Own The Build: Recent Episodes
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Join C-Link’s very own Paul Heming where each week he interviews experts from the world of construction and asks the all-important questions around intelligent construction management.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Nitesh Rupalia, Technical Project Manager at Taylor Wimpey South Wales, for a fascinating discussion on one of the most overlooked relationships in construction:
The link between commercial, technical and operational teams.
Drawing on experience across developers, architects, Tier 1 contractors and national housebuilders, Nitesh shares why projects perform best when design managers, QSs and site teams stop operating in silos and start working as a single project team.
The conversation explores:
- why the traditional separation between design, commercial and operations creates unnecessary risk;
- how involving specialist subcontractors earlier leads to better design, greater cost certainty and fewer variations;
- the impact of the Building Safety Act on procurement, design development and contractor collaboration;
- why design managers should be commercially focused—not just technically focused; and
- how aligning project incentives around time, cost and quality leads to better outcomes for everyone.
Paul and Nitesh also discuss the importance of attending each other's meetings, sharing responsibility for decisions, and creating an audit trail that makes final accounts far less contentious.
The episode closes with a powerful reminder:
the most successful construction projects aren't delivered by brilliant departments—they're delivered by brilliant project teams.
A practical and thought-provoking conversation for QSs, Design Managers, Project Managers and Commercial Directors looking to improve collaboration, reduce risk and deliver better projects.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this special Leadership Series Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, Co-Founder and COO of C-Link, to answer questions submitted by listeners following recent Leadership Series interviews.
Drawing on themes from conversations with Prabhat Shikotra, Genna Rourke, Anil Rai and other senior commercial leaders, Paul and Chris explore how commercial professionals can apply those lessons in the real world.
The discussion explores:
- how leaders can find time to improve the business instead of constantly firefighting;
- why delegation is one of the biggest mindset shifts required to move into leadership;
- how to balance protecting commercial margins while maintaining strong relationships;
- why solving difficult problems is often the fastest route to career progression; and
- the importance of taking ownership before waiting for a promotion.
Paul and Chris also share practical advice on analysing where your time is spent, building trust with clients and supply chains, creating high-performing teams, and why leadership is ultimately about making the business better—not simply managing projects.
The message is clear:
the best commercial leaders don't wait for more authority—they create more value.
A practical episode for Quantity Surveyors, Commercial Managers and aspiring Commercial Directors looking to accelerate their careers and become more effective leaders.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In the seventh episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Genna Rourke, former Commercial Director at Costain and now Industry Engagement Director at Built Intelligence, to explore an unconventional route into commercial leadership and the lessons she learned along the way.
After falling into quantity surveying by chance, Jenna built her career through curiosity, continuous learning and a willingness to take on problems others avoided. From trainee QS to Commercial Director, she reflects on the relationships, mentors and mindset shifts that shaped her leadership journey.
The conversation explores:
- why trust and relationships are the foundation of great commercial leadership;
- the importance of delegation and why "what got you here won't get you there";
- how succession planning starts with developing the people around you;
- why collaboration consistently delivers better commercial outcomes than hierarchy; and
- the role of mentoring, feedback and continuous professional development in building high-performing commercial teams.
Jenna also shares her thoughts on the evolving culture of construction, the importance of embracing different perspectives across generations, and why today's leaders should focus less on having all the answers and more on creating environments where their teams can thrive.
The episode closes with a simple but powerful message:
great commercial leaders don't create followers—they create future leaders.
A practical and refreshingly honest conversation for QSs, Commercial Managers and aspiring Commercial Directors looking to build stronger teams, earn trust and lead with confidence.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Mark Holden-Smith, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Registered Adjudicator, Registered Arbitrator and Director of Holden Smith Consultancy, for a deep dive into one of construction's most misunderstood topics:
Why do so many final accounts end in dispute?
Having progressed from labourer and plasterer to Managing Director before specialising in claims, dispute resolution and adjudication, Mark brings a unique perspective from every corner of the industry.
The conversation explores why difficult final accounts are rarely caused by the final account itself. Instead, the root cause is often found months or even years earlier — in misunderstood contract terms, ambiguous documentation, and a failure to properly administer the contract from day one.
Paul and Mark discuss:
- why most disputes originate during procurement and contract formation;
- the importance of understanding what you've actually signed up to;
- why "being contractual" shouldn't be viewed as a negative;
- the delicate balance between practising the contract and maintaining relationships;
- how leverage is created through strong contractual positioning; and
- the habits that separate commercial professionals who resolve disputes from those who create them.
The discussion also challenges common industry behaviours, including the tendency to leave difficult issues unresolved until project closeout — often turning manageable disagreements into major disputes.
The message is clear:
the best way to resolve a difficult final account is to stop it becoming a difficult final account in the first place.
A practical and insightful conversation for QSs, Commercial Managers, Commercial Directors and anyone responsible for protecting commercial outcomes on construction projects.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Bernie Keens, freelance Commercial Manager and Managing QS, to explore a growing trend in the construction industry:
Why are experienced QSs choosing freelance over the traditional climb to Commercial Director?
Having spent 13 years progressing from Junior QS to Commercial Manager within the same contractor, Bernie recently made the move into freelance commercial management. The conversation explores what drove that decision, what he's learned so far, and whether the industry's traditional career ladder still appeals to experienced commercial professionals.
Paul and Bernie discuss:
- the realities of moving from QS to people manager and commercial leader;
- why mentorship and continuous learning remain critical throughout your career;
- the challenge of retaining ambitious Senior QSs in a competitive market;
- why some of the industry's best commercial professionals don't actually want management roles; and
- how flexibility, autonomy and lifestyle are changing career decisions for a new generation of QSs.
The discussion also tackles a broader industry challenge: how contractors attract and retain the commercial talent needed to become the next generation of leadership.
The message is clear:
career success isn't always about the next job title — it's about finding the role, lifestyle and opportunities that are right for you.
A thoughtful conversation for QSs, Commercial Managers and business leaders looking to understand how career aspirations in construction are evolving.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to tackle two candid listener questions about career progression, mentorship and the realities of building a successful quantity surveying career.
The first question comes from a construction professional with over 15 years of site experience who is struggling to transition into quantity surveying despite completing an MSc and making hundreds of applications. Paul and Chris explore whether the industry's widely discussed QS shortage really applies to trainees, why site experience is often undervalued, and what practical steps people can take to break into commercial roles.
The second question comes from an experienced Senior QS who moved companies for better pay and progression, only to find themselves without the mentors and support network they previously relied on. The discussion focuses on the importance of mentorship at every stage of your career, taking ownership of your development, and how to approach senior leaders when you need more guidance.
The conversation covers:
- whether construction genuinely invests in developing new QS talent;
- the value of operational and site experience in commercial roles;
- why mentorship never stops being important;
- how to take control of your own career progression; and
- the difficult but necessary conversations that often unlock growth.
The message throughout is simple:
the best careers are rarely built by waiting for opportunities — they're built by actively creating them.
A thoughtful episode for aspiring QSs, experienced commercial professionals, and anyone looking to take the next step in their career.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In the sixth episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Prabhat Shikotra, Strategy Lead at BAM UK & Ireland, to explore a very different path into senior leadership — and why the future of construction will belong to businesses that think long term.
Starting his career in architecture before moving into construction through digital planning and innovation, Prabhat shares how curiosity, creativity and consistently putting his hand up for difficult challenges shaped his progression into one of the UK’s largest contractors.
The conversation explores:
- why construction struggles to attract young talent despite the impact it has on society;
- the importance of working on the business, not just in the business;
- how BAM shifted from project-by-project thinking to a disciplined long-term strategy focused on margin, selectivity and client partnerships;
- why culture and communication matter more than PowerPoint strategies; and
- how technology, AI and workforce planning will shape the next decade of construction leadership.
Prabhat also reflects on the habits that separate future leaders from the rest — including visibility, consistency, curiosity and taking ownership when opportunities arise.
The episode closes on a powerful leadership message:
don’t chase titles — chase difficult challenges, build trust, and let leadership emerge organically.
A fascinating conversation for QSs, commercial professionals and future leaders looking to understand how strategic thinking, innovation and long-term relationships are reshaping construction in 2026 and beyond.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined once again by Dave Stitt, leadership coach and former construction director, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most misunderstood skills in construction leadership:
Influence.
Drawing on 50 years in the industry and decades coaching senior leaders across major contractors and infrastructure projects, Dave introduces the core ideas behind his upcoming book, Advanced Influencing for Leaders.
The conversation explores why technical competence alone is not enough to lead effectively — and why the best leaders influence through character, beliefs, values and the way they show up every day.
Paul and Dave discuss:
- why leadership in construction is still largely learned “by accident”;
- the hidden beliefs that shape how leaders behave under pressure;
- how micromanagement, stress and burnout often stem from limiting belief systems;
- the difference between management and genuine leadership influence; and
- why inspiration, trust and self-awareness are critical to building high-performing teams.
The episode also introduces Dave’s powerful “Be, Do, Have” framework — exploring how who you are as a person ultimately shapes your actions, your influence and your long-term results.
The message is clear:
great leadership is not just about what you know — it’s about who you are when people experience you.
A fascinating episode for QSs, Commercial Directors and aspiring leaders looking to better understand themselves, influence people more effectively, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Matthew Williams, Senior Consultant at Clear North, for a practical and timely discussion about one of the construction industry’s biggest hidden challenges:
How do contractors attract and retain commercial talent when the QS shortage is getting worse — and freelance working is rapidly evolving?
Matt works exclusively with quantity surveyors across the freelance market and brings a front-line perspective on what commercial directors, contractors and QSs need to understand about the changing landscape.
The conversation explores:
- why there are now over 42,000 QS job adverts live in the UK market;
- how the industry created a shortage of experienced Senior QSs;
- why many contractors still misunderstand IR35 and the freelance market;
- the recent tax and liability changes that could reshape contractor hiring strategies; and
- why more experienced QSs are choosing freelance work over traditional career paths.
Paul and Matt also discuss the wider implications for the industry — from burnout and retention issues to the growing tension between short-term project pressures and long-term talent development.
The episode closes with a clear message:
contractors that adapt fastest to flexible commercial resourcing will gain access to the strongest talent in the market.
A practical, honest discussion for Commercial Directors, QSs and business leaders trying to navigate the reality of construction’s commercial talent crisis in 2026.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to answer listener questions sparked by the recent Leadership Series featuring some of the UK construction industry’s leading Commercial Directors.
The conversation explores the consistent themes emerging from those leadership interviews — and what they reveal about how strong commercial leaders are actually built.
Paul and Chris discuss:
- why becoming a “gun QS” still matters before stepping into leadership;
- the importance of exposure, reps and difficult projects early in your career;
- how mentors and advocates often shape progression more than qualifications;
- why good commercial leaders create clear frameworks and guardrails for their teams; and
- how culture, payment practices and communication directly impact supply chain relationships.
The episode also tackles:
- simplifying contract administration at project level;
- how to reduce adversarial behaviours between contractors and subcontractors; and
- managing relationships on projects where commercial pressure is intense.
The underlying message is clear:
great commercial leadership is built through consistency, ownership, empathy and experience under pressure.
A practical and honest conversation for QSs, Commercial Managers and aspiring leaders looking to accelerate their development and build stronger teams.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Alex Kozikowska, solicitor at Vinci, to explore a fast-growing but often misunderstood area of construction:
Why data centre projects break traditional contract thinking.
With experience across contractors, consultants and in-house legal teams, Alex brings a practical perspective on how these highly complex, MEP-driven projects are exposing the limitations of standard forms like JCT, NEC and even FIDIC.
The conversation unpacks what actually makes data centres different:
- why they are engineering-led, not building-led, with MEP dominating the scope;
- how design never truly stops evolving, driven by fast-moving technology;
- the impact of global procurement on programme, risk and delivery; and
- why traditional assumptions around fixed scope, price and responsibility simply don’t hold.
Paul and Alex also explore the consequences of getting it wrong — from endless variations and programme delays to misallocated risk that no party can realistically control.
Most importantly, the episode looks forward:
- how contracts must adapt to allow for design evolution and uncertainty;
- why commissioning should sit at the centre of contract structure; and
- the growing need for new, fit-for-purpose contract models tailored to data centre delivery.
The message is clear:
data centres aren’t just bigger projects — they’re fundamentally different projects, and the contracts need to catch up.
A timely and insightful episode for QSs, Commercial Directors and anyone involved in complex, high-value infrastructure — particularly as demand for data centres continues to accelerate globally.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In the fifth episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Justin Fahy, Managing Director at Structure Tone UK, to explore the journey from QS to leading a £400m+ fit-out business.
Justin’s career is a strong example of steady progression built on experience, longevity and advocacy — rising through the ranks from trainee surveyor to Commercial Director, before stepping into Managing Director.
The conversation focuses on what effective leadership really looks like at scale, including:
- why advocacy and trust are critical to career progression;
- the value of staying in a business long enough to earn opportunity, rather than moving for short-term gain;
- how taking on difficult projects and responsibility early builds long-term capability;
- the shift from commercial leadership to full business leadership, including operations, people and risk; and
- why people management becomes the primary role at senior level.
Justin also shares how Structure Tone has grown from £90m to £400m+ by focusing on simple but powerful principles — particularly fair risk management and paying the supply chain on time.
The episode closes with a clear message for aspiring leaders:
work hard, stay consistent, build trust, and be a good person — the rest follows.
A grounded, experience-led conversation for QSs and commercial professionals aiming to step into senior leadership — and for those already there looking to sense-check what strong leadership looks like in 2026.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by David Bebb, Partner at Fenwick Elliott, a construction lawyer with over 20 years’ experience working across the entire supply chain — from Canary Wharf and Network Rail to private practice.
Together, they unpack one of the most frustrating — and costly — realities in construction:
Why do contract negotiations take so long, feel so combative, and often start in the wrong place?
David brings a rare perspective, having seen contracts from every angle, and explains how the industry repeatedly creates its own problems — through poorly coordinated documents, copy-and-paste specifications, and a lack of joined-up thinking between legal, commercial and design teams.
The conversation explores:
- why most contracts are badly coordinated and full of contradictions;
- how starting with overly aggressive (“brutal”) clauses slows everything down;
- why the industry almost always ends up at the same deal anyway — just with wasted time and cost;
- how poor upfront drafting leads to letters of intent and commercial risk later; and
- why lawyers don’t argue clauses — they unpick the mess created between documents.
More importantly, David outlines a better way forward:
- start with a standard contract as a foundation, not something to overhaul;
- focus only on project-specific risks that actually matter; and
- replace endless email chains with direct conversations between decision-makers.
The message is clear:
contracts don’t need to be this painful — but the industry needs to change how it starts.
A sharp, insightful episode for Commercial Directors, QSs and anyone involved in procurement — and a timely reminder that better contracts lead to better projects.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to answer listener questions shaped by recent episodes and the Leadership Series.
The conversation focuses on the real challenges QSs face as they progress through their careers — from transitioning into the role, to stepping up into leadership and delivering meaningful value on projects.
Paul and Chris cover:
- how to transition from cost engineer to high-performing QS, shifting from analysis to commercial strategy;
- why procurement is where margin is won or lost — and how to think differently about it;
- how to move from constant firefighting to leadership, by addressing root causes and carving out time for strategic thinking;
- the step change from being a competent QS to an influential one, including time on site, understanding operations, and building relationships; and
- what “delivering value” actually looks like day-to-day, from turning data into insight to taking ownership of project outcomes.
The episode also touches on wider industry themes, including contract simplification and the importance of collective action to drive meaningful change.
The underlying message is clear: the best QSs don’t just report what’s happening — they shape what happens next.
A practical, experience-led discussion for QSs at every stage of their career looking to step up, think differently, and lead with impact.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ray Mellor-Pike, Managing Director at RMP Consulting, for a deep dive into one of construction’s most uncomfortable — and important — questions:
Are we allocating risk in a way that actually works?
Drawing on experience across PQS, main contracting and subcontracting, Ray brings a rare, balanced perspective on how contracts are written, negotiated and — often — misunderstood.
The conversation focuses on the clauses that matter most:
- why limitation of liability is the first and most critical line of defence for subcontractors;
- how fitness for purpose clauses can quietly introduce uninsurable, business-ending risk;
- the realities of time bars and condition precedents — and why clarity from day one matters; and
- how aggressive contract “step-down” creates complexity that many supply chains simply cannot manage.
But beyond the clauses, the discussion tackles a bigger issue:
the industry’s default to overly aggressive contracts — and whether it’s actually counterproductive.
From “brutal vs middle vs soft” contract strategies to the unintended consequences of pushing risk down the chain, Paul and Ray explore whether current practices are protecting businesses — or slowly weakening the supply chain they depend on.
The conclusion is clear:
better dialogue, more balanced risk allocation, and stronger leadership at main contractor level are essential to building a sustainable construction industry.
A candid, practical conversation for Commercial Directors, QSs and anyone involved in negotiating contracts — and a timely reminder that what’s written on paper has real consequences on site.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In the fourth episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Anil Rai, Commercial Director at M Group Water, a £900m+ business within the wider £2.5bn M Group.
Anil’s journey offers a clear view of what it takes to build a leadership career in a large, complex Tier 1 environment — from early progression through commercial roles to leading at scale across a major infrastructure business.
The conversation focuses on what effective commercial leadership really looks like in 2026, including:
- building consistency and standards across large teams;
- creating alignment between commercial, operational and client objectives;
- leading with accountability while empowering others to take ownership; and
- navigating the scale and complexity that comes with major frameworks and long-term programmes.
Anil also reflects on the mindset shift required to step into a Commercial Director role — moving beyond individual performance to driving outcomes through people, structure and culture.
A practical and grounded discussion for QSs aiming for senior leadership — and for Commercial Directors operating in large, multi-project environments.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Pamela Cunningham, consultant at Growth & Performance Solutions, to unpack one of the biggest inefficiencies in construction:
The disconnect between main contractors and subcontractors during tendering.
Having worked on both sides of the fence, Pamela brings a rare perspective — combining Tier 1 procurement experience with hands-on support for SMEs trying to win work in today’s market.
The conversation explores what each side consistently gets wrong.
From the main contractor side:
- why poor tender packs and missing pricing documents create confusion and low engagement;
- how lack of feedback damages long-term supply chain relationships;
- and why simple actions like picking up the phone are still a competitive advantage.
From the subcontractor side:
- why many SMEs struggle to understand expectations and position themselves effectively;
- how resource, structure and strategy are becoming key differentiators; and
- what separates businesses that win work from those that don’t.
The episode also tackles wider industry challenges — from supply chain underdevelopment and skills shortages to the unintended consequences of risk transfer and poor procurement practices.
The conclusion is clear:
better communication, better information and more intentional procurement processes would transform outcomes for both sides.
A practical, honest discussion for QSs, procurement professionals and subcontractors looking to improve how tenders are won, assessed and delivered.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to answer listener questions sparked by the recent Leadership Series with leading Commercial Directors across the UK construction industry.
The discussion dives into some of the most practical leadership challenges facing QSs and commercial managers today — from when to step in and when to let team members learn through mistakes, to how difficult projects can become the most valuable learning experiences of a career.
