Don't sign another contract without understanding what you're really agreeing to.
🔍 Expert Risk Assessment
We identify genuinely concerning clauses that impact your commercial position, not just theoretical legal risks.
How I Can Help
Commercial Risk Shield™ cuts through contractual complexity to give you:
💼 Practical Negotiation Support
Get specific amendment language and negotiation strategies that protect your position without damaging relationships.
📈 Commercial Advantage
Transform contract negotiations from a defensive exercise to a strategic opportunity.
The Challenge
In today's construction industry, contracts are increasingly complex and one-sided. The risks hidden in contracts can threaten your margins, cash flow and business viability
Who We Serve
Main Contractors
Managing client contracts and supply chain agreements effectively. We help you develop balanced risk allocation throughout your project delivery chain.
Subcontractors
Strengthening your position when negotiating with main contractors. We help you identify disproportionate risk allocation and secure better terms.
Professional Consultancies
Navigating the transition from professional services to contracting with confidence. We help you understand the fundamentally different risk profile of contracting agreements.
The Challenge
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Our Approach
Unlike lawyers who focus on legal theory, we provide practical commercial guidance based on real-world contractor experience. We don't just identify problems – we provide solutions.
• Commercial Focus: We understand what contractual terms mean in practice
• Insider Knowledge: We know which terms are genuinely negotiable vs industry standard
• Practical Guidance: We provide specific amendment language and negotiation tactics
• Risk Prioritisation: We focus on what matters commercially, not exhaustive legal analysis
Service Options
Contract Review
Expert assessment of proposed agreements with clear recommendations and amendment language.
Negotiation Support
Strategic guidance and direct support during contract negotiations.
Risk Baseline Programme
Workshop plus contract reviews to establish your risk parameters and develop standard positions.
Retained Advisory
Ongoing support for organisations regularly dealing with complex contracts.
About Your Advisor
Led by Matt Lockett, former Commercial Director with extensive experience across the construction industry. Matt brings a unique perspective from having worked with major contractors, specialist subcontractors, and consultancies throughout his 30-year career.
Ready to Protect Your Commercial Position?
Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion about your contract challenges.
[Book a Consultation] [Contact Us]
"Matt's commercial insight transformed our approach to contract negotiations. His practical guidance helped us secure better terms while maintaining critical client relationships." – Client Testimonial
Unlike consultants with theoretical knowledge but limited industry experience or freelance quantity surveyors posing as "Commercial Directors", I've served as Commercial Director with leading UK contractors. I've managed project portfolios exceeding £100m and faced the same challenges you encounter daily. This means:
Real-world perspective on the practical implications of commercial decisions
Deep understanding of construction contract structures and industry-specific risks
Established relationships with industry stakeholders and supply chain partners
Proven leadership experience in high-pressure commercial environments
Practical knowledge of how to navigate complex client relationships while protecting margins
My experience spans framework contracts, design & build projects, traditional contracts, and specialist subcontractor arrangements across construction, housing, property services in the public and private sectors.
Implementation focus vs. report-only consulting
While some consultants focus on delivering reports, my approach is fundamentally different, centred on active implementation and shared accountability for results:
I work alongside your team to implement commercial improvements, not just recommend them
You receive practical tools and processes ready for immediate use, not theoretical frameworks
I take personal accountability for delivering measurable results, not just insights
Your team benefits from skills transfer through direct collaboration, not just training sessions
We address real-time commercial challenges as they arise, not just planned initiatives
My engagements are structured around delivering tangible improvements that you can see and measure, not just documenting what should change.
Construction-specific expertise
The construction industry operates with unique commercial dynamics. My specialised expertise means:
Strategies tailored to construction-specific contract structures and risk profiles
Deep knowledge of sector-specific pricing models and margin improvement opportunities
Understanding of the practical realities of project delivery and supply chain management
Familiarity with construction regulatory requirements and their commercial implications
Experience navigating industry-specific payment practices and cash flow challenges
I won't waste your time with generic business theories - every strategy and solution is for construction commercial success.
Dual focus on immediate wins and sustainable systems
My approach balances addressing urgent commercial issues with building lasting capability:
Short-term value capture through immediate intervention on live projects and contracts
Long-term capability development through robust commercial systems and processes
Rapid improvement of current commercial performance through targeted interventions
Sustainable transformation of your commercial function for continued success
Immediate problem resolution alongside preventative measures for future challenges
This dual focus ensures you see quick returns on your investment while building commercial resilience that continues delivering value long after our engagement ends.
My Approach
I believe effective commercial management is about more than just contracts and numbers. It's about creating value throughout the business by:
Solving immediate problems – Addressing underperforming contracts, margin erosion and cash flow challenges with practical, proven solutions
Building sustainable capability – Developing the commercial structures, processes and teams that deliver consistent performance
Bridging functions – Connecting commercial activities with operations and finance to create integrated business performance
Transferring knowledge – Ensuring your team develops the skills and understanding to maintain commercial performance
My hands-on leadership style means I roll up my sleeves and work alongside your team, delivering tangible improvements while developing your commercial capability.
Experience That Matters
My commercial leadership experience includes:
Commercial Director roles with national contractors and property services businesses
Interim leadership during critical transitions and turnarounds
Contract recovery for troubled projects across multiple sectors
Commercial team development for organisations from £10m to £1bn+ turnover
Joint venture commercial leadership and management for complex public sector partnerships
This diverse experience allows me to quickly understand your commercial challenges and implement effective solutions tailored to your specific situation.
Working With Me
Clients value my:
Practical approach – Focused on tangible outcomes, not theoretical models
Senior-level insight – Director experience that understands both boardroom and site perspectives
Implementation focus – Delivering real change, not just recommendations
Adaptability – Fitting seamlessly into your organisation during critical periods
Commercial rigour – Protecting margins and enhancing cash flow through disciplined processes
Whether you need interim commercial leadership, contract recovery, commercial capability development or mobilisation support, I provide the experienced leadership to deliver results.
Enquire for Engagement Availability
If your organisation is facing significant commercial challenges or is at a pivotal transition point, and you believe my strategic, hands-on expertise could deliver transformative results, I invite you to enquire about a potential engagement.
Due to the intensive nature of my work and strategic commitments, I prioritise partnerships where I can deliver maximum impact. Please use the contact form to outline your requirements and objectives. This will allow for an initial review to determine mutual fit and discuss potential timelines for collaboration.