Building Digital, Brick By Brick: Ctrl Alt Lead Podcast

How to take IT from a support function to revenue generator.

RLB CDO Matt Sharp explains how the firm turned IT from a support function into a profitable digital consultancy, helping drive transformation across the construction sector.

Construction may not be known for digital innovation, but that’s starting to change - and fast. In the latest episode of Computing’s Ctrl Alt Lead podcast Matt Sharp, Chief Digital Officer at RLB UK and Europe, explains how the firm has turned IT from a background function into a standalone, revenue-generating business.

RLB Digital began life as an internal support function. It now operates as a separate consultancy within RLB, offering digital and data services across the construction lifecycle. After taking a three-year loan from RLB to support the spin-out, it broke even in its first year and is now revenue-generating, helping reshape how IT is viewed in the sector.

“We were really keen on changing the narrative from overhead expense to value add,” Matt says. “The expertise we build can also be that revenue generator.”

In the full episode we explore construction’s ongoing digital shift, the growing importance of data and AI in building projects, and the importance of formal recognition in supporting IT growth. Sharp outlines RLB’s approach to career development using frameworks, including RITTech and Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

He also shares how the company is attracting diverse digital talent into a sector that still struggles with its image.

“We wanted to create an environment where talent wanted to come and join us, and clients want to come and work with us,” he adds.

This episode offers a look at what digital transformation really means in an industry still seen as traditional and non-techy - and how a clear purpose can drive real results.

To access the full podcast, watch the video, use the web player, or find Ctrl Alt Lead now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

This article originally appeared on our sister site Computing.