Paul and Chris also tackle the uncomfortable topic of “hard-nosed” commercial behaviour in the industry and whether that mindset is still sustainable in modern construction leadership.
The episode closes with advice for the next generation of quantity surveyors — exploring why QS remains one of the most flexible and opportunity-rich careers in construction.
A thoughtful conversation about leadership, growth through adversity, and the mindset required to build stronger commercial teams.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Cian Brennan, founder of Quantum Contract Solutions and author of The Subcontractor’s Edge, for a candid conversation about one uncomfortable truth:
Most subcontractors don’t lose money on site — they lose it in the paperwork.
From four-hour “favours” that quietly erode margin, to delayed variations that become interest-free loans to main contractors, Paul and Kian unpack how small commercial decisions in Q1 of a project often come back to bite in Q4 — what Kian calls “squeaky bum time.”
They cover:
- why early variations must be submitted immediately (even the small ones);
- how cash flow timing is the real battleground in subcontracting;
- acceleration traps — and the critical question to ask before agreeing to speed up;
- why final accounts are the most dangerous phase of any project;
- how to “train” payment behaviour from day one; and
- the simple quarterly check-in strategy that turns one project into long-term framework work.
This is a practical, straight-talking episode for subcontractor QSs and commercial leaders who want to protect margin, control cash flow, and avoid painful disputes at closeout.
Because in construction, the difference between surviving and thriving often comes down to process, discipline, and thinking three quarters ahead.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In the third episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Mark Walker, Managing Director of Seddon Housing Partnerships, an £85m social housing contractor operating across the North West and Midlands, part of the wider Seddon Group.
Mark’s journey is a powerful example of progression through ownership, resilience and long-term thinking. Starting in construction at 16 as a trainee QS, he worked his way through Assistant QS, QS, Senior QS, Managing QS and Commercial Director — before recently stepping into the Managing Director role.
This conversation explores what that journey really looked like.
Mark reflects on:
- putting his hand up for responsibility before he felt fully ready;
- how difficult projects build the resilience and judgment required for leadership;
- managing people older and more experienced than you;
- why bad jobs often create the best commercial leaders;
- the shift from project-focused thinking to full commercial oversight across estimating, surveying and supply chain;
- building collaborative two-stage tendering cultures that remove silos;
- why fairness with subcontractors is not weakness — it’s long-term strategy;
- the importance of transparency in reporting and contingency management; and
- why ownership and honesty are non-negotiable traits in high-performing commercial teams.
Mark also shares the mindset behind his move from Commercial Director to Managing Director — taking control of his own progression, succession planning his role beneath him, and making promotion a logical decision rather than a leap of faith.
The episode closes on a clear definition of great commercial leadership in 2026:
Create clarity. Build trust. Develop people. And take ownership.
This is essential listening for QSs aspiring to senior leadership — and for existing directors who want to sense-check what strong, modern commercial leadership really looks like.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Kate Kennedy, Head of Legal Bids and Contract Transformation at Laing O’Rourke, to explore a bold idea: what if construction contracts were actually easy to understand?
Kate is leading an industry-first initiative to rethink how construction contracts are written, used and negotiated — starting with a simple premise: most people working on projects don’t understand the contracts they’re expected to deliver.
Drawing on global research and collaboration with the not-for-profit World Commerce & Contracting, Laing O’Rourke is piloting a simplified subcontract designed to be clearer, shorter and far more practical for the people actually using it on site.
In this conversation, Paul and Kate explore:
- why construction contracts have become so complex over the last 40 years;
- the surprising statistic that 88% of business users struggle to understand their contracts;
- how redesigning contracts with diagrams, timelines and clearer structure can transform how projects operate;
- why simplification must come before the bigger challenge of fairer risk allocation; and
- how industry-wide collaboration between contractors could finally drive meaningful contract reform.
The goal isn’t just shorter contracts — it’s better outcomes for clients, contractors and supply chains alike.
A fascinating look at how one Tier 1 contractor is attempting to shift the industry towards simpler, more collaborative and outcome-focused contracting.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined once again by Simon Robinson, former main contractor Managing QS turned founder of Subport, to unpack a question that sits at the heart of construction delivery:
What actually makes a “good” subcontractor — and a “good” main contractor — from a commercial perspective?
Using results from a live poll of 100+ main contractor QSs, Paul and Simon explore the four traits most valued in subcontractors — including timely applications, real-time variation submissions, and the surprise winner: strong records and audit trail.
The discussion then flips perspective.
From the subcontractor side, what really matters?
- Clear information at tender stage.
- Fair and timely assessment of variations.
- Cash flow discipline.
- And, above all, communication that doesn’t label professionalism as “being contractual.”
The episode digs into:
- why poor variation timing destroys trust;
- how “payment on account” can quietly cripple subcontractor cash flow;
- the perception gap between managing one project vs managing twenty;
- why structured applications dramatically increase payment success; and
- how simple planning and empathy can transform commercial relationships.
The conclusion is refreshingly simple:
Professionalism. Communication. Planning. Empathy.
If both sides understood each other’s pressures just a little better, many of the industry’s recurring disputes would disappear.
A practical, honest conversation for any QS operating on either side of the fence.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Davin Dillon, founder of Clearnorth — known in the industry as “the QS people” — to unpack one of the most important career questions in construction:
What does it really take to become a Commercial Director?
Drawing on insights from more than 40 in-depth interviews with Commercial Directors, Davin shares the patterns, pitfalls and turning points that consistently shape the journey from graduate QS to commercial leadership.
The conversation explores three critical phases of the journey:
1️⃣ The Early Years — Accidental Beginnings & the Power of Mentorship
Most Commercial Directors never set out to become QSs. They fell into it. What separated those who progressed was strong mentorship, deliberate development and early exposure to responsibility. The message is clear: don’t drift — take ownership of your career.
2️⃣ The Middle Years — The “Glass Ceiling” Moment
Many technically excellent QSs stall at senior level. Why? Because the next step isn’t about technical competence — it’s about leadership. Delegation, emotional intelligence and developing others become the defining skills. As Davin puts it:
Delegation is the major career unlock.
3️⃣ The Final Step — Readiness, Not Recklessness
Chasing the title too early can damage credibility. Commercial Directorship requires strategic thinking, people leadership and self-awareness. The best leaders didn’t force the move — they built capability until someone else saw they were ready.
The episode also covers:
- why curiosity consistently stands out in future leaders;
- what Commercial Directors really look for in interviews;
- the difference between managing projects and leading teams;
- how to know when you’re genuinely ready for the step up; and
- why honesty, humility and cultural fit often matter more than technical brilliance.
If you’re a QS aiming for the top seat — or a Commercial Director developing the next generation — this is a grounded, experience-led conversation on building a credible, resilient leadership career in construction. You can find the ClearNorth Road to Commercial Director eBook here.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
Question Time is back for 2026! 🎉
In this episode, Paul is joined once again by regular co-host Chris Barber for a lively and candid discussion driven entirely by listener questions. Together, they cover a broad range of topics—from fantasy fixes for the construction industry, to spotting the next generation of commercial leaders, and the fine line between being “commercially astute” and just plain difficult.
Expect strong opinions, industry war stories, and the usual dose of friendly disagreement.
🧠 Topics Discussed:
- If you had a government mandate, how would you fix construction?
- Are we being held back by planning delays and building safety bottlenecks?
- The role of project bank accounts and retention reform in creating a fairer supply chain.
- How to spot future leaders in your commercial team — and how to retain them.
- The hidden career value of being on-site early in your QS career.
- What makes a QS commercially difficult versus commercially sharp?
- Industry phrases we’d happily never hear again (yes, “progressing well” made the list…).
📣 Listener shoutouts include:
- James (Commercial Manager)
- Darren (Surveying Director)
- Alexandra (Commercial Lead)
- Alan (Senior QS)
💬 Got a question for the next Question Time? Email Paul directly at paul@c-link.com
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In the second episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Chris Hartley, former Commercial Director at McLaren Construction, a £1bn+ main contractor, and now a business change consultant and quantum expert.
Chris shares a deeply reflective account of his journey from early career QS to leading commercial teams of more than 50 people — and what that experience taught him about trust, detail, leadership and decision-making at scale.
Rather than a linear career story, this conversation focuses on the realities of commercial leadership: earning trust through technical credibility, knowing when to empower people to make mistakes, and why the best Commercial Directors never lose touch with the fundamentals of construction.
The discussion explores:
- why mastery of detail is the foundation of commercial authority;
- the transition from “doing” to leading — and why people skills become decisive;
- building high-performing commercial teams in large, complex organisations;
- how trust is given, earned and sometimes rebalanced;
- the role of information quality in better commercial decisions;
- freeing up QS time from administration to focus on commercial judgement; and
- what world-class commercial leadership looks like in 2026 and beyond.
Chris also reflects on succession planning, developing future leaders, and why rushing progression without grounding ultimately limits long-term impact.
This episode is a thoughtful, experience-led perspective on Commercial Directorship — essential listening for QSs with leadership ambitions and senior commercial professionals looking to sense-check what good really looks like at the top.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Brandon Silver, construction solicitor at Bexley Beaumont, for a deep, practical conversation on where construction contracts most often unravel — and how QSs and commercial leaders can protect themselves before problems escalate.
Brandon works daily on adjudications, payment disputes, termination claims and delay arguments, acting for contractors and subcontractors across the UK. In this episode, he shares real-world insights into the contractual mistakes he sees repeatedly — many of which are entirely avoidable.
The conversation covers:
- why most construction professionals fundamentally misunderstand their contracts — particularly JCT;
- how poor contract administration quietly destroys entitlement;
- termination under JCT: common law vs contractual termination, and why procedure matters more than intent;
- the five-step checklist every contractor should follow before issuing a termination notice;
- how easily an invalid termination can expose a party to loss of profit claims and significant financial risk;
- why smash-and-grab adjudications are rising — and how simple diary failures are costing businesses millions;
- concurrent delay explained properly: why true concurrency is rare, and why effect matters more than timing;
- the difference between relevant events and relevant matters — and why time does not always mean money; and
- record keeping in practice: what actually wins disputes, shortens arguments and protects cash flow.
Throughout the episode, Paul and Brandon connect legal theory with commercial reality, exploring how QSs can balance strong relationships with robust record keeping — and why being “commercial” without being contractual is one of the industry’s biggest risks.
This is essential listening for QSs, commercial managers and directors who want to reduce contractual exposure, protect entitlement and lead more confidently in an increasingly adversarial environment.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Amy Connor from Clear North — a QS-focused recruitment specialist who supports freelance quantity surveyors across the UK. Amy describes herself as “the QS agent”, helping QSs stay off job boards, understand the freelance market, and make informed, sustainable career decisions.
This is a practical, no-hype conversation about what freelance life really looks like in 2026.
Paul and Amy explore why more QSs are considering freelancing — from burnout and lack of control in permanent roles to the appeal of higher day rates, flexibility and autonomy. But they also unpack the realities behind the headline numbers, including the responsibilities, risks and trade-offs that come with running your own limited company.
Topics covered include:
- the true financial comparison between permanent salaries and freelance day rates;
- hidden costs such as holidays, pensions, insurance, tax, IR35 and business overheads;
- the level of experience required before going freelance — and why most successful freelancers are senior QSs;
- which sectors are thriving (infrastructure, utilities, data centres) and which are tightening;
- why sector versatility is becoming essential for freelance security;
- how IR35 has evolved from a blocker to a manageable reality;
- when freelancing works as a long-term career move — and when it doesn’t.
The conversation also looks at freelancing from a commercial leadership perspective, including:
- why more commercial directors are choosing to step back into freelance roles later in their careers;
- how contractors are increasingly using freelancers as a core part of delivery, not just a stop-gap;
- why hybrid teams of permanent and freelance QSs are becoming the norm; and
- how smart resourcing can reduce burnout while protecting delivery and margin.
This episode is essential listening for QSs considering freelancing in 2026 — and for commercial leaders who want to understand how the labour market is shifting and how to adapt their hiring strategy accordingly.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by David Longman, Managing QS at Rendesco, a £15m M&E specialist contractor, for a frank and wide-ranging conversation about quantity surveying from the subcontractor’s perspective — an angle that is often misunderstood higher up the contracting chain.
David’s career path is unusual and valuable: starting in main contracting, moving into PQS work, and ultimately landing in subcontracting, where he now leads and has helped grow the business from £4m to £15m in under three years. That breadth of experience allows him to speak candidly about the realities, pressures and blind spots that exist on both sides of the commercial fence.
The conversation covers:
- what it’s really like being a standalone QS in a growing subcontractor business;
- the difference between managing packages as a main contractor QS versus running the full commercial lifecycle as a subcontractor;
- why pricing documents matter — and how poor tender scoping creates disputes, inefficiency and margin erosion later;
- cash flow from the subcontractor’s lens, including downstream risk, extended payment terms and the knock-on effects to second-tier trades;
- why respecting a subcontractor’s bank account changes behaviour, outcomes and relationships;
- the value of interim final accounts as a way to draw a line in the sand, reduce risk and improve collaboration;
- leadership lessons from stepping up into a Managing QS role without formal management training; and
- why communication, scope clarity and fewer contractual amendments would materially improve project delivery.
Throughout the episode, Paul and David connect lived experience with practical commercial insight, offering both subcontractors and main contractors a clearer view of how decisions made upstream directly affect delivery, risk and performance downstream.
This is an honest, experience-led discussion for QSs, commercial managers and directors who want to understand how subcontractors really operate — and how better procurement, payment practices and leadership can improve outcomes for everyone.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Simon Rubinsohn, Chief Economist at the RICS, for a deep dive into one of the most pressing and under-discussed challenges facing the industry: the critical shortage of quantity surveyors — and what it means for productivity, cost, innovation and delivery across UK construction.
Drawing on the RICS 2025 Skills Survey and the latest Construction Monitor data, Simon explains why the QS shortage is no longer a future risk but a current constraint, with over a third of respondents describing it as critical — even in a flat market.
Together, Paul and Simon explore:
- why the QS skills shortage is more severe than most people realise;
- how limited capacity is already impacting output, cost control and client service;
- why skills shortages suppress innovation and lock productivity in a low-growth cycle;
- how construction productivity compares to the wider economy — and why it has stalled for years;
- the role sentiment data plays in understanding the real health of the industry;
- why construction struggles with perception, narrative and early-career attraction; and
- what needs to change across education, apprenticeships, mentoring and messaging to bring new talent into the profession.
The conversation also looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, unpacking the UK housing and infrastructure outlook, planning reform, interest rates, and why any future uplift in activity will only succeed if the skills gap is addressed first.
This is a timely, evidence-based discussion that connects labour shortages, productivity and economic growth — and challenges the industry to rethink how it attracts, supports and values quantity surveyors.
Essential listening for QSs, commercial leaders, policy-makers and anyone serious about the future of construction.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
We’re launching a new monthly Leadership Series on Own the Build — spotlighting the journeys, mindsets and behaviours behind world-class Commercial Directorship in construction.
For the first episode, Paul is joined by Mark Sheridan, Commercial Director of Commercial Services at BAM UK & Ireland, one of the UK’s largest Tier 1 contractors.
Mark shares his 25-year journey from graduate QS to Commercial Director — not as a linear career plan, but as a series of small, deliberate steps driven by curiosity, imagination and a desire to make things better. Along the way, he reflects on staying with one organisation while constantly evolving roles, building influence without chasing titles, and why long-term opportunity matters more than short-term gain.
The conversation also looks forward, exploring what great commercial leadership looks like in 2026, including:
- the difference between commercial management and commercialism;
- why freeing up QS time is the biggest untapped opportunity in construction;
- how imagination, not just process, drives better outcomes;
- moving the industry from cost-focused thinking to value-led decision making; and
- why relationships, trust and understanding the “why” matter more than ever.
This episode sets the tone for the series: honest, reflective and practical — aimed at QSs with ambitions to become Commercial Directors, and at existing CDs who want to benchmark what good really looks like in the next phase of the industry.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Jordan Toman, QS recruitment specialist at ClearNorth — known by many as “the QS Insider”. Jordan sits at the centre of the UK QS market, speaking daily with quantity surveyors and commercial leaders across the country. Few people have a clearer view of what’s really happening behind the scenes.
With 2026 underway, this conversation tackles some of the most pressing issues facing the profession today.
In the first half of the episode, Paul and Jordan explore the current state of the QS market, including:
- why QSs remain the hardest role to hire in construction;
- the growing problem of burnout and overworked commercial teams;
- an ageing QS workforce and a lack of early-career exposure to the profession;
- fast-tracked promotions, “hollow titles”, and whether seniority is being earned or forced by necessity; and
- how QS salaries are shifting rapidly — and why traditional salary guides can’t keep up.
Jordan also breaks down realistic career progression and salary bands, from Assistant QS through to Senior QS, and explains where the real gaps are forming in the market.
The second half of the episode switches to the commercial leadership lens, covering:
- why job adverts no longer work for hiring QSs;
- how leading businesses are retaining talent through progression plans, one-to-ones, mentoring and freelance support;
- the truth about counteroffers — and why most QSs who accept them still leave within a year;
- what the best QSs do differently in interviews; and
- how commercial directors must rethink hiring if they want high-performing teams in 2026.
This is a practical, honest and timely conversation for QSs thinking about their next move — and for commercial leaders serious about building resilient, motivated teams in a market that has fundamentally changed.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
For our 250th episode, we mark a major milestone for Own the Build with a special collaboration with the RICS and the Project Flux podcast. This conversation arrives at a pivotal moment: the RICS has just published its first-ever global professional standard for the responsible use of AI in surveying, coming into effect in March 2026.
To unpack what this means for QSs, valuers, project professionals, software vendors and construction leaders, Paul is joined by three people who helped shape the standard:
- James Garner — Head of AI & Data at Gleeds, Chair of the Project Data Analytics Task Force, and host of Project Flux.
- Chris de Gruben — Senior Director & Head of AI at Artefact; co-chair of the RICS AI Working Group.
- Matthew Lavy — Barrister at 4 Pump Court specialising in technology disputes and AI liability.
Across this wide-ranging, practical and occasionally provocative discussion, the panel explore:
• Why the RICS created this standard now
Member demand, regulatory pressure, industry lag, and a cultural shift from “AI as a threat” to “AI as a professional tool”.
• The core pillars of responsible AI use
Risk registers, explainability, transparency to clients, PI considerations, shadow AI, enterprise-grade tools, and why “professional judgement” remains non-negotiable.
• What AI will — and won’t — replace
From AVMs and automated cost analysis to complex valuation, negotiation, context, and human judgement.
• The difference between enabling and restricting innovation
Why the RICS guidance is intentionally light-touch and principle-based, and how it avoids the rigidity of the EU AI Act.
• What this means for QSs, valuers, employers, universities and software vendors
Future training, AI literacy, cultural change, documentation, and how practitioners can protect themselves while accelerating adoption.
• The future of surveying and construction in an AI-native world
Agentic workflows, robotics, quantum computing, and the real-world impact on productivity, risk, client expectations and professional identity.
This is a landmark conversation at a turning point for the profession. If you want clarity on how AI will shape surveying, cost management and construction over the next five years — and what you should do in 2026 — this is essential listening.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
We’re kicking off 2026 with something special — a full replay of Own the Build Live, recorded in front of a packed audience in October 2025. If you were there, you’ll know the energy in the room was electric. If you weren’t, you’re in for a treat.
