other reflections on key challenges and opportunities facing boardrooms today.

From The Premier League and Ocado, to Deliveroo and B&Q, Claudia Arney has incredible experience working with some of the UK’s most famous brands. In 8 minutes, Claudia shares the traits that make the most effective leaders, why a founder mentality can make all the difference when it comes to organisational culture, and how to harness your superpower to make an impact.  This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.   

In the latest episode, Claudia Arney shares insights built over an impressive career spanning multiple sectors: from Ocado and the Premier League to Deliveroo and Kingfisher plc, home to brands such as B&Q and Screwfix. Claudia talks about sustainability and seeing returns on investments, the beginnings of Deliveroo and how its culture has changed 12 years on, plus the technology that is totally transforming Kingfisher’s brands in response to fast-changing consumer demands.

Lord Gerry Grimstone gives a masterclass in securing funding, drawing on vast experience in both government and business; as the UK’s Minister for Investment, launching the UK’s first Global Investment Summit, and leading boards at the world’s most respected financial institutions – from Barclays Bank to Gemcorp Capital Management. Hear Lord Grimstone’s perspectives on how British businesses are faring against global counterparts for foreign investment, what investors are really looking for, and why ‘flair’ can make all the difference. This episode, recorded in Jan 2025, is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode, Lord Gerry Grimstone draws on vast international experience built in government and while leading boards at some of the world’s most respected financial institutions. Against a rapidly evolving geopolitical backdrop, Lord Gerry shares advice for businesses looking to unlock investment, how Britain can achieve sustainable growth, and the UK’s overall competitiveness as a great place for investment. Note: This episode was filmed in January 2025.

Executive Chairman of Mace, Mark Reynolds, speaks to the quarter of a million construction jobs needed to deliver on Labour’s promises of new homes, and the importance of not only recruiting, but nurturing and retaining that workforce within the industry. Listen as Mark give his thoughts on how government and industry need to work together and what needs to happen to make it sustainable, in under 10 minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Mark Reynolds, Executive Chairman of Mace. Mark draws on lessons learned during an incredible 30-year career in the construction industry leading the delivery of transformational projects that have shaped cities around the world, for a masterclass on innovation, sustainability, and creating motivated teams that seize opportunities to thrive and grow.

Dr Eliza Filby, generational historian and writer, gives a masterclass on the impact of technology and evolving family dynamics on the modern workplace, explaining how clearer diaries and more time for socialising could be key to keeping every generation happy. Access some of Eliza’s top tips for companies looking to navigate the challenges that come with a multi-generational workforce in under 10 minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Dr Eliza Filby, speaker, writer, historian and author of “Inheritocracy: It’s time to talk about the bank of mum and dad.” Together they explore the growing generational gap in today’s workforce and how business leaders of today need to manage and minimise this to bring harmony to their organisations.