Then and now... Paul Dodsworth

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Then and now series, Paul Dodsworth, group managing director of Wakefield-headquartered Caddick Construction Group - which has further bases in Birmingham, Durham, Kendal and Warrington - reflects on his career, from his first role to the present day, highlighting the lessons he has learned from his personal and professional evolution.

You’re group managing director of Caddick Construction Group. What does your role entail?

I set the strategic direction of our construction businesses, as well as our specialist sub-contracting businesses CCL Facades and Caddick Civil Engineering, making sure we deliver safely, sustainably and to the highest standards.

That includes overseeing operations, supporting our leadership teams, developing people and ensuring our values are reflected in everything we do.

A big part of the job is creating the right culture, one where people feel supported, challenged and proud of what they build.

Did you always want to work in construction? Or did you have other ambitions when you were growing up?

I wouldn’t say I had a grand plan.

I was practical, hands-on and liked seeing a tangible result at the end of the day, which naturally drew me towards construction.

Starting out as an apprentice bricklayer felt like a solid, honest way to earn a living and learn a trade.

I quickly realised the industry offered far more opportunity and variety than I’d initially expected.

What was your first job – and did you enjoy it?

An apprentice bricklayer. It was hard work and a steep learning curve, especially the early mornings and working in all weathers, but I enjoyed it.

There’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing something take shape that you’ve physically helped build.

It taught me discipline, teamwork and pride in doing a job properly.

Were there any mentors or individuals that helped shape your career? And are you still applying lessons you learned then to your workforce of today?

I was fortunate to work alongside experienced tradespeople and managers who took the time to explain not just how to do things, but why they mattered.

They set high standards, but they were also fair and supportive.

Those lessons stay with me today, particularly around leading by example, investing in people and never forgetting what it’s like to be at the sharp end of a project.

What attracted you to the construction sector?

Construction is about creating something that lasts.

You can drive past a building years later and say, ‘I was part of that’.

It’s also incredibly diverse; no two projects or days are the same, and it offers clear progression if you’re willing to work hard and keep learning.

That combination has always appealed to me.

How do you feel you’ve changed as a person over the years? Have career roles brought new dimensions to your personality?

Early in my career, the focus was on getting the job done; now it’s equally about people, communication and long-term impact.

Leadership roles have made me more aware of how decisions affect others, and how important it is to listen.

I think the core values stay the same, but your perspective broadens.

One thing that hasn’t changed is how much I value skills investment.

Having lived experience of work-based learning has really stuck with me, and it helps shape how we approach our apprenticeships.

I’m determined to make sure we engage with learners in a meaningful and impactful way because they are the future of our industry. 

You’ve seen many changes to the employment world across your career – how do you see the workplace evolving in years to come?

The workplace is becoming more flexible, more digital and more focused on wellbeing – and construction is no exception.

I think the most successful businesses will be those that embrace change while still holding on to the fundamentals: strong values, safety, quality and respect for their people.

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