First Hand Experience - The Effects Mental Health In Construction Is Having - Ben Preston - EP8

SQ.FT Stories welcomes Ben Preston, the Director of Quick Cladding Solutions & an advocate of the need for change in the construction industry. Ben’s journey is one of determination, having built his company from humble beginnings in his parents’ house to a multi-million-pound enterprise. Along the way, he’s faced profound personal challenges that have shaped his perspective on the construction industry, its culture, and the urgent need for systemic change. In this episode, Ben opens up about his experiences, including the devastating loss of his brother to addiction—a tragedy that underscores the mental health crisis plaguing the construction sector. His story is both a wake-up call and a rallying cry for change. We explore: - The human cost of neglecting mental health in the construction industry. - How Ben grew Quick Cladding Solutions against the odds and what others can learn from his journey. - The role of leadership in addressing addiction, mental health, and workplace culture. - Why employers need to foster open conversations about mental health and provide better support systems for their teams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in construction, from leaders to frontline workers, who want to be part of a movement to create a healthier, more supportive industry. Tune in to hear Ben’s powerful story and his vision for a construction sector that prioritizes people as much as profit. It’s time to build not just better structures—but a better industry.