In this live session, Paul sits down with a formidable panel:
Sarah Fox (legal consultant),
Mike Wharton (Complete Roofing Systems),
Kelvin Maye (Group Commercial Director, Guildmore), and
Chris Barber (Co-Founder, C-Link).
Together they explore one of the most important — and most dysfunctional — parts of the construction industry: procurement.
The first half of the show tackles a big question: What does world-class procurement look like in 2026?
The panel pull no punches. They discuss risk dumping, terrible contracts, poor communication, lack of early engagement, broken tender processes, and why subcontractors and main contractors keep repeating the same mistakes. But they also highlight where the industry is genuinely improving — from two-stage tenders to fairer scoring and stronger commercial leadership.
The second half is a lively audience Q&A where questions spark debate across the room. Topics include:
- how QSs can be braver, fairer and more commercially aware;
- how subcontractors should push back with confidence;
- the failure of institutions to prepare young QSs for real-world procurement;
- whether digital tools and AI can finally fix the industry’s inefficiencies;
- the tension between “best value” and “cheapest price”; and
- how relationships, trust and empathy still outperform everything else.
It’s candid, honest and full of real-world stories — exactly the kind of conversation the industry needs more of.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In our final episode of 2025, we wrap up the year with a Christmas Question Time special — and as ever, Paul is joined by C-Link co-founder and former QS, Chris Barber, for an honest and entertaining look at the issues commercial teams are grappling with right now.
This episode is built entirely from listener questions, including:
• Have you ever received (or issued) a notice on Christmas Eve?
Paul shares the story of the year he unwrapped a “festive” million-pound claim instead of a bottle of wine — and why timing sends a louder message than the paperwork.
• How do commercial leaders shift the industry away from turnover obsession and back to sustainable profit?
From cash flow support to real partnerships with key trades, Paul and Chris explore practical, relationship-driven steps commercial directors can take in 2026.
• What should a QS team do when a client refuses to certify variations?
The pair discuss preventing the issue before it starts, how to regroup internally, how to push back professionally, and how to reset expectations without burning bridges.
• Are clients and consultants unintentionally driving inflation?
An honest look at over-specification, half-baked design, risk loading in D&B contracts, and why two-stage tendering might be the only sensible route forward.
Along the way, Paul and Chris reflect on their standout episodes of the year, the rise of two-stage procurement, the growing focus on goodwill, and why 2026 needs stronger industry-wide pushback on unrealistic commercial behaviours.
It’s insightful, candid, and the perfect way to close out the year before Own the Build returns on 12th January with Episode 249 — our first ever Own the Build Live recording.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Trevor Wilkins, Managing Director of PAH Building & Construction — a contractor working deep inside one of the UK’s most complex and least-understood built environments: the defence estate.
Trevor shares the unique story of PAH’s evolution from a one-client refurb contractor to a £15m business operating across the UK, including the landmark MOD housing portfolio recently brought back into government ownership. He opens up about the early days, the risks he took, and the leadership principles that have helped him build a loyal, long-serving team.
In the second half, Paul and Trevor dive into the reality of retrofit — far removed from the glossy headlines of a “retrofit revolution”. Trevor gives a frank assessment of funding gaps, skills shortages, inconsistent standards, and the operational challenges that make large-scale retrofit so difficult today. He also offers practical guidance for contractors considering a pivot into the field.
Finally, Trevor discusses PAH’s commitment to developing the next generation of tradespeople, including hands-on partnerships with local colleges, mentoring new apprentices, and bringing students onto live sites.
This is a grounded, real-world conversation about leadership, resilience, retrofit, and what it actually takes to run a values-driven construction business in 2025.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In Episode 246, Paul is joined by Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research and architect of the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI). With 35+ years in the industry and a mission to bring clarity to construction data, Mike pulls back the curtain on how our sector is being misrepresented — and why it matters.
Together, they explore:
📉 Why you can’t always trust official statistics — and what the ONS isn’t telling you
🏗️ What the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) is, and why Tier 1s, banks, and government rely on it
📊 How to spot market cycles and make data-driven decisions
🧠 The danger of “groupthink” in construction leadership
💥 Why construction professionals must stop waiting for others to represent the industry
This is a must-listen for any contractor, QS, or commercial leader who’s ever tried to make decisions in the dark. If you care about data, procurement, market confidence, or just want to understand the bigger picture — don’t miss this one.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In Episode 245 of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Faye Allen, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Quantum Expert Witness, and Fellow of the RICS, with over 30 years’ experience in construction. Faye is the author of Building Women
— a powerful new book that examines why the industry continues to lose talented people, and what leaders can do to change that.
This episode is essential listening for any QS, PM, or director who’s ever asked:
- Why are experienced professionals walking away from the industry?
- Why don’t we see more women in senior roles?
- What role does culture — not just maternity — play in retention?
Faye shares stories, research, and practical steps for building inclusive teams — without falling into the “gender war” trap. The conversation covers:
- Why so many women drop out by age 46
- The hidden burnout from constant “fighting the system”
- How male allies can show up — and why most don’t know where to start
- What subcontractors and SMEs need from Tier 1s
- Why toilets, mental health, and procurement all matter more than you think
If you're a construction leader who wants to attract and retain better talent, this episode will challenge your assumptions — and give you the tools to lead better.
🔗 Find out more about Faye’s book: buildingwomen.co.uk
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In Episode 244, Question Time is back – and Paul is joined by recurring co-host Chris Barber to answer another round of listener questions from quantity surveyors and commercial professionals across the UK construction industry.
This month, we tackle:
- Should I switch from Main Contractor to Subcontractor? Chris shares real insight from his own experience and a surprising comparison to his wife’s retail-to-supplier career path.
- When is the right time to consider adjudication for delayed payments – and how do you protect the relationship?
- What behaviour would you change across QS teams? (Paul wants to ban document dumps. Chris wants to go to the pub.)
- Is lowest-price-wins procurement still the norm in 2025 – and are we finally shifting to value-based tendering?
- Plus: Thoughts on the new RICS Responsible Use of AI Standard, and why episode 250 will be a must-listen.
👀 Stick around for anecdotes from Paul’s subbie days, and a refreshing reminder that construction doesn't always have to be a battle.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by George Lujans, Director at GoModular, for a masterclass on modular construction that breaks down everything you thought you knew.
George’s message is clear: most developers, QSs, and even modular startups have misunderstood modular construction – and that’s why it hasn’t delivered on its promises.
Together, Paul and George unpack:
- Why modular is a verb, not a noun – and how that changes everything.
- The biggest myths in modular: standardisation, site access, and planning restrictions.
- Why finance, not technology, is the real blocker to scaling modular housing.
- What QSs and developers are getting wrong when procuring modular projects.
- How we shift from chasing megafactories to building smarter, leaner, scalable modular systems.
If you're in cost management, development, or just curious about why modular keeps “failing,” this episode reframes the entire conversation.
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Mike Ashcroft (Co-Founder of EstimateOne) and Paddy Westbury (Estimating Director at Structure Tone) to explore the often misunderstood world of estimating – and its love/hate relationship with quantity surveying.
They dive into Paddy’s 40-year journey from sleepy PQS firms to the intensity of fast-track fit out, his reflections on Structure Tone’s explosive growth, and how modern estimators are evolving from number-pushers to project strategists. The trio unpack the cultural shift in tendering, what great QS–Estimator relationships look like, and why curiosity (plus owning your mistakes) might just be the best traits for the next generation of professionals.
If you’ve ever argued over a bill, blamed an estimator for a budget, or wondered who really owns procurement – this one’s for you.
🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Katie Taylor, Managing Quantity Surveyor, to explore what it really takes to raise the bar for commercial professionals in construction.
Katie shares how she entered the industry by chance as a receptionist, studied part-time to become a QS, and developed a deep passion for coaching and communication. Together, Paul and Katie discuss:
- Why coaching is critical for QSs and subcontractors alike
- The underestimated importance of soft skills and psychological safety
- How to handle difficult conversations with confidence
- What truly makes a “great” QS in today’s market
- The real impact of curiosity, communication, and mindset
If you’re managing or mentoring QSs — or are one yourself — this episode offers practical insights into how to grow a strong, competent commercial team.
🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
!!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd!!!
-----------------------------------
In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined once again by his co-founder and sidekick, Chris Barber, for another round of Question Time. This time, the duo dives deep into one of the most shocking industry stats of 2025: the QS workforce has dropped by over 30% in just 12 months.
Together, they unpack why so many quantity surveyors are leaving the industry and discuss the knock-on effects on teams, projects, and future recruitment. From Reddit threads to anecdotes about early careers, to the pressures of poor tech and endless conflict – this is a raw and honest look at the current commercial landscape.
They also answer a range of listener questions including:
- Should QSs be getting bonuses for value engineering?
- Does a WhatsApp chat really count as a legally binding contract?
- How to think about early career progression and finding the right company fit.
This is an essential listen for QSs of all levels looking to make sense of today's challenges and get ahead in a changing market.
🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
!!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd!!!
-----------------------------------
In this episode, Paul is joined by Rob Munns, Head of Sales at BFT Mast Climbing Ltd — the UK’s leading provider of mast climbers.
You might think access equipment isn’t the most exciting topic in the world, but this conversation is a wake-up call for QSs, PMs, and operational teams. Paul and Rob unpack why the UK construction industry still defaults to scaffold — despite the cost, time, social impact, and program risks — and explore the commercial and operational business case for mast climbers.
Paul also reflects on his early career procuring scaffold on remediation jobs — and how little consideration was given to alternatives. With scaffold often the default spec, is the industry missing a massive value engineering opportunity?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why scaffold is the "comfort blanket" of the industry — and at what cost
- The major savings (cost, time, social impact) of mast climbers
- Why mast climbers aren’t used more — and how to challenge myths
- How QSs can build a business case for alternative access strategies
- What Rob learned from interviewing residents about life behind scaffold
- How curiosity and early engagement can unlock better decisions
🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
!!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd!!!
-----------------------------------
This week on Own the Build, Paul is joined by Dave Stitt, a leadership team coach with 25+ years of experience working with boards and senior project teams across the UK construction industry.
In this episode, Paul and Dave deep-dive into a subject that every QS, PM, and Director talks about—but few know how to actively build: Trust.
Together, they unpack:
🔍 Why trust is so often missing in project teams
📉 The cost of lip-service collaboration with subcontractors
📈 How QSs and leaders can actually build trustworthy relationships—on-site, in business, and beyond
Dave also shares a practical tool you can use with your team immediately:
👉 Download the Trustworthy Tracker
And if you want to explore Dave’s wider philosophy on leadership and performance, check out his book:
👉 Deep and Deliberate Delegation on Amazon
This is a punchy and thoughtful episode—packed with real-world leadership insights that will resonate whether you're managing a project team or trying to move up the commercial ladder.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
!!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd!!!
-----------------------------------
In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by James Filus, Director at both the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and the Institute of Carpenters (IOC), to unpack what competence really means in the context of construction today.
James shares the view from the front line of trade associations helping their members navigate the aftermath of Grenfell, the implications of the Building Safety Act, and the critical role of competency frameworks for subcontractors and individuals alike.
Together, they explore:
- What has changed legally – and culturally – post-Grenfell
- The hidden cost of proving competence across your supply chain
- How subcontractors can prepare to prove they’re competent (even without a formal definition)
- The commercial burden on QSs and buyers who now must assess more than just price and programme
- How to balance experience, qualification, and behavioural competence in procurement decisions
If you’ve ever asked, “What’s my responsibility here?” — this episode gives clarity, structure, and a forward-looking approach to Building Safety Act compliance.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this lively episode, Chris joins Paul again to tackle YOUR questions in the return of Question Time. From the realities of AI in construction to the headaches of back-to-back contracts, we dive into the heart of what QSs are really facing on site.
Highlights include:
- How AI is transforming tender analysis and improving subcontractor engagement.
- NEC vs JCT – which contract is most improperly administered?
- Back-to-back contracts: Are they practical or just punishment?
- The most misunderstood part of the QS role.
- And… what happens when a QS, a planner, and an architect get stuck in a lift?
Packed with practical insights, personal stories, and a touch of sarcasm, this episode is a must-listen for QSs, estimators, and project leaders.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Andrea White, Independent Fire Engineer, Chartered Safety Professional, and one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction (2023). Andrea is also the founder of Women Talking Fire and a leading voice on fire safety strategy in a post-Grenfell landscape.
Together, Paul and Andrea unpack the critical implications of the Building Safety Act for quantity surveyors and procurement professionals.
💥 What do QSs need to do differently?
💡 Why is procurement now inseparable from safety strategy?
🔍 What is the role of the fire engineer — and why do QSs often overlook it?
This episode breaks down myths, reframes responsibilities, and offers practical advice on how commercial teams can support safety and compliance from Day One of a project.
Whether you’re a main contractor or a PQS, this is an essential listen.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Kelvin Maye, Group Commercial Director at Guildmore Ltd, a £100m+ main contractor with an impressive growth trajectory.
Kelvin shares the story of his journey from graduate QS to group leadership and how Guildmore is actively reshaping its commercial and procurement strategies. They explore how Kelvin’s team is unlocking QS productivity, improving tender and contract governance, and critically, rebuilding trust in subcontractor relationships.
At the heart of this discussion is Guildmore’s recent Meet the Buyer Day—an open and honest initiative designed to reset how main contractors engage with their supply chain. Kelvin talks candidly about:
- Time pressures and antiquated procurement methods
- Risk management from tender stage onwards
- The cultural shift needed to treat subcontractors as partners
- The business case for investing in digital tools like C-Link
- Practical steps taken to make subcontractors feel heard
Whether you’re a QS, Commercial Director, or a subcontractor navigating the modern construction supply chain, this episode is packed with real talk, honest leadership, and practical advice.
🎧 Listen in to hear how Guildmore is leading by example—and why a little empathy goes a long way.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In episode 233, Paul welcomes Alice Graham, a chartered Quantity Surveyor turned Solution Specialist at Procore Technologies. Together, they unpack Alice’s career journey — from studying QS at Heriot-Watt University to working in consultancy, and eventually pivoting into construction technology.
Alice shares how her “skills inventory” helped her redefine her path, the case for becoming a visible role model in construction, and why QSs have more career options than they might realise — including tech, entrepreneurship, and even writing books. The conversation also covers:
- PQS vs. Main Contractor career paths
- Mid-career pivots for chartered surveyors
- The growing demand for domain expertise in ConTech
- How visibility, creativity, and content can shape your influence
- What the industry must change to retain top talent
This is a must-listen for anyone in Quantity Surveying who is questioning their next step — whether you're climbing the ladder or building a new one.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
Question Time is back — and it’s better than ever. After a brief baby-related break (sorry about skipping 224.1 and 228.1), Paul and Chris are back to answer your burning questions about quantity surveying, procurement, contracts, and even… sport.
In this episode, we cover:
- 🧠 How to build a standout QS career — including which contract type to master and why
- 🤖 What skills QSs need in an AI-driven world (spoiler: it’s not just tech knowledge)
- 💸 Whether main contractors can mandate portals like PayApps — and if freezing access is legal or just cheeky
- 🏉 What sport best represents the QS profession (Test cricket? Heptathlon? Rugby?)
- 🏆 Which sports personality would make the best QS (yes, Roy Keane gets a shout)
Plus, advice for QSs returning to the UK job market and how to unlock freelance roles with developers, SMEs, and beyond.
This is QS advice from the trenches — funny, honest, and straight-talking. Question Time is officially back, every 4 episodes.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this special episode of Own the Build, Paul is a guest on Ross Griffin's Inventing Construction podcast.
The conversation dives deep into Paul’s journey from subcontractor QS to co-founder of C-Link, a software platform built to overhaul procurement and supply chain management in construction. Paul shares raw and honest reflections on why QSs are drowning in admin, how traditional tender processes fail everyone, and what needs to change to give commercial teams the tools and time to lead projects more effectively.
Topics include:
- The inefficiencies baked into modern QS workflows
- The real problem with Excel and “invisible” audit trails
- How SMEs and subcontractors can lead the digital charge
- Why BOQs should make a comeback – and who should own them
- Advice for young QSs entering a fast-evolving profession
This is a practical, no-fluff episode for any QS frustrated by inefficiencies and curious about how tech can actually make life easier.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In the final part of the Contract Clarity Series, Paul is joined once again by the brilliantly practical contract expert Sarah Fox to explore the future of contracting in construction.
They dive into the rise of AI, what it means for lawyers and quantity surveyors, and how contracting must evolve in a digitised world. From empowering junior QSs to building smarter scopes of work, the discussion unpacks the risk and opportunity of emerging legal tech — and why simplification, not just automation, is the path forward.
You’ll also hear:
- Why contract scopes are the secret weapon for managing liability
- How Gen AI tools can help (and hinder) contract review
- Whether clients and funders might embrace simpler, fairer contracts
- Why Sarah believes better contracting starts with the outer edges of the supply chain
This is an optimistic and eye-opening wrap-up to the series — packed with practical advice, lightbulb moments, and a vision for more balanced, efficient contracting in the years ahead.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this episode, titled Subcontracting Simplified, Paul and Sarah Fox go deep into what’s really broken in subcontracting — and what can be done to fix it. From clause-dumping and risk overload to overlooked meeting minutes and unreadable contracts, this is a frank conversation about the challenges subcontractors face and the behaviours that hold the industry back.
We discuss:
- ❌ Why many subcontractors are set up to fail before they’re even on site
- 🧾 The madness of passing down entire main contracts (and what should actually flow)
- 🤝 The power of better communication and properly structured pre-let minutes
- 💡 Sarah’s three-part strategy to improve subcontracting: Simplify, Optimise, Digitise
- 🧠 How smarter procurement leads to stronger relationships, better pricing, and successful delivery
🔗 Sarah also shares real-world stories and offers tangible advice for both main contractors and subcontractors who want to build better, fairer, and more effective projects.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In this reflective episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Chris Barber to dive deep into the early mistakes they made as young Quantity Surveyors — and what they’ve learned from them since.
If you’ve ever sat in a final account meeting feeling underprepared, avoided a difficult conversation with a subcontractor, or been caught off guard by a variation — you are not alone.
🎯 In this episode, Paul and Chris discuss:
- The pressure of being thrown into the deep end as a trainee QS
- Why their first final account meetings gave them a false sense of confidence
- What they’d do differently to manage variations, stakeholders and scope changes
- The power of one-to-ones, and why they’re still rare in construction firms
- How to manage difficult conversations internally and externally — before they blow up
- Why learning to regulate emotion in meetings is a career superpower
If you’re in the early years of your QS career — or mentoring someone who is — this is a must-listen.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
🎙 Got a question or topic for a future episode? Email: paul@c-link.com
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
The Contract Clarity Series with Sarah Fox (Part 2)
In this second instalment of the Contract Clarity Series, Paul is once again joined by construction’s contract queen, Sarah Fox — contract strategist, author, and keynote speaker — to explore a topic every subcontractor, QS, and contractor needs to understand: liability.
