Paul Brothwood

PRINCE2 has stood the test of time as an essential component of project management. Its transition from rigid origins to a flexible, adaptive methodology reflects not only changes in the framework but also shifts in how industries such as construction approach complexity. As a PRINCE2 Practitioner and COO in the construction industry, I’ve seen its transformative effects first-hand. The evolution of PRINCE2 — from its inception to its current iteration — shows how project management methodologies must evolve to remain effective in dynamic environments. Modern PRINCE2 places a much greater emphasis on flexibility, which has made it far more practical for industries like mine. I discovered this firsthand when I implemented PRINCE2 in our construction operations. Tailoring is no longer a suggestion but rather a key component of the framework. This is especially evident in how modern PRINCE2 enables project managers to tailor its principles to the scope and complexity of the task at hand. ...

As the COO of a construction company and an ITIL4 Practitioner, I’ve experienced how foundational ITIL concepts shape daily operations and the overall business framework, particularly in a dynamic and high-stakes industry like construction. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which originated in the 1980s, began as a method for bringing consistency to IT management. Today, ITIL4 focuses on flexibility, incorporating Agile and DevOps principles, making it applicable beyond traditional IT environments. ITIL began with a focus on control. The structured approach emphasised documentation, standardisation, and repeatability, all of which are necessary for consistent IT service management. Back then, it was all about minimising risk through rigid processes, and it was heavily centralised. While that approach was effective at the time, it was often slow and rigid, particularly when applied outside of IT. The most recent ITIL4 framework, however, emphasises collaboration and ...

The Jubalaires — Noah [ Bassic Remix ] brings a fresh edge to a 1940s classic. Known for rich harmonies and storytelling, The Jubalaires combined gospel with fast-paced vocals, an approach that feels like a precursor to modern rhythm and rap. In the remix, Bassic keeps the soul of "Noah" intact, layering in bass and a beat that doesn’t overpower the original. The result is a track that respects the story while amplifying its rhythm, creating a bridge between two distinct eras. For anyone curious about early gospel with a contemporary twist, this remix highlights the enduring power of music and rhythm in a way that’s simple, direct, and surprisingly timeless. By Paul Brothwood

At the age of three, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and everything seemed to change. Suddenly, life presented me with a complex and demanding project: managing a disease that does not take breaks and can be both unpredictable and, frankly, deadly. While most children were playing and learning, I was learning about blood sugars, injections, and counting each bite of food. I didn’t let it overwhelm me; instead, I took control early on to ensure that diabetes would never get in the way of the life I desired. Managing Ty pe 1 diabetes is a demanding daily task. From a young age, I oversaw my own injections, which were often five per day, and meticulously tracked everything I ate and drank. Living with diabetes is no easy task, especially when blood sugar levels can fall dangerously low. However, this “project” never became a limitation. It taught me discipline, precision, and resilience — all of which are necessary skills for project managers, even before I knew what they were. Desp...

As a former senior manager who started my career at HSBC through their Graduate Management Trainee program, I’ve watched with great interest as the bank undergoes a significant transformation. HSBC’s decision to split into four key divisions marks a pivotal moment, and it’s a move that echoes the shifting landscape of global banking. When I joined HSBC, the focus was on seamless global integration—connecting markets in the East and West under one unified strategy. I had the privilege of working within this framework, where the goal was to leverage HSBC’s massive global presence. However, the challenges facing the banking sector today—regulatory complexity, geopolitical tensions, and the rise of regionalism—are clearly pushing HSBC towards a more localised approach This restructuring signals a deeper recognition that the banking environment is more fragmented now than it was during my time at HSBC. The world is no longer as interconnected as we once thought, and businesses must be nimbl...

As the Chief Operating Officer of a small construction company, I’ve often faced the challenge of making environmental sustainability part of our daily work. Adopting eco-friendly practices can feel daunting for smaller businesses, which don’t have the resources of larger firms. However, I found unexpected inspiration in Bushido, the ancient samurai code. Bushido emphasises values like integrity, discipline, and loyalty — qualities that resonate with me as I guide our company toward a more sustainable path. While the samurai applied these principles in their own way, modern businesses can use them to shape responsible, environmentally conscious operations, particularly in industries like construction, where sustainability is often seen as costly or complicated. Here’s how I think Bushido can help small businesses make meaningful environmental progress, even with limited resources. Gi, or rectitude, is about making the right choices, even when they’re difficult. For small businesses, th...

Health and safety are now central to construction, but it can still be seen as just a compliance exercise—"Have we ticked all the boxes?" "Is everyone up to date on the latest regulations?" While this approach is important, I think we're missing an opportunity to go further. What if we started seeing health and safety not as a checklist but as an ongoing effort that adds real value to both our business and the people on-site? This is where rethinking our processes comes in. It’s about taking a hard look at how things are done, cutting out inefficiencies, and finding better ways. In my role as Chief Operating Officer at T Newman Ltd, I’ve seen firsthand how this mindset can transform operations. It struck me that the same principles could apply to how we manage health and safety on our sites. Taking a Step Back The goal of re-engineering is simple: rethink how we do things from the ground up. The construction industry, like many others, can be slow to adopt new w...

I’ve spent a lot of time around motorcycles, and when it comes to iconic bikes, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and the Suzuki 25th Anniversary Hayabusa are in a league of their own. These two machines represent the best of two very different worlds — long-distance cruising versus high-speed performance. But as different as they are, each bike has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them stand out — and where they might leave something to be desired. The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide is the pinnacle of long-distance touring luxury, representing the cream of Milwaukee’s crop. It’s powered by the mighty Milwaukee-Eight 121 engine, delivering 115 HP and a reasonable 139 lb.-ft. of torque. That low-end grunt is what Harley does best — it’s the kind of power that made my recent 3,000-mile journey to the Harley-Davidson rally in Senigallia a genuine pleasure. The torque is smooth and steady, making the CVO Road Glide feel effortless, particularly when eat...

As Chief Operating Officer of T Newman Ltd, a scaffolding and roofing company, I'm excited to share the steps we're taking to bring more women into our growing team. The construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but it offers great opportunities for women, and it's important that we break down barriers and create an environment where everyone feels welcome to contribute. We believe diversity is a strength. It brings fresh ideas and solutions, which are essential in a sector that values problem-solving. To achieve this, we've changed our recruitment processes to encourage gender diversity and inclusivity. Reviewing our recruitment practices One of the first steps we took was to redesign our recruitment process to make it more accessible and appealing to women. Historically, job descriptions in construction have used language that may not attract female candidates. To address this, we revised all job postings to use gender-neutral language and focused o...