Sarah breaks down the risks contractors are exposed to, explains how liquidated damages (LDs) really work, and pulls back the curtain on indemnity clauses – which she calls “company killers” if left unchecked. Together, they walk through the hidden dangers of skipping LDs, the power of negotiation, and the steps you should take to ensure your liability is capped and your insurance can actually cover what you're signing up for.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why LDs aren't just a risk — they can be a protection
- How to spot and challenge dangerous indemnity clauses
- What to ask your insurer before signing any subcontract
- Why “any limit is better than no limit”
Sarah also gives practical advice to estimators and QSs on how to respond when the contract says “no LDs” — and how to avoid getting caught out in final account negotiations.
👷♂️ Own the Build listeners: If you're not already checking for indemnities... this episode is your wake-up call.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In the first instalment of our 4-part Contract Clarity Series with Sarah Fox — contract strategist, speaker, and author of Small Works Contracts in Just 500 Words — Paul dives into one of the trickiest, most nerve-racking topics in construction: contract termination.
Termination often strikes fear into contractors and lawyers alike — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Sarah and Paul explore why termination needs to be seen less like a courtroom drama and more like a planned, mutual exit when things aren’t working.
We cover:
- What termination for cause, for convenience, and at-will really mean
- Common traps and how to avoid a Multiplex v Cleveland Bridge-style disaster
- What rights you have even if your contract is silent on termination
- Why “termination at convenience” clauses are a red flag for subcontractors
- How to build fairness into your contracts and avoid company-ending mistakes
If you’ve ever issued (or received) a 7-day notice, considered walking off site, or been hit by a termination clause you didn’t see coming — this episode is essential listening.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Langley Sharp, former Head of the Centre for Army Leadership at Sandhurst, Commanding Officer of the Parachute Regiment, and now MD of Frontier Leadership.
With over 20 years’ experience leading teams in the British Army—including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan—Langley brings a rare and proven insight into how leadership really works under pressure. He’s also the author of the bestselling book The Habit of Excellence and today, he’s helping construction teams rethink how leadership shows up on site.
In this conversation, Paul and Langley discuss:
💥 Why construction often confuses leadership with management—and what the Army does differently
🧠 “Leadership is a role, not a position” – unpacking one of the most misunderstood ideas in team dynamics
🎯 Mission Command – how to brief better, empower your people, and stop micromanaging
🔗 Followership – the surprising secret to high-performing teams (and why it matters in chaotic construction environments)
🔐 Trust and culture – how elite teams build cohesion, resilience, and results
🏗️ Real-world advice for QSs, PMs, and Directors on becoming better leaders and followers
This one’s packed with leadership gold—whether you’re running a site, a team, or your own development business.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber challenge the view of Quantity Surveyors as mere cost controllers — and makes the case for QSs to step up as strategic commercial advisors.
Through personal stories (including a classic misunderstanding in Italy), Paul explores why QSs are often misunderstood, and what it takes to shift from passive cost reporter to trusted advisor. Whether you're a junior QS or commercial director, this episode offers practical tips to transform how you're perceived by clients, project teams, and the wider business.
🎙 In this episode, we cover:
- Why the perception of QSs is still stuck in “bean counter” territory
- The cost of being reactive rather than commercially proactive
- What great strategic QSs actually do differently
- How to build trust and influence from day one on a new project
- Simple ways to present risk and cost that shape decision-making
- Paul’s one-page playbook to reposition yourself on your next project
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Stefan Panourgias, a seasoned commercial consultant and specialist in construction settlements. With a career spanning London, New York, Malaysia, and the Middle East, Stephen has built a reputation for resolving disputes before they derail projects — from forensic delay analysis to strategic negotiation with the C-suite.
We discuss:
- Stephen’s global career journey — from Heathrow Express to boutique consulting in Dubai
- What it actually means to be a settlement specialist in construction
- The warning signs that conflict is brewing (and what to do next)
- Why documentation is key — but diplomacy often wins
- UK vs. Middle East contract culture — and how to navigate both
- Real-world tactics for bringing even the most stubborn parties to the table
If you’re involved in commercial negotiations, claims, or final accounts, this episode is packed with insight on how to fight for resolution, not just the money.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Stephen Harpur, Managing Director at Sharpur Consultancy – a Chartered Construction Manager with more than 25 years in the industry. Stephen’s journey is anything but typical: he started as a labourer, worked every trade you can think of, and went on to lead some of the most complex, multimillion-pound construction projects in Northern Ireland.
Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event
This episode is all about what world-class construction management really looks like, and how project leaders, QSs, and PMs can raise the bar—together.
We talk about:
- What Stephen learned going from hands-on trades to boardroom leadership
- How to plan and manage a project from inception to “cutting the ribbon”
- Why every QS needs to spend more time on site
- Building alignment between commercial and delivery teams
- Lessons from subcontracting, consulting, and working on the largest live building project in NI
If you’ve ever felt that QSs and PMs should work more collaboratively, or you want to lead construction projects more effectively—this is one for you.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, Chair of the RICS Residential Professional Group Panel, and a lifelong innovator in residential development. From leading housing associations to helping an entire village go 100% off oil, Emma is redefining what a modern home should be.
Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event
In this episode, Emma and I dive into the rise of zero-bill homes – what they are, how they work, and why they’re no longer a pipe dream. We talk about solar, battery, heat pumps, AI, and homes as energy assets, not just consumers.
We explore:
- The Swaffham Prior story – how a village went off-grid
- Why retrofit might scale faster than new build
- How housebuilders, surveyors and contractors must rethink viability and design
- Why zero bills is becoming the global standard, and how the UK can catch up
Whether you’re a developer, QS, contractor or housing association—this conversation will make you think differently about how homes are designed, valued, and delivered in the future.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber return to tackle your commercial, contractual, and career questions—this time covering subcontracting from both sides of the fence, AI’s impact on QS, and how the industry needs to rethink risk allocation.
Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event
📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your questions to paul@c-link.com to have them featured!
In this episode, we discuss:
🧱 From Main Contractor to Subcontractor – The Big Shift Contracts Manager Lewis asks for a “subcontracting for dummies” guide. As his business steps into a subcontractor role for the first time, we talk risk strategy, the dangers of programme inclusion, how to handle payless notices, and which contract terms you really want to negotiate.
📘 Named Contractors, CDP & Design Risk Kevin Anns shares insight for PMs working with JCT forms—especially around CDP and design responsibility for named subcontractors. We unpack why this risk can trip up even seasoned teams.
📐 Can AI Predict the Future of QS? A tongue-in-cheek but serious question: will quantum computing and generative AI replace Quantity Surveyors—or transform them? We discuss what will actually change in 5–10 years, and what won’t.
⚖️ RICS and the Risk Narrative A bold challenge: should RICS update the NRM series to include a formal approach to risk allocation and pricing? We discuss how formalising risk in procurement could transform how we tender—and whether subcontractors uniting is a real solution or just a fantasy.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send your Questions
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event
Today, Paul’s guest is Mike Ashcroft, Estimator, Co-Founder of EstimateOne, and now Merger Partner at C-Link.
This episode is a conversation years in the making — one driven by too many busted Excel sheets, missing elevations, and the gap between Estimators and QSs. Mike and I talk through how two different companies, built on opposite sides of the world, came together with a shared vision: connecting pre- and post-award teams on one integrated platform.
We discuss:
- What Estimating and Quantity Surveying looks like in Australia (yes, they really do things differently down there).
- Why so many UK QSs are heading to Aus — and what both countries can learn from each other.
- The real handover issues between Estimators and QSs — and where the friction lies.
- The story of how EstimateOne and C-Link met, merged, and are building the future of procurement.
- Why our shared goal is simple: to help construction teams win better work and deliver it more profitably.
You’ll also hear war stories about coffee machines that cost £40k more than expected, pricing off verbal quotes, and why sales skills are underestimated in construction.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in estimating, QSing, or commercial management — and especially for those frustrated with how disconnected the tendering and delivery phases of construction can be.
🎧 For the full C-Link x E1 backstory with all four co-founders, check out the Merger Special in the feed.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
The Merger Special: Why C-Link and EstimateOne Joined Forces to Change Construction
Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event
In this special Thursday edition of Own the Build, Paul Heming is joined by all four co-founders from C-Link and E1 to announce something major: C-Link has officially merged with E1.
This isn’t your standard acquisition. It’s a union born from years of lived experience and frustration—estimators and QSs working in silos, disconnected systems, and too much manual work. In this lively roundtable, Paul and Chris Barber (C-Link) sit down with Mike Ashcroft and Andrew Ritchie (E1) to talk about:
- How the merger came to be — including faxes, pubs, and smashed car windows
- Why estimators and QSs need to stop working in isolation
- The real handover issues and how most data is lost after the tender
- The "Golden Thread" of procurement — and how this platform finally delivers it
- Their shared vision: Build better buildings, more profitably, with tools that actually make work (and life) easier
💡 Whether you’re a QS, estimator, commercial leader, or tech-curious project manager — this is a rare look behind the curtain at a construction-tech merger driven by people who’ve lived the pain and decided to do something about it.
🎧 P.S. For Mike’s personal journey from cadet estimator to co-founder of E1, check out Episode 220!
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event
Today, Paul’s guest is Cian Brennan, Founder of Quantum Contract Solutions and now the author of his new book, The Subcontractor's Edge. Cian’s first appearance on the show was a real listener favourite — and today, he’s back with an even bigger mission: helping subcontractors escape what he calls "The Cycle of Doom."
In today’s conversation, Cian explains:
- What the "Cycle of Doom" is and why it traps so many subcontractors.
- How to negotiate from a position of strength — and have the confidence to say "no" to bad deals.
- Practical steps subcontractors can take to stabilise cash flow, protect profit margins, and grow sustainably.
- Real-world success stories from subcontractors who changed their fortunes by applying simple strategies.
- Why building long-term client relationships is about more than price — and how to shift the conversation.
We wrap up the conversation with key takeaways from The Subcontractor's Edge and advice for subcontractors who want to take back control of their business and build for the long-term.
To join the Waiting List for The Subcontractor’s Edge click hee - https://www.thesubcontractorsedge.com/waitlist.
If you haven’t already done so, head to the show notes right now — I’ve written two books for you based on 200 episodes of conversation:
📚 Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying: Expert Strategies for Recruitment, Leadership, and Building a Career 📚 The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying: Practical Insights for the Future of QS
Access your free copies today here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul’s guest is Dave Stitt, a Chartered Civil Engineer, Fellow of the CIOB, and one of the UK’s most respected leadership coaches in construction. With nearly five decades in the industry, Dave has worked with some of the country’s biggest firms, leading transformation programmes and coaching leadership teams at the highest level.
In this episode, we talk about:
🎯 Leadership training in construction – Why we don’t do it well, and how that’s holding teams (and margins) back.
📈 How to build high-performing teams – Dave breaks down his 90-day team process and shares lessons from his time at Wates and Taylor Woodrow.
🧠 Advanced Influencing Skills for Leaders – Why “character and backbone” matter more than technical skill when it comes to real leadership.
⏳ The secret to time management? Delegation. Dave unpacks his 'Delegate4Results' method and explains why most construction managers get delegation wrong.
⚠️ Fixing dysfunctional project leadership – “The fish rots from the head down.” Dave explains how poor leadership habits at the top ripple through entire project teams.
Whether you’re a QS, PM, or Commercial Director, this one is packed with practical ideas on becoming a better leader and getting the best out of your team.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul’s guest is Dan Bradley, Managing Director at BPM Project Management in New Zealand and Founding Director at ConTech Solutions, a business focused on streamlining construction through digital transformation across Australia and New Zealand.
In this episode, Paul and Dan explore a bold and under-discussed topic in construction: mental toughness—what it means, how to develop it, and why it’s one of the most important skills for professionals navigating high-stakes contracts, disputes, and leadership challenges.
Dan shares his unique philosophy on mental toughness vs. mental health, blending stoic thinking with real-world leadership strategies. He explains how mastering your mindset can help you face hard conversations, handle stress, and come out on top in difficult commercial negotiations.
We also dive into how digital tools can play a surprising role in improving wellbeing across construction teams—by reducing friction in contract management, streamlining payments, and transforming how businesses collaborate.
🧠 If you’ve ever faced a brutal email, an impossible deadline, or a hostile final account meeting, this episode is packed with tools to help you build strength from the inside out.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber dive into your pressing Quantity Surveying and construction challenges. From late payments to navigating design disputes, this episode is packed with actionable advice for industry professionals.
📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your questions to paul@c-link.com to have them featured!
In this episode, we discuss:
🧱 Developer-side moves – Is jumping from Main Contractor/Subbie to a Developer a smart career move for a QS? We share our take — and stories of QSs we know who’ve made the move.
😬 Mistakes we’ve made – A listener calls us out for answering as if the world is perfect. Fair enough. So, we share some honest regrets, including “Charm School” moments and squeezing the supply chain too hard.
📐 CDP Curveball – Director Kevin Anns throws us a contract scenario involving JCT, CDP and a named specialist. We break down how we’d approach it commercially.
💬 What does a QS actually do? – A great question from Aleko. We share our two-line “QS pitch” for dinner parties (and yes, mugs may be coming for top questions 👀).
📊 Building fair rates – Samuel asks how to create fair rates in a BOQ that protect the client and respect the contractor. A brilliant balance we unpack with tips.
🏗️ Construction’s PR problem – Finally, we take on a big one: does domestic construction’s messy image hurt recruitment? We explore the difference between domestic vs. commercial, and how we’d fix the industry’s branding issues.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send your Questions
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul is joined for the third time by Ray Mellor-Pike, a QS and Managing Director at RMP Consulting. Last time, Ray shared how FBI hostage negotiation tactics inform his approach to final account meetings. This time, he returns with another big idea: The Project Manager is the head of the project, but the Quantity Surveyor is the neck.
Together, Paul and Ray break down the real influence of a great QS — not just as a cost controller, but as the immune system of the project, constantly scanning for risk, protecting margin, and steering the team away from trouble.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why the best QSs are proactive, forward-thinking, and commercially strategic.
- How to influence decisions and avoid margin erosion before problems grow.
- Communication tactics to build trust, manage egos, and avoid friction on site.
- What it means to be an interdepartmental glue on a project — and why it matters.
- How small decisions and subtle influence can win final account battles.
Ray also shares a personal story about the first mistake that changed his whole approach to risk, and how he now positions himself as a commercial leader in final account negotiations.
📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send your Questions
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul’s guest is Jamie Mills, Managing Director at Signature Build, to explore the often overlooked but crucial human side of contract management in construction.
With a career that began in IT before transitioning into infrastructure project management and construction leadership, Jamie brings a unique perspective on how emotional intelligence, relationship management, and communication shape successful outcomes—both contractually and commercially.
🔹 The Reality of Goodwill in Construction: Jamie discusses the "bank of goodwill" myth and why assuming favours will be returned can be risky in contractual relationships.
🔹 Balancing Relationships and Contracts: How to strike the right balance between being contractually correct and maintaining positive, long-term client relationships.
🔹 Red Flags and Emotional Intelligence: Jamie explains how recognising early warning signs, managing stress, and adapting communication styles can defuse conflicts before they escalate.
🔹 Practical Strategies: From setting expectations early to managing final accounts with empathy, Jamie shares actionable tactics to help contractors, QSs, and PMs build trust and safeguard their businesses.
🔹 Post-Project Relationships: Jamie reflects on the importance of maintaining reputation and relationships long after the final payment is made.
🎙️ Don’t miss this insightful conversation that blends practical experience with emotional intelligence—essential listening for anyone working with clients, contracts, and construction teams.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul’s guest is Frans Taljaard, FIDIC Contracts Manager at Gleeds in Lisbon and founder of Clause 20, a consultancy focused on FIDIC training and contract management. Frans has extensive experience managing FIDIC contracts across Europe and the Middle East, supporting contractors in claims, payments, and disputes.
🔹 Understanding FIDIC Contracts: Learn where FIDIC is most commonly used and how it differs from JCT & NEC contracts.
🔹 Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Discover the biggest mistakes contractors make under FIDIC and how to protect your interests in tender negotiations.
🔹 Managing Claims & Payments: Get expert advice on handling claims, variations, and payment mechanisms under FIDIC.
🔹 Dispute Resolution in FIDIC: Explore how the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB) works compared to UK adjudication.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Practical Completion (PC) is one of the most critical and contentious milestones in any construction project. But what happens when a client refuses to grant it? In this episode, Bill Barton, Director at Barton Legal, joins Paul to discuss real-world disputes over PC and how contractors can protect themselves.
🔹 Understanding Practical Completion: How is PC defined, and why does ambiguity create major issues?
🔹 When Clients Withhold PC: What are the commercial and legal implications for contractors?
🔹 The Opposite Problem – Partial Possession: What happens when a client wants to occupy a building early, but the contract doesn’t allow it?
🔹 Strategies for Contractors: Key contract negotiation tactics, documentation best practices, and lessons from case law to avoid PC disputes.
🎙️ Don’t miss this expert discussion on navigating one of construction’s most frustrating challenges.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 212.1 of Own the Build — our fourth Question Time Special, where Paul and Chris answer listener-submitted questions on commercial, contractual, and career-related issues in the construction industry.
These episodes drop once a month on a Thursday — and as ever, if you've got a question, email paul@c-link.com or message Paul on LinkedIn and it could feature in the next one.
In this month’s Q&A, Paul tackles these brilliant listener questions, including real-world dilemmas and technical challenges faced by Quantity Surveyors and construction professionals:
🧠 1. Subcontracting Pressure & Risky Contracts:
What should small subcontractors do when they’re pressured to sign unfair contracts with no room for negotiation?
💼 2. How to Earn More as a QS:
One QS asks whether getting chartered, shifting sectors, or building pre-contract experience is the right way forward. Paul gives honest, strategic advice.
🔀 3. Struggling to Find Your QS Path – Contract or Cost?
If you lean more toward contract management and less toward number crunching, which route is right for you? Consultancy vs Contractor explored.
🧱 4. Scope Gaps and Interface Risks:
What are the common scope gaps in trades like brickwork, plastering, and architectural features? And how do you avoid getting caught out?
📐 5. Design Comments vs Design Change – Where’s the Line?
We break down Schedule 1, Clause 2 of JCT D&B — and explain how to respond when architects request design changes that aren’t really contractually justified.
🔥 Whether you're new to QS or 20 years deep, this is a value-packed episode full of practical insights you can use straight away.
📩 Want your question answered next month? Email paul@c-link.com or message on LinkedIn!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
🎙️ Today’s guest is Chris Barber, a returning favourite on the show and someone who needs no introduction for many of our listeners. Chris is a former top-level QS with a sharp eye for practical improvements in construction project delivery and contract management.
Contract Audits Made Simple:
Paul and Chris dive into a tool that’s been quietly circulating among the Own the Build community—Paul’s Contract Audit Document. Designed to distil a 1,000-page contract into 3–4 actionable pages, this episode is all about how to make contract documents accessible and usable for your entire team.
Key Talking Points:
- The Power of the Contract Audit: Learn how simplifying your contract into a 3-page operational guide could prevent major site-level issues.
- Real-World Lessons: Chris and Paul share stories from major projects like Battersea and Putney, reflecting on the cost of poor contract understanding.
- Boosting Commercial Awareness: How to build commercially-minded site teams and embed contract knowledge across your project team.
- EOTs, Payments & Scope: Deep-dive into the most common causes of contractual disputes—and how to get them right from day one.
💡 Whether you’re a QS, PM, or delivery manager, this episode gives you practical tactics to upskill your team and avoid costly contract pitfalls.
📩 Want the free Contract Audit Document? Email paul@c-link.com or message him on LinkedIn and he’ll send it over!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul’s guest is David Moreland, a Chartered Civil Engineer, Accredited NEC Project Manager, and Expert Consulting Engineer at MoreConsult Limited. David specialises in project planning, delay analysis, and expert witness work, helping construction professionals navigate complex claims and project delivery challenges.
🔹 Project Planning Fundamentals: Learn the critical elements of a successful project program and why getting the basics right can prevent costly delays.
🔹 Understanding the Critical Path & Delay Analysis: Discover how to properly establish the critical path and when to use retrospective vs. time impact analysis.
🔹 Prolongation Costs & EOT Claims: Gain expert insights into calculating prolongation costs, preparing strong Extension of Time (EOT) claims, and avoiding common pitfalls.
🔹 The Planner-QS Relationship: Explore why collaboration between planners and QSs is key to successfully quantifying and defending delay claims.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul’s guest is Len Bunton, Founder of Bunton Consulting, Vice Chairman of Scottish Mediation, and Chairman of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) Commercial and Procurement Group. Len returns for his third Own the Build episode to tackle one of the biggest challenges in construction—conflict avoidance.
🔹 Conflict Avoidance Week 2025 – What is it, and why should the industry take notice?
🔹 Mastering Payment Applications – The role of email tracking, follow-ups, and direct communication in getting paid on time.
🔹 Collaboration or Just a Buzzword? – What genuine collaboration looks like and how to implement it.
🔹 The Design Responsibility Dilemma – Why does design liability cause so many disputes, and how can it be structured better?
🔹 The Conflict Avoidance Coalition Update – The latest progress in driving industry-wide change and how to get involved.
💡 If you’re tired of disputes draining time and money from projects, this episode is packed with practical solutions for building a more collaborative and conflict-free industry.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Unnecessary contract amendments create confusion, disputes, and inefficiencies across the construction industry. In this episode, Paul's guest is Sarah Fox, a leading expert in construction law and conflict avoidance, to discuss why simplifying contracts is essential for better project outcomes.
🔹 The Conflict Avoidance Pledge: Learn how the RICS initiative drives a cultural shift in contract management.
🔹 The Case Against Onerous Amendments: Why excessive changes to standard forms cause more harm than good—and how to challenge them.
🔹 Changing Industry Behaviours: Discover practical steps to promote fairness, transparency, and early intervention in contract negotiations.
🔹 Conflict Avoidance Tools: Get insights into the Contract Toolkit and the RICS Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP) as alternatives to adjudication.
🎙️ Don’t miss this essential discussion on how to reduce disputes and improve collaboration in construction.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber dive into your pressing Quantity Surveying and construction challenges. From late payments to navigating design disputes, this episode is packed with actionable advice for industry professionals.
📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your questions to paul@c-link.com to have them featured!
What You’ll Learn:
🔹 Managing Late Payment ApplicationsDiscover how to handle subcontractors’ late applications while adhering to strict payment schedules.
🔹 Ensuring Spec-Compliant QuotesExplore effective methods to ensure subcontractor bids align with project specifications and avoid future disputes.
🔹 Dealing with Acceleration InstructionsLearn how to respond to acceleration instructions from main contractors, including protecting your position under JCT contracts.
🔹 Claiming Loss of Profit on VariationsGain insights on managing significant scope omissions and the potential to claim for loss of profit.
🎉 Exclusive Giveaway
To celebrate 200 episodes, download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
📩 Have a question for Question Time? Email paul@c-link.com
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul's guest is Keith Kelliher, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Accredited Adjudicator, Arbitrator, Mediator, and Expert Witness at Kelliher and Associates. With a career steeped in construction disputes and conflict resolution, Keith joins us to share his unique perspective on improving communication and collaboration in the industry.
🔹 The Adversarial Nature of Construction:Keith shares his reflections on why the industry remains so adversarial and its toll on businesses and individuals. Learn practical steps to foster a more collaborative culture.
🔹 Lessons from 2024’s Adjudications:Hear about standout cases from 2024 and the recurring mistakes that lead to disputes. Keith provides actionable advice on how to avoid them and highlights the critical role of communication.
🔹 Expanding the Role of the QS:Keith challenges traditional perceptions of Quantity Surveyors as cost-cutting enforcers. Discover how QSs can evolve into proactive collaborators, driving harmony rather than conflict.
🔹 Over-Reliance on Emails and Fear of Talking:Keith discusses the growing problem of email dependence and its impact on relationships. Learn how QSs can regain interpersonal skills and build stronger connections through direct communication.
🎙️ Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode packed with insights to improve communication, foster collaboration, and redefine the role of the QS in construction.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today’s Paul meets Michael Green, Managing Director at RED Systems Ltd, a leading specialist contractor with four divisions: structural glazing, SFS design, digital innovation, and glazing engineering.
- The Cost of Tendering: Michael explains why each new tender costs his business £4,500 on average and how this impacts decisions between pursuing new projects and focusing on repeat clients.
- Transparency in Tendering: Hear Michael’s call for clearer timelines, mid-tender reviews, and better collaboration to improve efficiency and trust in the tender process.
- Lessons from the East Anglia Project: Learn how Michael navigated the complexities of a high-profile project and the valuable insights gained on managing client expectations and tender resources.
- Building Specialist Expertise: Discover why treating subcontractors as trusted partners rather than commodities leads to better project outcomes and stronger industry relationships.
🎙️ Don’t miss this insightful episode, packed with practical advice for specialist contractors and subcontractors navigating today’s construction challenges.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today's guest is Samuel Bawden, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Holmes & Hills. Sam returns to the show to unpack key legal cases from 2024 and explore their impact on construction professionals, including Quantity Surveyors and Contract Managers.
🔹 Collateral Warranties and Construction Contracts:Sam explains the Abbey Healthcare case and its debate on whether collateral warranties qualify as construction contracts. Discover why this matters for adjudication rights and how contractual language might evolve to address these concerns.
🔹 Termination Under JCT Contracts:The Providence v Hexagon case highlights whether repeated defaults justify termination without a second notice. Learn about its implications and how the upcoming Supreme Court ruling could reshape contract termination strategies.
🔹 Managing Risks in Construction:From proactive steps to minimise risks with collateral warranties to handling defaults more effectively, Sam shares actionable advice to protect your projects and relationships.
🎙️ Don’t miss this deep dive into the intersection of law and construction, packed with practical advice to safeguard your projects in 2024 and beyond.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul is joined by Scott Coulton, Founding Director of Nexus Consult, a boutique construction consultancy with offices in Manchester and London. Nexus Consult supports subcontractors, contractors, employers, and law firms across the UK and Middle East.
- Master the Construction Act: Scott explains how to navigate payment provisions and avoid costly mistakes with payment notices and applications.
- Adjudication Insights: Learn practical strategies to strengthen your position in disputes and ensure quick resolutions.
- Build Strong Prolongation Claims: Discover the key components of loss and expense claims and why pro-rata preliminaries fall short.
🎙️ Don’t miss this expert-led conversation packed with insights to improve construction payment processes and dispute management.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber delve into the most pressing challenges faced by QSs and construction professionals. Covering topics from variations to supply chain fairness, this is your go-to resource for practical advice and expert insights.
📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your questions to paul@c-link.com to have them featured!
What You’ll Learn:
🔹 Managing Variations in Complex ProjectsHow can QSs ensure transparency and accountability for non-physical outputs, such as design work? Explore frameworks and processes to avoid disputes.
🔹 Big Company vs Small CompanyWhat are the pros and cons of starting your QS career in a small business versus a large international firm? Hear advice for early-career QSs navigating this choice.
🔹 Balancing Risk and RelationshipsIs it possible to protect yourself contractually without straining relationships on a project? Learn how to balance risk management with fostering collaboration.
🔹 The QS’s Role in DisputesDiscover how QSs can prevent disputes and avoid common pitfalls in handling prolongation claims or loss and expense issues.
🔹 Subcontractors Without Signed ContractsWhat should you do when subcontractors are on-site without signed agreements? Practical steps to ensure protection and formalise agreements.
🔹 Promoting Fairness in the Supply ChainHow can the construction industry create fairer supply chains? Insights on overcoming the reputation of main contractors "squeezing" subcontractors.
🎉 Exclusive GiveawayTo celebrate 200 episodes, download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
📩 Have a question for Question Time? Email paul@c-link.com
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber reflect on their Quantity Surveying careers, the origins of C-Link, and the evolution of Own the Build.
What You’ll Learn:
Defining the Role of a Commercial Director
What sets a Commercial Director apart from senior commercial managers, and how have the expectations of this role evolved over the years?
Lessons from Role Models
What behaviours and traits inspire teams and build credibility in a Commercial Director? Conversely, what hinders their effectiveness?
Core Strategies for Success
- Supply Chain Strategy: Building trust-based, long-term relationships with suppliers and delivering greater project profitability.
- Digital Strategy: The non-negotiable technologies for QS teams and how to drive adoption without overwhelming your team.
- People Strategy: Developing high-performing teams, fostering the right culture, and balancing technical skills with leadership capabilities.
Managing Relationships and Expectations
- Leading Teams: How to motivate, inspire, and manage conflicts effectively within your team.
- Managing Up: Why managing the board and stakeholders is as important as managing your team, and how to align competing priorities.
Defining Success and Building a Legacy
What does success look like for a Commercial Director beyond financial outcomes, and how can they create a lasting legacy within the organisation?
🎉 Exclusive Giveaway
To celebrate 200 episodes, download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
📩 Have a question for Question Time? Email paul@c-link.com
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Today, Paul meets Rob Dean, a leading expert at the intersection of construction, arbitration, and technology. Rob shares his insights on how AI and blockchain might transform dispute resolution and what this means for the industry's future.
- Decentralised Arbitration: Rob introduces Kleros, a decentralised arbitration platform, and explains its innovative role in resolving disputes.
- The Tech-Driven Future: Explore advancements in AI and blockchain that promise to revolutionise dispute resolution, from fully searchable records to enhanced efficiency in handling vast data volumes.
- AI’s Role in Arbitration: Discover how AI complements human expertise in contract drafting, case analysis, and decision-making while discussing whether technology might one day replace professionals entirely.
- The QS Perspective: Rob delves into how AI is reshaping the role of Quantity Surveyors, highlighting which tasks are likely to be automated and which require a human touch.
- Key Insights from Dubai Arbitration Week: Hear Rob’s reflections on the biggest takeaways from Dubai Arbitration Week and how these trends are reshaping dispute resolution practices globally.
🎙️ Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode on the cutting-edge of technology and construction dispute resolution.
📩 Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Scaling a construction business is no small feat, but Greg Wilkes, Founder of Develop Coaching, has the blueprint to help you succeed.
In this episode, Greg shares his story of rebuilding after failure and reveals his proven framework to help businesses grow sustainably while maintaining profitability.
- Discover the Five Pillars of Success: Plan, Attract, Convert, Deliver, and Scale.
- Boost Your Margins: Learn how Greg’s clients achieve 15% net profitability.
- Find the Right Coach: Greg explains why every business owner needs a mentor and how to choose one who will help you grow.
- Maintain Work-Life Balance: Learn how to build a thriving business without sacrificing quality of life.
Don’t miss this inspiring and practical conversation packed with actionable strategies for construction business owners.
🎙️ Have a question for Paul? Email paul@c-link.com to have it answered in an upcoming episode!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Procurement is one of construction’s biggest challenges, but Chris Mackenzie-Grieve has spent his career redefining how it’s done. From M&A to transforming delivery rates at the Ministry of Justice, Chris shares key lessons and innovations in procurement and value creation.
- Career Transformation: Chris discusses how his journey from trades to M&A reshaped his approach to procurement.
- The Value Indicator: Learn how Chris identified inefficiencies, improving project value from 23p to 27p per £1 spent, saving £65 million.
- Systemised Success: Discover how Chris boosted MoJ project delivery rates from 10% to 80% on time in 18 months.
- Procure for Product and Profit: Chris explains his collaborative model that balances supplier profitability with increased product value.
- Cutting Waste: Find out where projects lose money and how to prevent it.
🎙️ Don’t miss actionable insights to transform procurement and unlock value in construction.
📩 Have a question or topic you’d like us to explore? Email paul@c-link.com, and we’ll tackle it on the show!
🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download our free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In our first-ever listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber tackle your most pressing questions on Quantity Surveying, contract management, variations, and lessons learned.
📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your questions to paul@c-link.com to have them featured!
What You’ll Learn:
🔹 What Makes a Great QS?What skills are essential for a good QS, and how have employer expectations evolved with advances in technology?
🔹 Managing Design-Based VariationsHow do you manage and verify variations when design-based works don’t produce visible on-site outputs? What strategies ensure transparency, accountability, and budget control?
🔹 Would You Still Be a QS?If you could start your career again, would you still choose Quantity Surveying? What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
🔹 Terms and Conditions – Which Take Precedence?If a supplier’s quote includes their terms, but the client accepts it with a purchase order including their own terms, which terms take precedence? How can this be clarified to avoid disputes?
🔹 Creating Robust Scopes of WorkHow do you create a robust scope of works that carries contractual weight and protects against disputes?
🔹 The Risks of No Signed SubcontractWhat are the risks of allowing subcontractors to start work without a signed subcontract? Have you seen this go wrong, and what lessons can we learn from such situations?
🎉 Exclusive GiveawayTo celebrate 200 episodes, download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
📩 Have a question for Question Time? Email paul@c-link.com
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this milestone episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber reflect on their Quantity Surveying careers, the origins of C-Link, and the evolution of Own the Build.
What You’ll Learn:
🔹 Lessons in Quantity SurveyingPaul shares career-defining moments: managing teams in his 20s, seminal moments and how certain projects shaped his outlook.
🔹 The C-Link StoryThe challenges, milestones, and vision behind C-Link’s journey to becoming a leading digital procurement platform.
🔹 The Rise of Own the BuildFrom standout episodes and memorable guests like Sarah Fox (LOIs) and Parag Prasad (time management) to listener feedback that shaped the show.
🔹 Looking AheadExciting plans for the future, including new monthly Q&A Tuesday episodes and upcoming events.
🎉 Exclusive GiveawayTo celebrate 200 episodes, download your free eBooks:
- Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying
- The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying
Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.
📩 Have a question for Question Time? Email paul@c-link.com
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this unique episode, the tables are turned as Paul takes on questions from a listener-turned-interviewer, Matt, diving into both career advice and technical QS topics. From breaking down his career journey to offering insights into commercial management, Paul provides practical answers to questions submitted by listeners.
🔍 Key Topics:
- Career Progression: Paul shares how he achieved rapid career growth and the key traits he looks for in staff.
- Impressing Your Boss: Simple strategies to stand out as a new starter or early-career QS.
- Getting What You're Worth: How to assess your value and confidently negotiate for better pay.
- Technical QS Insights: Best practices for trainees, the value of professional qualifications, and handling BoQs vs. specs and drawings.
🎧 Takeaways:
- How to build trust and progress your career in QS.
- Tips for overcoming challenges in communication and negotiation.
💡 Get your free Contract Audit document by messaging Paul on LinkedIn or emailing him at paul@c-link.com.
Reminder: We’re launching a Q&A segment soon! Send in your questions to paul@c-link.com about construction contracts, commercial challenges, or anything else for a chance to have them answered on the show.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Damian James, Director and Practicing Expert at Damian James Delay and Quantum Experts, to explore the dynamics of delay, disruption, and the importance of assertiveness in managing construction disputes.
🔍 Key Topics:
- Challenges in Construction Culture: Damian discusses the cultural issues in construction, such as the reluctance to deliver bad news and the implications of saying ‘yes’ to everything, especially in relation to time bars and dispute escalation.
- The Power of Saying "No": Damian explains the importance of learning to say "no" at the right time to improve project outcomes, strengthen business relationships, and gain commercial leverage. He shares examples of how this approach has helped avoid disputes.
- Commercial Leverage and Strategy: Damian outlines strategies for gaining commercial leverage on a project, such as using options like adjudication, managing new variations, and pursuing extra claims to protect financial interests.
💡 Get your free Contract Audit document by messaging Paul on LinkedIn or emailing him at paul@c-link.com.
Reminder: We’re launching a Q&A segment soon! Send in your questions to paul@c-link.com about construction contracts, commercial challenges, or anything else for a chance to have them answered on the show.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Marcus Siddons, Director of Baker Wilkins & Smith, an international firm of construction consultants with a long history of working in the Middle East. Marcus shares insights from his family business, founded in 1955 and has grown significantly across the Gulf region, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Key Topics:
- Challenges in the Middle East Market: Marcus discusses the unique challenges of working in the Middle East, including getting paid, managing advanced payments, and navigating mobilisation fees. He also explains how contract frameworks in the region differ from those in Europe and what adaptations are necessary.
- Drivers of Growth in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s rapid development, fuelled by projects like NEOM, is a significant topic of conversation. Marcus highlights the key drivers behind this growth, including demographics, oil, and the push for economic diversification, as well as the impact of scaling back on certain megaprojects.
- Routes to Market and Partnerships: Marcus shares advice on how businesses can enter the Middle East market. He discusses the pros and cons of partnering with local firms versus setting up foreign-owned entities. He also talks about the fast pace of regional projects and the practicalities of meeting delivery expectations.
- Talent and Lessons Learned: Drawing on 70 years of experience, Marcus reflects on the key lessons learned about structuring and managing teams in the Middle East. He also shares the story of how his father pioneered the business in the region, and the valuable lessons passed down through the generations.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into the Middle East construction market, learn about the challenges and opportunities, and discover what it takes to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
💡 Get your free Contract Audit document by messaging Paul on LinkedIn or emailing him at paul@c-link.com.
Reminder: We’re launching a Q&A segment soon! Send in your questions to paul@c-link.com about construction contracts, commercial challenges, or anything else for a chance to have them answered on the show.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ali Mafi, a project management expert with over 200 construction projects. Ali shares his insights on how adopting a continuous flow approach and rethinking time management can revolutionise construction project delivery.
🔍 Key Topics:
- Batch Processing vs. Continuous Flow: Why traditional batch processing causes inefficiencies and how a flow-based system can accelerate projects and improve quality.
- The Satnav Approach to Time: Ali explains how focusing on elapsed time, like a satnav, can enhance project monitoring and reduce delays.
- Cost Reduction Through Early Completion: Ali reveals how finishing projects ahead of schedule leads to significant cost savings and why this strategy is often overlooked.
🎧 Takeaways:
- Strategies to transition from batch processing to a flow-based approach.
- How valuing time differently can improve project outcomes.
💡 Get your free Contract Audit document by messaging Paul on LinkedIn or emailing him at paul@c-link.com.
Reminder: We’re launching a Q&A segment soon! Send in your questions to paul@c-link.com about construction contracts, commercial challenges, or anything else for a chance to have them answered on the show.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ryan, Chair of Deconstruction, an initiative to rebrand the construction industry to tackle its image problem. With insights from his career and a revealing YouGov survey, Ryan explains why 68% of the public wouldn’t consider a career in construction and what can be done to change that.
🔍 Key Topics:
- Industry Perception Problems: Why construction is associated with negative terms like "strenuous" and "dirty" and how these misconceptions impact recruitment.
- Rebranding the Sector: How focusing on pay, diversity, and skilled roles can reshape construction's public image and attract new talent.
- Marketing Lessons from Other Sectors: What construction can learn from industries like healthcare in building public trust and emotional connection.
- Unifying the Message: How Deconstruction's public campaigns and job board aim to create a consistent, positive narrative for the industry.
🎧 Takeaways:
- How to improve the industry's image and bridge the skills gap.
- Practical steps for rebranding and unified messaging.
💡 Get your free Contract Audit document by messaging Paul on LinkedIn or emailing him at paul@c-link.com.
Reminder: We’re launching a Q&A segment soon! Send in your questions to paul@c-link.com about construction contracts, commercial challenges, or anything else for a chance to have them answered on the show.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Parm Bhangal, QS, an Entrepreneur, Construction Expert, Business Coach, Keynote Speaker, and founder of Bhangals Construction Consultants, to discuss the challenges of low tendering in construction.
- Pitfalls of Low Tenders: Parm explains why low tenders can be problematic, leading to inaccurate pricing, compromised quality, and hidden costs.
- Real-Life Example: Parm shares a story about a client who chose the lowest tender and the lessons learned from that experience.
- Lessons from Hospitality: Parm discusses what he’s learned from running a hospitality business and how those insights apply to cost management in construction.
- Challenging the Lowest Tender Mindset: Parm offers advice on how clients can move away from choosing the lowest tender and focus on selecting the right contractor.
Tune in to learn how to manage construction costs effectively and avoid the pitfalls of low tendering.
Your free OTB download
If you’re interested in the Contract Audit document Paul mentioned, message him on LinkedIn or at paul@c-link.com.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Hilan Shah, a QS and Founder of Construction Mastery a company whose mission is to create as many World Class Construction pros as possible that go on to uplift, influence and impact the construction industry.
Together, Paul and Hilan discuss how quantity surveyors (QSs) can advance their careers and become indispensable.
- Evolving Role of QSs: We explore how the QS profession is shifting from manual tasks to a knowledge-driven role, with automation and technology reshaping the landscape.
- Key Focus Areas: Hilan outlines four critical skills for QSs to stay relevant: expert knowledge, strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, and value optimisation.
- Lessons for Success: Hilan shares ten lessons from high achievers to help QSs progress faster and earn more, focusing on the concept of leverage.
- Adapting to Change: Hilan explains how QSs can make themselves indispensable during rapid technological change and highlights the importance of unique, high-quality skills.
Tune in to discover how to become a 10/10 QS and advance your career in the construction industry!
Your free OTB download
If you’re interested in the Contract Audit document Paul mentioned, message him on LinkedIn or at paul@c-link.com.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ali M Saad, an academic researcher and scholar on innovation, modernisation, digitalisation, and improvement in the UK construction industry. An advocate of change in an industry of traditionalists.
We explore the concept of 'innovation negativism'—how past failures in construction innovation have led stakeholders to be cautious about adopting new approaches like MMC. Ali examines the specific elements driving this sentiment and the misconceptions shaping it.
- We discuss the challenges of MMC adoption, particularly how working in silos affects project continuity and confidence in the approach. The conversation highlights the importance of standardisation in overcoming these challenges and ensuring smoother project execution.
- We address the lack of shared data and reliable evidence in MMC, which contributes to mistrust among clients and stakeholders.
- Ali outlines several key recommendations to help rebuild confidence in MMC, including developing a nationwide exemplar source to track successes and failures and creating synergy across different phases of MMC projects.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding MMC's future and overcoming the current challenges facing the sector.
Your free OTB download
If you’re interested in the Contract Audit document Paul mentioned, message him on LinkedIn or at paul@c-link.com.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Matthew Greenhalgh, Director at ICRS Consult, to explore the world of construction claims management and dispute resolution.
Matthew shares his journey in the construction industry, reflecting on the complexities of managing claims and why there is a lack of resources like books on this topic. He discusses the essential skills he developed to navigate this challenging field successfully.
- Key Strategies for Effective Claims Management: We explore Matthew's practical frameworks for managing construction claims, from variations to Extensions of Time (EOTs), and how these frameworks help ensure equitable resolutions for clients.
- The Importance of Variations: Matthew highlights why variations are often misunderstood or overlooked in claims and shares strategies for effectively demonstrating and managing variations to avoid costly disputes.
- Best Practices and Common Pitfalls: Matthew offers advice on best practices for claim submissions, including the importance of a comprehensive narrative and supporting documentation, while warning against the risks of recycling claim documents.
Tune in to discover valuable insights on managing construction claims effectively and learn how to strengthen your approach to dispute resolution!
Your free OTB download
If you’re interested in the Contract Audit document Paul mentioned, message him on LinkedIn or at paul@c-link.com.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This episode features Paul and Chris Barber, Chief Visionary Officer at C-Link, to tackle the challenges of managing Provisional Sums in construction projects.
- Provisional Sums in Focus: Chris explains what Provisional Sums are, their purpose in contracts, and the risks they pose if not properly managed.
- Realistic Scenario – Landscaping Provisional Sum: Imagine managing a high-rise project where a £250,000 Provisional Sum for landscaping balloons to £400,000 due to new requirements. Chris guides you through the first steps a world-class QS should take to reassess costs and communicate effectively with the client.
- Detailed Cost Analysis: Learn how to conduct a thorough cost analysis of new requirements and compare it against the original Provisional Sum to ensure accuracy.
- Negotiation and Client Management: Discover strategies for negotiating with clients and contractors, managing expectations, and securing additional funding where necessary.
- Updating the Contract: Understand how to adjust contracts to reflect new costs, including the legal implications and documentation needed to protect all parties.
- Mitigating Future Risks: Chris shares lessons learned and pre-emptive measures to minimise risks associated with Provisional Sums in future projects.
Tune in to gain practical insights into handling complex Provisional and Prime Cost Sums and ensuring your projects remain on track and within budget!
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook Your Mini Guide to Digital Signatures.
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Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Eric Anderton, an expert in construction leadership and author of 'Construction Genius.’ Since 2004, Eric has been instrumental in helping construction companies boost profits, reduce overheads, and build effective teams.
Paul shares his experience leading a team of quantity surveyors at a young age without formal training—a scenario all too common in the industry.
Eric offers his perspective on how leadership can be approached differently and more effectively. in helping construction companies boost profits, reduce overheads, and build effective teams.
- Eric discusses how he helps leaders manage situations where they are thrust into leadership roles without guidance.
- We explore the challenges of people management faced by technically skilled construction leaders and how Eric’s insights help them overcome these obstacles.
- We discuss how construction companies can better identify the right people to bring into their organisation and choose the right projects to pursue for success.
- Eric concludes by sharing his most important advice for anyone stepping into a leadership role in construction for the first time.
Eric’s book and a link to the High-Performance Dashboard are here.
Your free OTB download
If you’re interested in the Contract Audit document Paul mentioned, message him on LinkedIn or at paul@c-link.com.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Catch up on C-Link's Digital Maturity Event here - GET MY SEAT.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Iain McIlwee, the CEO of the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS), an organisation uniting the supply chain to raise standards and drive quality in the Finishes, Fit-out, and Interiors Sector.
Paul and Iain discuss the FIS Manifesto, drafted before the 2024 UK elections, and the often-overlooked topic of Contractor Design Portions.
- Modern procurement methods and their impact on productivity.
- Enhancing public sector procurement for better outcomes.
- Addressing unreasonable risk transfer with standard form contracts.
- Challenges in design development and responsibility allocation.
- The role of a standardised Design Responsibility Matrix (DRM).
- The importance of early contractor engagement and resolving design conflicts.
You can find the FIS Manifesto here.
Your free OTB download
If you’re interested in the Contract Audit document Paul mentioned, send him a message on LinkedIn or email at paul@c-link.com.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Register for your seat at the Digital Maturity Event for Free here - GET MY SEAT.
In this episode, Paul is joined by James Garner, Global Head of Data, Insights, and Analytics at Gleeds, to discuss the state of digital maturity in construction and the future of AI and data-driven technologies.
- Market Sentiment and Digital Maturity: James shares his reflections on current tendering trends, capacity issues in construction, and insights from a recent poll on digital maturity levels in the industry.
- Key Findings from the Global Digital Construction Outlook Survey 2024: An overview of the survey results, highlighting the effectiveness of digital tools and the benefits of digital transformation and AI in improving project outcomes.
- Challenges and Opportunities: James discusses the impact of political and regulatory changes, such as the EU AI Act and the UK AI Plan, on construction innovation and the potential risks of a global AI divide.
- Future Focus and AI Integration: Learn how AI assistants are being used to enhance efficiency and communication in construction and what industry professionals should focus on to stay ahead.
Tune in to discover how digital transformation will shape the future of construction and what steps you can take to embrace these changes!
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook Your Mini Guide to Digital Signatures.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Register for your seat at the Digital Maturity Event for Free here - GET MY SEAT.
This episode features Paul and Chris Barber, Chief Visionary Officer at C-Link, to break down the complexities of procuring a groundworks package.
- Defining Groundworks: Chris explains what groundworks involve—excavation, foundations, drainage, and site preparation—and why they are critical to project success.
- Impact on Project Success: Learn how the quality and timing of groundworks can affect a project’s schedule and budget and why careful planning is essential.
- Developing a Procurement Strategy: Discover how to build a world-class procurement strategy, including selecting the right subcontractors and balancing cost with quality.
- Negotiation Tactics: Get practical tips on negotiating fair and flexible contracts, plus real-life examples of successful groundworks procurement negotiations.
- Risk Management: Understand the unique risks in groundworks and explore strategies for mitigation, from site investigations to contingency planning.
Tune in for essential insights on mastering groundworks procurement and achieving outstanding results on your projects!
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook Your Mini Guide to Digital Signatures.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Rob Valenta, the Inventor of Claim Movies & Forensic Graphics used in Construction Disputes worldwide. Rob has 15 years of experience utilising this unique approach.
Paul and his guest explore the fascinating journey from no interest in construction to creating claim movies.
- Background and Transition: From art and design to construction claim movies.
- Innovative Techniques: Using animation and video editing for construction claims.
- Condensing Documentation: Transforming 50,000 pages into a 10-minute visual narrative.
- Reaching a Layman's Audience: Making complex information simple and compelling.
- Crafting Visual Trailers: Creating impactful visual stories for claims.
- Industry Response: Feedback from contractors, lawyers, and other stakeholders.
- Visual Psychology: Applying principles of cinematography to construction claims.
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook Your Mini Guide to Digital Signatures.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Patrick Carroll, QS and Founder of Carroll Estimating. This business provides a team of Contractor Quantity Surveyors and Estimators for less cost than one QS employee.
Paul and Patrick explore the intricacies of on-account payments and their critical role in maintaining smooth cash flow within construction projects.
- Challenges and Solutions: Common issues with on-account payments and strategies to ensure smoother transactions.
- Documenting and Following Up: Key steps subcontractors should take for timely payments.
- Accurate Payment Claims: The importance of accuracy in payment claims and best practices.
- Stories from the Field: Real-world examples of on-account payment challenges and successes.
- Frustrations and Solutions: Main contractors' frustrations are improving, and subcontractor transparency and communication are improving, especially during the tender stage.
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook Your Mini Guide to Digital Signatures.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Nicola Skarkey, a Quantity Surveyor and member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), delivering stand-out, easy-to-read construction market reports and strategic insights at Gleeds.
Paul and Nicola dive into the insights from Gleeds’ Q3 2024 Construction Market Report, which measures Market Sentiment to understand where we’re at as an industry:
- Sentiment Changes: Trends and shifts from Q2 to Q3.
- Interest Rates and Inflation: Current impact on the industry.
- Labour Supply and Skills Shortage: Developments and responses.
- Tendering Challenges: Trends in tendering and supply chain.
- Political and Regulatory Changes: Post-election impacts.
- Digital and AI Adoption: Progress in technology adoption.
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook Your Mini Guide to Digital Signatures.
Send us a text
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This episode features Paul and Chris Barber, the chief visionary officer at C-Link and a frequent guest on the show. Together, they delve into the transformative power of data visualisation for commercial teams.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The current state of data in the construction industry
- The importance of data visualisation for Main Contractors
- Personal experiences with data visualisation as a Quantity Surveyor and Commercial Director
- The impact of data visualisation on lead times, programme management, and contract risk assessment
Join us for a compelling discussion on how data visualisation tools can revolutionise construction procurement, streamline processes, and deliver significant benefits to all stakeholders, from subcontractors to clients.
If you want a demo of C-Link’s powerful data tools - CLICK HERE.
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Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Matthew Klinefelter, a Forensic Delay Analyst, Expert Witness and Director at Planetal Limited, a programme management consultancy offering full project lifecycle services to the construction industry.
Paul and Matthew dive into the complexities of delay analysis in construction and its impact on project success.
- Challenges and Solutions: Common issues in delay analysis and strategies to overcome them.
- Documenting and Following Up: Key steps to ensure timely and accurate delay analysis.
- Stories from the Field: Real-world examples highlighting challenges and successes.
- Frustrations and Solutions: Addressing main contractors' frustrations and improving subcontractor communication and transparency, especially during the tender stage.
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I’ve shared a link to the eBook Your Mini Guide to Digital Signatures.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ray Mellor-Pike, a QS and Managing Director of his Consultant QS practice.
In today’s conversation, Paul and Ray discuss leading construction teams with emotional intelligence, covering:
- Why good leadership is lacking in the industry
- The importance of humility and leading by example
- Communicating the 'why' to your team
- Using emotional intelligence to build high-performing teams
- Tactical empathy for resolving disputes
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook: Your Mini Guide to Digital Signatures.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Susan Francombe, Chair of the Adjudication Society and a distinguished Chartered Civil Engineer, Barrister, Adjudicator, and Arbitrator. Paul and Susan delve into Susan's remarkable career journey from engineer to adjudicator and explore what inspired her transition to the legal aspects of the industry.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Susan's career path from civil engineering to adjudication
- The appeal of the legal profession within the construction industry
- Creating pathways for young professionals in adjudication
- Enhancing the dispute resolution process for the industry
- A comparison between Adjudication and LVD MAP
Join us for an insightful discussion on the intersection of engineering and law, and discover how Susan shapes the future of dispute resolution in the construction sector.
Here is the Route to Panel link.
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Take advantage of our exclusive ROI Calculator. If you're a Quantity Surveyor or manage a QS team, this tool is necessary for saving work hours. View it here!
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This episode features Paul and Chris Barber, the chief visionary officer at C-Link, a frequent guest on the show. Together, they explore the transformative potential of Digital Tendering and its far-reaching implications for the construction industry.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The current state and inherent challenges of traditional tendering processes
- Best practices for tendering, highlighting the ideal tender process
- A visionary look at the future landscape of digital tendering
Join us for a compelling discussion on how Digital Tendering can revolutionise construction procurement, streamline processes, and deliver significant benefits to all stakeholders, from subcontractors to clients.
If you want a demo of our Digital Tendering Tools - CLICK HERE.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Rik Vere, Group Commercial Director at Stephenson Group, a specialist contractor in reinforced concrete frames and Shell & Core projects. Rik shares insights into how he establishes a non-adversarial culture within his commercial team, starting from the tender stage and continuing through the construction and post-construction phases.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Establishing a non-adversarial culture in commercial teams
- Key strategies to implement during the tender stage
- Best practices for contract management in Shell & Core projects
- Essential contract terms and how to get them right
Join us as we dive deep into the commercial processes that promote collaboration and efficiency, ensuring smoother project execution and successful outcomes.
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Take advantage of our exclusive ROI Calculator. If you're a Quantity Surveyor or manage a QS team, this tool is a must-have for saving work hours.View it here.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul meets Jason Cooney, Director at The Tender Team, a leading bid writing company that helps main and subcontractors craft winning bids. Throughout the conversation, Paul and Jason explore best practices for selecting the right projects to tender for, strategies to enhance bid conversion rates, and tips on maximising resources throughout the tendering process.
Key Topics Discussed:
- How to identify and focus on the most promising tender opportunities
- Techniques to improve your bid conversion rates
- Efficient resource management during the tendering process
Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice that can help streamline your bid writing efforts and boost your success rate.
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Don't miss out on our exclusive ROI Calculator. If you're a Quantity Surveyor or manage a QS team, this tool is a must-have for saving hours of work. Check it out here.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul meets Stuart Green, a Professor of Construction Management at the University of Reading.
Stuart researches construction sector policy and has just authored Making Sense of Construction Improvement. This book critically evaluates the construction improvement debate from 1945 to the modern era.
Across the episode, Paul and Stuart discuss the business models of Main Contractors, the evolution of construction procurement routes and how we can redesign the Built Environment as a sector to make the industry better for everyone.
You can find Stuart’s book HERE.
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I’ve shared a link to the eBook Construction Payment Mechanisms and Cycles.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Join Paul this week as he welcomes Len Bunton, the Founder of Bunton Consulting, Vice Chairman of Scottish Mediation, and Chairman of their Excellence in Mediation Committee. Len also currently chairs the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV), Commercial and Procurement Group.
In this episode, Paul and Len revisit the Conflict Avoidance Pledge (CAP), a vital initiative championed by the RICS, first discussed in Episode 130. Len shares the latest updates on the industry adoption of the pledge, highlights its successes, and provides his reflections on LVD MAP vs Adjudications.
Whether you’re familiar with CAP or new to the concept, this episode offers invaluable insights into how the sector is evolving to prevent disputes. Discover how your business can engage with these changes and gain inspiration from Len’s passion for transforming the industry.
Don’t miss this conversation on the future of conflict avoidance in construction.
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I’ve shared a link to the eBook Construction Payment Mechanisms and Cycles.
If you would like a copy of the Best Practice Guide or Case Study referred to in the show just email paul@c-link.com to request this.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul reunites with Richard Brackstone, a former Quantity Surveyor turned Consultant renowned for his innovative approach to providing executive-level support to construction companies, specialising in Risk Management and Commercial Best Practices.
Returning after his insightful episode 117 appearance, Richard delves into Mitigation Obligations within Construction Contracts, offering a deep exploration similar to our previous discussion on Provisional Sums.
Together, we unravel the complexities of mitigation strategies, covering acceleration, reasonable endeavours, best endeavours, and more crucial insights for effectively managing project delays.
If you're navigating project delays — whether caused by your team or external factors — this episode is a must-listen for invaluable guidance.
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook Construction Payment Mechanisms and Cycles.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Justin Fellows, the Founder of 53 Quantum, an Independent Quantity Surveying consultancy specialising in Expert Analysis for Construction Lawyers and Commercial Directors navigating complex claims and disputes.
Justin, a skilled Data Analyst, takes centre stage in this discussion focused on Data Visualisation. Discover how Justin leverages Data Visualisation to bolster his clients’ success in winning contentious claims and disputes. Delve into Justin’s “3R Rule” and uncover practical strategies to secure victory in your own upcoming claims. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of data-driven dispute resolution with Justin Fellows.
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I’ve shared a link to the eBook: Construction Payment Mechanisms and Cycles.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Jonah Balmford, Associate Director at Henry Riley, Head of Carbon Advisory, Head of APC, and an RICS Matrics Committee Member.
In today’s conversation, Paul and Jonah discuss the transition from QS to Project Manager that Jonah made, the differences and why Jonah recommends that any QS does it.
In his new role as Head of Carbon Advisory, we discuss the state of play regarding Carbon comprehension and how to bridge that knowledge knowledge. Carbon is a fascinating subsector for any construction professional to explore.
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook: Construction Payment Mechanisms and Cycles.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This episode features Paul and Chris Barber, the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper.
Together, they delve into the current state of supply chain management in the construction industry.
For many main contractors, supply chain management often boils down to an outdated Excel spreadsheet listing subcontractors. This antiquated method offers little real-time information and exposes stakeholders to unnecessary risks. But why does this persist as the norm?
Chris offers a compelling vision for the future of construction, where traditional spreadsheets become obsolete. Instead, main contractors can seamlessly visualise their supply chains in a unified platform, leveraging AI to handpick the most suitable contractors and access real-time business insights.
If you want a demo of our Integrated Supply Chain & PQQ product - CLICK HERE.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by William Doyle, CEO at Gather.
William is an RICS chartered quantity surveyor who founded Gather in 2017 to capture and analyse site data. Gather aims to do what currently takes hours, days, and weeks in seconds.
In today’s conversation, Paul and Wiiliam discuss the Office of National Statistics report that showed the UK Construction Industry was more productive in 1997 than today and how William believes Technology is set to revolutionise how we manage things, specifically data.
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Your free OTB downloadI’ve shared a link to the eBook: Tackling the UK’s Quantity Surveying Shortage
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Jon Watts, the Procurement and Supply Chain Director at Hayfield Homes.
In this follow-up to Episode 147, where they laid the groundwork on the disparities between Buying and Subcontract Procurement, Paul and Jon take their discussion to new heights.
Jon discusses in great detail today how he differentiates Strategic Procurement from General Buying and the art of negotiation, risk management, and much more. If you want to learn the best tactics to maximise procurement returns in construction, this episode is for you.
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I’ve shared a link to the eBook: Beyond Margin – how QS KPIs can transform your construction business.
Send us a Text Message.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Send us a Text Message.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Rob Hubbard, a QS and fellow of the RICS, an expert witness, adjudicator, arbitrator, and mediator.
In today’s conversation, Paul and Rob delve into a treasure test of dispute experience, whether mediation, adjudication, or arbitration. Rob shares three contract clauses catching people out in today’s market and provides guidelines on managing the process effectively and maximising your chances of success.
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook: Construction Payment Mechanisms and Cycles.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link.
Any main contractor knows the importance of getting subcontracts signed ASAP. Yet, many rely on condition precedents around payment to get contracts signed or just accept them by commencement clauses.
In today’s conversation, Chris explains his experiences as both Main and Subcontractor when it comes to contract execution and shares why he believes the Digital eSiganture will bring massive efficiencies to the construction industry and be a piece of the puzzle in freeing up Project Teams to be more successful.
If you want a demo of our DocuSign Integration product - CLICK HERE.
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We are excited to announce that you can now sign up and reserve a seat to our first C-Link Live Online Event - REGISTER HERE!
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I’ve shared a link to the article here: The Death of the Quill - and the Birth of the eSignature
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ray Mellor-Pike, a QS and Managing Director of his own Consultant QS practice.
In today’s conversation, Paul and Ray discuss the final account process and share experiences of how they have both approached the meetings in the past and how Ray now approaches all kinds of negotiations inspired by a podcast he listened to on hostage negotiations.
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Your Free Ticket to our Live Event
We are excited to announce that you can now sign up and reserve a seat to our first C-Link Live Online Event - REGISTER HERE!
--
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook: How Main Contractors Can Create a Sustainable Tender and Supply Chain Strategy.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Martin Burns, Head of ADR Research and Development at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Martin’s role is to develop tailored dispute avoidance and resolution strategies for governments and businesses in the UK and globally.
In today’s conversation, Paul and Martin discuss low-value disputes and the model Adjudication Procedure (LVD MAP) launched in 2020. Martin explains why he believes it is a superior dispute resolution process to adjudication in many cases.
LVD MAP could be the way for you to go if you have a dispute on your project.
Your Free Ticket to our Live Event
We are excited to announce that you can now sign up and reserve a seat to our first C-Link Live Online Event - REGISTER HERE!
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook: What happens when you’re late on a Payment Notice?
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Brian Moone FCIOB MRICS, the Director of Mace Business School. Brian is a former Project Manager and Director of Supply Chain Management at Mace.
In today’s conversation, Paul and Brian discuss the importance of an integrated Supply Chain, how Mace tries to tackle this in a totally unique way with its Business School and how the word collaboration can hold real meaning if both parties are serious about achieving it.
If you don’t know about Mace Business School, as I did not, this is a fascinating listen to understand the psyche of Mace when it comes to Supply Chain Management.
Your Free Ticket to our Live Event
We are excited to announce that you can now sign up and reserve a seat to our first C-Link Live Online Event - REGISTER HERE!
Your free OTB download
I’ve shared a link to the eBook: How Main Contractors Can Create a Sustainable Tender and Supply Chain Strategy.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.
For any Quantity Surveyor out there, whether you are a Trainee or now a Commercial Director, you will know the Tender Analysis process and likely won’t much enjoy the prospect of doing your next one.
Today’s conversation centres on the old, analogue Tender Equalisation and Analysis process versus how the future could look and the tool C-Link has built using AI to manage the process.
If you want a demo of our Tender Analysis product - CLICK HERE**.
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Your free OTB downloads**I’ve shared a link to the article: The Impact of AI and Machine Learning on Tender Analysis.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by two colleagues from Arup, Ian Gordon, a former QS who describes himself as “Doing some data stuff for the built & natural environment”, and Ola Gwozdz, who describes herself as a Data Philosopher.
In today’s conversation, Ola and Ian explain the importance of Data in the Built Environment and share how Arup works towards a data revolution and what this means for construction professionals.
Here is a link to the book Ola referenced - https://data-feminism.mitpress.mit.edu/
Your free OTB downloadI’ve shared a link to the eBook: Implications and Opportunities of a Design & Build Contract.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ellie Carswell, Award Winning Construction Project Manager | Founder and Chair of G4C Kent Club | Constructing Excellence Kent Vice Chair.
In this conversation, we discuss how Ellie sees the relationship between Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors and how this relationship can be improved to bring maximum value to the project.
We also discuss Ellie’s article about how to attract the next generation of talent to the industry, what she is doing about it and what she thinks we can all do to change the perception of construction.
Your free OTB downloadI’ve shared a link to the eBook Implications and Opportunities of a Design & Build Contract.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Doug Johnson, founder and director at Mesh Energy, an independent and trusted services consultant focusing on providing innovative sustainable energy services to clients, architects, and the construction industry.
In today’s conversation, we discussed the design process and how best to manage it, explicitly considering M & E and services design. So often, in my experience, clients pay less attention to service design than they should do in the early stages of the project, and Doug and I debate this topic and how best to incorporate and coordinate service designers into the Design Team.
Your free OTB downloadI’ve shared a link to the eBook: Your Guide to Value Engineering M & E Packages.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.
This week's conversation centres on an article about construction procurement routes. Main Contracting, as we know it, had its origins in the 19th century, and aside from the introduction of D & B Contracts in the 1980s, not much has changed.
In this episode, Paul and Chris explore why that is, what could change and how clients can create a better project environment for all involved.
Your free OTB downloadsI’ve shared a link to the article here: A New World for Main Contractors
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Sarah Fox, a construction contract expert and Director at 500 Words, who delivers simple digital trust-enhancing contracts to put construction companies in control.
In today’s conversation, we discussed Sarah’s book - “How to Write Simple and Effective Subcontract Agreements in Just 500 Words”. Sarah was inspired to write this book for “all the talented construction companies frustrated with horrific one-sided contracts”.
We discuss in today’s show how Main and Subcontractors should manage and negotiate Back-to-Back Main Contracts reasonably and fairly to benefit all parties involved.
You can download Sarah’s books here.
Your free OTB downloadI’ve shared a link to the eBook: Tackling the UK’s Quantity Surveying Shortage.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by William Temperley, Managing Director at Fortis Foundations, Civil Engineering and Piling Specialists serving the Rail, Civils, Energy, Residential and Water sectors.
Will is a fascinating individual who set up his own Specialist Contractor some years ago and has a fascination with company culture that stems from his experience of being an integral Rugby team member, so much so that he wrote a dissertation on company culture.
Today’s show discusses how his focus on culture and organisation has led him to create a thriving and fast-growing company. We talk about his experiences at other companies and how that led him to make the world-class culture he now has.
In the context of today’s labour shortage, this is such an important listen for all contractors.
Your free OTB downloadI’ve shared a link to the eBook: Tackling the UK’s Quantity Surveying Shortage.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Tom Haley, Director and Founder at Quantik. Tom is a Construction Claims Specialist and Quantum Expert Witness
Tom is a Commercial and procurement specialist with experience leading business units and significant projects in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong within main contractor, subcontractor and supplier businesses. He is an expert in commercial recovery, procuring for value and dispute resolution, with a track record of enhancing revenue, profit and cash.
In today’s show, we discuss the evolution of Contractor’s QSs as Tom reflects on 20 years in the industry and considers where we will be. We discuss data, QS' as Data Scientists and reflect on the Project Review/CVR process and debate how the Quantity Surveying profession and contractors generally need to evolve.
Your free OTB downloadI’ve shared a link to the eBook here: Tackling the UK’s Quantity Surveying Shortage.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.
Today’s conversation centres on a piece of research and writing that Paul undertook for the RICS, reflecting on how construction labour and materials costs developed in 2023 and focusing on 2024 and 2025.
The conversation turns to the growing concern that the construction labour shortage will lead to significantly increased costs for Subcontractors and Main Contractors. Paul and Chris debate which medium to long-term strategies and tactics Main Contractors can implement to ensure they defend against this, including discussing supply chain management, payment, and how to ‘position’ yourself as a main contractor that is different from your clients.
I’ve shared a link to the RICS article here: Why industry can look ahead with cautious optimism
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Anil Sawhney, Director of the Infrastructure Sector at the RICS.
Anil leads the emerging RICS initiative and strategy on placing and positioning the Institution within the field of excellent commercial management of projects globally with a primary focus on the (economic) Infrastructure sector, defined by the RICS as transport, utilities, energy and similar fields.
In today’s show, we discuss the data behind decarbonising construction, focusing on shifting our mentalities to a whole-of-life worldview - something Anil feels we don’t currently have.
If you want to understand better how the RICS and Anil, an industry-leading voice, plan to change the construction world, this episode is for you. I have placed linked below to some of the information referred to by Anil in the show:
- Whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) for the built environment (rics.org)
- ICMS: International Cost Management Standards (rics.org)
- RICS cost prediction professional statement, global 1st edition
- The power of data and technology for quantity surveyors and cost managers (rics.org)
Your free OTB downloadLooking for an Invitation to Tender template? We have created a document for you:
Invitation to Tender Template
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Louise Stewart, CEO and Founder at ProjectPay, a tech company revolutionising global payments in building and construction.
Louise argues that the construction industry’s payment landscape is riddled with inefficiencies, delays, and non-payments, especially for smaller players, and she wants to change this.
We talk about how ProjectPay is disrupting the world of construction payments and her vision for the industry’s future.
Your free OTB downloadLooking for an Invitation to Tender template? We have created a document for you: Invitation to Tender Template
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined in the studio by Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association, PhD in Applied Econometrics and Honorary Professor at the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, UCL.
Noble has been making waves in the industry with his easily digestible insights into market indicators such as brick deliveries and mortgage approvals. His posts provide followers with invaluable perspectives, offering genuine insights into the trajectory of the construction market.
In this compelling conversation, Paul brings Noble’s insightful posts to life, creating an engaging dialogue reflecting on the events of 2023. Together, they peer into the future, navigating the landscape of 2024 and delving into the identified risks and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Your free OTB downloadsI’ve shared a link to the eBook: Why Main Contractors seriously need a Tender Strategy.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.
In today’s conversation, Paul shares a recent conversation with a Tier 1 Main Contractor who explained all the “Pain Points” they had identified in their commercial department and how they wanted to remedy them.
If you are a Director at a Contractor, manage Quantity Surveyors or just a QS, many issues here will resonate. Paul and Chris reflect on their experience leading and working in Commercial Departments and explain why they built C-Link for many of the "Pain Points" identified.
**Your free OTB download:
Here is a link to the eBook here: How Main Contractors manage subbies today and how they will manage them tomorrow.**
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Rudi Klein, the Director at Klein Legal and former chief executive at the Specialist Engineering Contractors (SEC) Group. Rudi was involved in piloting the ‘Construction Act’ through the UK Parliament and originated Section 112 of the Act dealing with the right to suspend construction contracts for non-payment.
Today’s show discusses payment abuse being the industry’s dominant business model and what we can all do to change this. We discuss 120-day payment cycles, the demise of Carillion and other large Main Contractors in the recent past, and we turn to Project Bank Accounts and Retentions to change the status quo.
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Your free OTB download
Looking for an Invitation to Tender template? We have created a document for you:
Invitation to Tender Template
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Mike Wharton, Chief Executive Officer at Complete Roofing Systems, Allied Roofing and Roof Analytics. Mike is passionate about quality and standards in the delivery of construction and has had an exciting journey from Equity Analyst and Fund Manager to CEO at a roofing subcontractor.
Today’s show discusses the current economic climate and how it impacts construction’s Supply Chain.
As a Subcontractor, what is your process when a tender lands? Do you say, “Wahey, we have a job to price! Let’s get on and do it?” Or do you hesitate and think, “This is a potential new client, which is great, but it’s a tier one; why are they suddenly coming to us out of the blue?”
Mike shares his advice on operating in today’s market as a subcontractor, considering all the risks.
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Your free OTB downloadLooking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:
Final Account Statement Template
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Today’s Sponsor
Today’s Sponsor is Sablono. Track Free is a real-time tracker that’s connected directly to your construction site and it’s completely free!
To try it for free, Click Here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Jon Watts, the Procurement and Supply Chain Director at Hayfield Homes.
In today’s conversation, Paul and Jon discuss the relationship between the Procurement and Commercial Departments, and Jon explains how he manages collaboration between the two at Hayfield Homes.
Across the episode, we discuss Jon’s unique approach to Supply Chain relationships, how his experience in the RAF shapes his approach to work and most importantly, the best tactics to maximise procurement returns in construction.
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Your free OTB downloadsI’ve shared a link to the eBook here:
Beyond margin – how QS KPIs can transform your construction business.
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Today’s Sponsor
Today’s Sponsor is Sablono. Track Free is a real-time tracker that’s connected directly to your construction site and it’s completely free!
To try it for free, Click Here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.
In today’s conversation, Paul hosts the second episode of a new 4-weekly series titled The Future of Contracting. In today’s episode, we explore the topic of measuring QS performance and Chris shares why companies have to move away from only measuring QSs’ on financial performance.
This show will resonate if you are a QS or manage Quantity Surveyors. Paul and Chris reflect on their shared experience and quickly realise that the way QS have been measured for so long is fundamentally flawed if you want to discover how and what can be done about it, check the show out.
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Your free OTB downloadsI’ve shared a link to the eBook here: QS KPIs eBook.
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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Gary Davies from SubPort, an Award-winning Quantity Surveying Consultancy supporting Sub-Contractors to increase profits, improve cash and eliminate risk.
In today’s show, Paul and Gary discuss the art of the Application for Payment process, how to ensure you are always getting paid the right amount and on time and what to do if you are not.
In today’s economic environment, never has there been a better time to focus on cash flow, and this episode gives you the grounding.
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Your free OTB downloadLooking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:
Final Account Statement Template
--
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Michelle du Plessis, Managing Director and Co-founder at Shft, a leading one-stop BIM agency working with SMEs across the country to take the opportunities of BIM and digital technology.
In today’s show, Paul and Michelle talk about BIM. Michelle is a genuine expert in the space, and we discuss where we are up to with BIM, how things are changing and how Michelle and her team at Shft help contractors, especially SMEs, start to impact their bottom line with BIM.
A must-listen!
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Your free OTB downloadLooking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:
Final Account Statement Template
--
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by an experienced Construction Solicitor, Samuel Bawden, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Holmes & Hills. Samuel is also the Chair at Constructing Excellence Essex, and like the rest of us, he is highly passionate about construction.
In today’s show, Paul and Samuel discuss the options contractors have at their disposal when they are not being paid. If you’re not being paid and want to know what can/can’t be done, what processes are available to you and which one is best, tune in.
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Your free OTB downloadAre you looking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:
Final Account Statement Template
--
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper, and also a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.
In today’s conversation, Paul introduces the first episode of a new 4-weekly series titled The Future of Contracting. In today’s episode, we explore an eBook that Paul recently wrote titled Why Main Contractors seriously need a Tender Strategy. In the eBook and the show, we explore:
- 🔮 Why Main Contractors must embrace long-term thinking.
- 💰 The profound impact of dwindling subcontractor numbers on Main Contractor profits.
- 📊 Unveiling the blueprint for Main Contractors to master their supply chain through an ingenious tender strategy.
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Your free OTB downloads
I’ve shared a link to the eBook here: Why Main Contractors seriously need a Tender Strategy.
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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Cian Brennan, Managing Director at Quantum Contract Solutions, a company giving “contractual superpowers to construction companies”. Cian helps contractors navigate the choppy waters of construction projects and contracts and provides expert advice.
In this contractually focused conversation, we discuss the difference between Liquidated Damages and Consequential Damages and how you must negotiate both at the tender stage and throughout the contract's lifecycle. As always with Cian, real-life examples are brought to the table, and we share best practices if you get into similar positions.
Your free OTB download
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the download below:
- Late Payment Notices - What do you do?
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Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In the studio today, I am joined by Gavin Coyle, CEO of Coyle Group, a Group of Companies serving the safety sector in the construction industry. Gavin is a thought leader, speaker, and safety mentor and holds a level 9 MBS in workplace Safety from DCU, a Diploma in Safety, a Certificate in Law, and a Diploma in Corporate Governance.
In today’s conversation, Gavin talks about his experience in the Construction Industry, the regular pushback from Commercial and Procurement teams regarding Health and Safety and how he believes you can make Health and Safety a Profit Centre, not a cost.
Gavin is uber passionate about this topic and is a keynote speaker at many high-profile events. His views on Health and Safety will absolutely change your perspective.
Your free OTB download
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the download below:
- Late Payment Notices - What do you do?
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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Dan Macpherson, Executive Director at Henry Riley, who is industry-leading in Construction Consultancy, cost management, health and safety and project management services.
In today’s conversation, Dan talks about Emotional Intelligence in team management, project management and commercial management and how he applies his own Emotional Intelligence to successfully execute projects.
Dan sees Emotional Intelligence as not just a way to improve profit margins but also to secure the long-term success of your business and team as well.
Your free OTB downloadAs promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to a free download below:
- Prequalification Questionnaire Template
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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In the studio today, I am joined by Abbie Chisnall, a construction solicitor at Holmes & Hills Solicitors. Abbie is a Construction Lawyer who helps construction companies to avoid costly disputes and keep the money flowing within the industry.
In today’s conversation, Abbie shares how more and more she sees wrongful termination impact Construction Contracts. Most construction contracts contain termination clauses that give parties the right to terminate in certain circumstances. However, Abbie is more on cases where the correct procedure has not been followed.
Abbie shares stories of her experience and explains how to avoid making mistakes in termination and how to react if you have been wrongfully terminated.
Your free OTB download
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to a free download below:
- Prequalification Questionnaire Template
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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Peter Jackson, the Managing Director of Seddon Housing Partnerships, a family-owned Main Contractor, now in its 125th year, operating across the Northwest.
Peter is a keen listener of the show and got in touch to talk about the supply chain, how main contractors should manage them and changes he’s made to how Seddon works off the back of listening to some of the shows.
In today’s conversation, Peter shares how he has recently pivoted the way he manages his subcontract supply chain, talks through a recent supply chain ‘conference’ he held inviting his subcontract partners in for a meeting and why he feels the need to update his approach to supply chain management.
If you are a Main Contractor, this show is a must-listen.
Your free OTB downloadAs promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to a free download below:
- Prequalification Questionnaire Template
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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
In the studio today, I am joined by Connor Mennell. Connor is a Construction solicitor specialising in transactional and contentious dispute work at Gordons LLP.
Connor has negotiated and advised on the terms of building contracts and knows the JCT and NEC standard forms. Connor also has experience resolving disputes through litigation, adjudication and mediation and providing commercial advice during ongoing projects to avoid formal disputes.
In today’s conversation, Connor talks about Collateral Warranties, what they are, why the industry has them and how to get them right. I was on an incredibly high-profile project once, where the client was a huge bank, and they asked for a Collateral Warranty, but they did so post-contract, and it was a drawn-out and expensive affair which Connor says is not unusual.
In this episode, we discuss how to avoid these pitfalls. You must listen to this episode if you’re a QS or a Main Contractor.
Your free OTB downloadAs promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to a free download below:
- Prequalification Questionnaire Template
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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Martin Paver, CEO and Founder of Projecting Success, a passionate team of visionaries, project managers and data scientists on a mission to change how we deliver projects.
Invited back onto the show a year after his first visit on Episode 88, Martin talks about how AI and Machine Learning are impacting the construction industry today and how they will change the future role of the Quantity Surveyor. Across this fascinating conversation, you get a real insight into the future, and Martin shares his ambitions for creating a “Project Brain” to power all projects.
If you want a sneak peek into the future of construction, you will love the show, and if you’re interested in the apprenticeship, you can find that here.
Your free OTB download
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the EOT Template below:
- JCT Extensions of Time
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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Want to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
This week, Paul is joined by Carlene Goodearl, the Lead Commercial Manager at Anchor, a provider of specialist housing and a Board Member at Women in Social Housing.
Carlene is a construction manager turned commercial manager. In today’s show, we discuss her journey in construction and focus heavily on her role as a client-side QS, discussing how to manage her Main Contract Supply Chain and the pre-construction phase, including the handover from Estimator to QS.
Your free OTB downloadAs promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the EOT Template below:
- JCT Extensions of Time
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showWant to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Peter Searle, Founder of Searle Management Consulting, a consultancy focused on making Contracting businesses more and more profitable.
In today’s show, Paul and Peter discuss project delays - the Delay and Disruption Protocol drafted by the Society of Construction Law, As-Planned vs. As-Built and how to submit a successful extension of time claim.
If you are on a project with delays (basically everyone!), wrap your ears around this episode to improve your chance of a profitable outcome.
Your free OTB download
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the EOT Template below:
- JCT Extensions of Time
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showWant to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Andrew Knight, Global Data & Tech Lead at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), who I think everyone will have heard of. Andrew is a highly experienced technology specialist and is currently leading the program to develop, enhance and gain adoption of RICS’ Data Standards.
In today’s show, Paul and Andrew discuss how a Quantity Surveyor’s skillset is already changing regarding cost estimation, take-offs and more while focusing on Chat GPT and a recent report on AI by Boston Consulting Group.
86% of workers need to be up-skilled to cope with the changes that AI will bring; this episode is your first step.
Your free OTB download
Have you ever wished you could summarise a contract in a couple of pages for yourself or your project team?
Last week, Paul mentioned the Contract Audit document that perfectly summarises a construction contract in just 3 pages. If you’d like access to that, drop Paul a line below, and he will share it.
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
This week, Paul is joined by an experienced Construction Solicitor, Samuel Bawden, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Holmes & Hills. Samuel is also the Chair at Constructing Excellence Essex, and like the rest of us, he is highly passionate about construction.
In today’s show, Paul and Samuel discuss common legal and commercial issues in construction contracts and the mistakes contractors often make.
Your free OTB download
Have you ever wished you could summarise a contract in a couple of pages for yourself or your project team?
Paul mentioned the Contract Audit document that perfectly summarises a construction contract in just 3 pages. If you’d like access to that, drop Paul a line below, and he will share it.
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
This week, Paul is joined by Len Bunton, the Founder of Bunton Consulting, Vice Chairman of Scottish Mediation, and Chairman of their Excellence in Mediation Committee. Len is also currently the Chairman of the Construction Industry Collective Voice, Commercial and Procurement Group.
In today’s show, Len talks passionately about the Conflict Avoidance Pledge, a pledge championed by the RICS and signed by many industry leaders to recognise the importance of conflict avoidance on projects. Len talks about his experiences of Adjudications and Mediations and shines a light on how this pledge can improve the industry.
You can SIGN THE PETITION FOR PROJECT BANK ACCOUNTS HERE.
Your free OTB download
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering eBook below:
- The Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
This week, Paul is joined by Cian Brennan, Managing Director at Quantum Contract Solutions, a company giving “contractual superpowers to construction companies”. Cian helps contractors navigate the choppy waters of construction projects and contracts and provides expert advice.
In this contractually focused conversation, we discuss two real-life examples of contractors getting into a pickle. One is where they were told by the client to wrap multiple variations into a single agreement, and then it all came unstuck, and the other is when they were required to procure a nominated subcontractor.
Cian shares the stories and best practices if you get into similar positions.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering eBook below:
- The Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Owen Drury, a QS and now the Co-Founder of Bilt Renovation, a contractor bringing Residential Home Construction into The 21st Century.
In today’s conversation, Owen and I discuss the future of construction. Owen hosts the Bricks & Bytes Podcast interviewing construction technology founders and understands what it takes for technology to break through and what is coming.
We talk about how main contractors, subcontractors and construction professionals can prepare for the future and get ahead of the competition by adapting and taking on board new tech.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering eBook below:
- The Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Sean Bradley, Contract & Commercial Management Consultant at SB Consultancy. Sean is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, a Fellow of the RICS and has over 30 years of project & commercial management experience on major Civils & Building projects.
In today’s conversation, Sean and I discuss claim strategy. What do I mean by this? We have talked about records in recent weeks, and this fits into a more comprehensive process of how you can prepare your business to avoid claims but be best prepared for dispute resolution if it comes to it.
Sean’s experience as a Commercial Director for a large contractor and now a Party Representative leaves him very placed to share his thoughts in a fascinating conversation.
Your free OTB download
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the Design & Build download below:
- Implications and Opportunities of a Design & Build Contract
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Michelle Hands, a Construction Engineer👷♀️Public speaker 📣 Filmmaker & Content Creator and the Director of She who dares, WINS.
Michelle has spent the last 16 years as a Construction Engineer/land Surveyor and, in addition to that, is now dedicating her time to help empower and inspire women who work in traditionally male-dominated fields with her She who dares WINS platform and YouTube channel.
In today’s honest conversation, Michelle shares some stories from her 16 years on-site as a woman, how things were, how things have changed and how the industry can be a more welcoming place for women.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the Design & Build download below:
- Implications and Opportunities of a Design & Build Contract
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Guy Jackson, who is the Founding Partner at Overford, a chartered quantity surveying practice that specialises in problem-solving complex construction and engineering matters.
Guy is a Fellow of the RICS and the CIArb and holds a BSc in Construction Commercial Management, an MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, and a Graduate Diploma in Law.
In today’s conversation, Guy and I debate the best strategies for both Main and Subcontractors when the subcontractor threatens to walk off-site due to payment. We discuss why subcontractors should never walk off-site and, instead, what they should do while at the same time looking at things from a main contractor’s perspective too.
This happened to me a lot, so it was a great debate, and I think you will enjoy it too.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the Design & Build download below:
- Implications and Opportunities of a Design & Build Contract
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Chirag Shah for something different a bit different. Chirag is a recruitment expert, founder, and principal consultant at PACE Global, a Project Controls Recruitment Expert (View the Community Website Here).
Chirag is a construction recruiter with almost 20 years of experience in Project Control and Commercial roles. Chirag’s mission is to deliver clients the best quality Project Controls personnel and help graduate to director-level employees progress in their careers.
In today’s conversation, Chirag explains the state of play in the employment market for both employees and employers, shares some tales of woe about recruiting Quantity Surveyors and Project Controls professionals in the past and provides for both employees and employers on how best to navigate today’s marketplace.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the Design & Build download below:
- Implications and Opportunities of a Design & Build Contract
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Co-Founder at Prosper, a platform helping subcontractors to scale their business and also a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.
In today’s conversation, Chris talks about his recent Open Letter to the Construction Minister backing Project Bank Accounts to protect against the growing crisis of construction insolvencies for SMEs. We debate what a Project Bank Account is, whether it would bring the desired benefits and where people can sign the petition.
You can SIGN THE PETITION HERE.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the Design & Build download below:
- Implications and Opportunities of a Design & Build Contract
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Sarah Fox, a construction contract expert and Director at 500 Words, who deliver simple digital trust-enhancing contracts to put construction companies in control.
In today’s conversation, we talk about Letters of Intent. Have you ever written a letter of intent in a hurry on a Friday afternoon because works HAVE to start on a Monday?
If you have, you need to listen to the show. We discuss what Letters of Intent are, what common errors contractors make with them and what the typical pitfalls of issuing them are.
To learn more, you can buy Sarah’s book here.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to two of the two free downloads below:
- A Bill of Quantities Template
- A Vesting Certificate Template
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Emma Stewart, MBE, Co-Founder at TimeWise. Emma is a social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience working with people, policymakers and businesses to tackle inequalities, improve the world of work and deliver tangible social impact.
Emma is passionate about inspiring social change and contributes to numerous government task forces, reports and initiatives, and is a regular media commentator on how to shape better, fairer labour markets and raise family living standards.
The episode was designed as a follow-on to episodes 104 and 111, which focused on whether a 4-day working week was possible in construction and how to get a better work-life balance.
In today’s conversation, Emma explains how TimeWise is changing the world of work through flexible working. We discuss the recent report “Making Construction a Great Place to Work” and the follow-on report “One Year On” and discuss how flexible working can improve the sector and all our lives.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to two of the two free downloads below:
- A Bill of Quantities Template
- A Vesting Certificate Template
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, I am joined by Connor Mennell. Connor is a Construction solicitor specialising in transactional and contentious dispute work at Gordons LLP.
Connor has negotiated and advised on the terms of building contracts and knows the JCT and NEC standard forms. Connor also has experience resolving disputes through litigation, adjudication and mediation and providing commercial advice during ongoing projects to avoid formal disputes.
In today’s conversation, Connor talks of his experience resolving smash-and-grab adjudications for his clients. Smash and grab adjudications are on the rise and can be costly, so it is critical to understand them, protect your project against them and be able to defend yourself if they happen.
You must listen to this episode if you’re a QS or a Main Contractor.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to two of the two free downloads below:
- A Bill of Quantities Template
- A Vesting Certificate Template
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Yosof Ewing. Yosof is Head Coach at The Contract Coach, who advises construction businesses that wish to work differently and avoid disputes before they happen.
Yosof has a wealth of experience as an Expert Witness, Mediator, and Adjudication Party Representative and is a Fellow of the Institute of Construction Claims Practitioners. In today’s conversation, we focus on how to avoid disputes by being the party with better records. We discuss how record keeping differs between main and subcontractors and what contractors can do to set themselves apart.
The topic is relevant to every project, and in my opinion, record-keeping is a habit every project and contractor needs to take.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to two of the two free downloads below:
- A Bill of Quantities Template
- A Vesting Certificate Template
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, we have Lawrence Pearce, a construction solicitor at Holmes & Hills Solicitors. Lawrence is a Construction Lawyer who helps construction companies to avoid costly disputes and keep the money flowing within the industry.
Lawrence is a contract law episode, and everyone should follow him on LinkedIn for fantastic insight. In today’s conversation, we focus on Entire Agreement clauses, which Lawrence has seen become a bigger and bigger problem in the sector. Do you know what an entire agreement clause is? If not, you need to listen to this, as your tender could be invalid!
A must-listen for all commercially minded construction professionals.
Your free OTB downloadsAs promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to two of the two free downloads below:
- A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire for subcontractors
- A Project Execution Plan Template
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Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, we have Richard Brackstone, CEO of RB Management and Consulting Ltd. Richard is a QS turned consultant who’s unique consultancy has an innovative approach providing specialist, executive-level support to companies in construction with a focus on Risk Management and Commercial Best Practices.
In this focused episode on Provisional Sums, Richard explains what Provisional Sums are, how they are different from PC sums and how to use both defined and undefined provisional sums. Richard explains best practices and how many contractors and subcontractors often fall down when using Provisional Sums.
Here is a link to Richard’s paper and this is a must-listen for all commercially minded construction professionals.
Your free OTB downloadsAs promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to two of the two free downloads below:
- A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire for subcontractors
- A Project Execution Plan Template
--
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
Support the showPaul would love to connect. You can find his LinkedIn here.
In the studio today, we have Daniel Parker, the UK Country Manager for easyToolhire, a platform that simplifies the rental of tools, equipment and machinery. Daniel is a serial entrepreneur interested in blockchain and property and generally doing some good and is currently growing the easyToolhire here in the UK.
In this fascinating episode, Daniel explains easyToolhire’s unique business model and talks about his experience of trying to innovate and breakthrough in the construction industry. We debate whether contractors should buy or hire plant, particularly in the context of today’s economy.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to two of the two free downloads below:
- Final Account Statement
- Risk Register
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by In the studio today we have Cian Brennan, Managing Director at Quantum Contract Solutions, a company giving “contractual superpowers to construction companies”. Cian helps contractors navigate the choppy waters of construction projects and contracts and provides expert advice.
In this contractually focused conversation, we discuss two real-life examples of contractors who were either not being paid for a variation or for an extension of time (two things I’m sure most people are familiar with!). Cian provides terrific advice on navigating your way out of these situations.
You can find Cian’s podcast, Construction Secrets, by clicking here.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to two of the two free downloads below:
- Final Account Statement
- Risk Register
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Andrew Knight, Global Data & Tech Lead at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), who I think everyone will have heard of. Andrew is a highly experienced technology specialist and is currently leading the program to develop, enhance and gain adoption of RICS’ Data Standards.
In this episode, we again focus on the future of the Quantity Surveying role.
We discuss how data is being monetised today, how it will be monetised in the future, and most importantly, how Quantity Surveyors can be a big part of that. The RICS have recently adopted Data Standards, and Andrew’s role is to talk about this and explain how Quantity Surveyors and SMEs can build their data analytics capability.
This is an excellent follow on to our viral episodes 88 and 90 on the future of the QS. Check them out if you’ve not before.
Your free OTB download
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to a free eBook titled the Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering.
- The Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Mike Wharton, Chief Executive Officer at Complete Roofing Systems, Allied Roofing and Roof Analytics. Mike is passionate about quality and standards in the delivery of construction and has had an exciting journey from Equity Analyst and Fund Manager to CEO at a roofing subcontractor.
I believe that often Main contractors consider subcontractors a commodity and then are disappointed by the lack of quotes they receive. Usually, I think this is due to the approach and presentation of main contract enquiry documents. During today’s show, we explore how subcontractors view tenders that arrive into their business: what they perceive as an interesting tender and what is a laughable one.
If you’re a main contractor, this will be a real eye-opener, and if you’re a subcontractor, this will hopefully educate you on some top tips to mirror in your business.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to a free eBook titled the Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering.
- The Ultimate Guide to Subcontract Tendering
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Nicola Barden, Managing Director at BSF Solid Surfaces, a specialist subcontractor specialising in 3D Thermoforming and producing bespoke centrepiece designs since 1998.
During today’s show, we talk about inflation and how this has affected Nicola’s business in the past few years. Nicola shares tactics on how she has managed her relationship with her suppliers and then with her clients to ensure that her business best navigated this situation.
In this entertaining episode, Nicola also shares her thoughts on retention, payment and how she would improve construction.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared some links to free downloads on templates and guides we wrote below:
- Vesting Certificate Template
- EoT Template
- Guide to the JCT Design and Build Contract
If there are other documents, you’d like us to share/produce. Please get in touch with me at paul@c-link.com.
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Parag Prasad, a Business Coach, focusing heavily on construction. Managing Director at The Business Growth Agency. Parag was awarded London Business Coach of the Year 2019, 2020 and 2021 and focuses heavily on architecture and knows our sector well.
The episode was designed as a follow-on to episode 104, which focused on whether a 4-day working week was possible in construction.
“Construction workers are putting in more than 5 hours per week than the average worker in Britain. British workers already spend considerably more time working than the rest of Europe.”
In this thought-provoking and informative episode, Parag talks about his experience coaching individuals in the construction and architecture sector on balancing work and life for the betterment of their health and also business performance.
A truly valuable listen for all in construction.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared some links to free downloads on templates and guides we wrote below:
- Vesting Certificate Template
- EoT Template
- Guide to the JCT Design and Build Contract
If there are other documents you’d like us to share/produce. Please get in touch with me at paul@c-link.com.
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Samantha Mepham, Partner - National Head of Health and Safety Services at Rider Levett Bucknall, a global Quantity Surveying and Construction consultancy.
In this thought-provoking and informative episode, Samantha first explains how the Building Safety Act will impact contractors and what they should do to adapt to the legislation.
Beyond this, the conversation turns to the Grenfell disaster and how value engineering played a big part in the tragedy. From this, we talk about what Quantity Surveyors and procurement professionals should learn from this in the context of value engineering.
A truly valuable listen for construction professionals at contractors.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared some links to free downloads on templates and guides we wrote below:
- Vesting Certificate Template
- EoT Template
- Guide to the JCT Design and Build Contract
If there are other documents, you’d like us to share/produce. Please get in touch with me at paul@c-link.com.
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient Quantity Surveyors available in the market. At C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Co-Founder at Prosper, a platform helping subcontractors to scale their business and also a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.
In today’s conversation, Chris talks about how main contractors need to start managing subcontractors with empathy and, if they do not, why subcontractors should push back. Chris has worked as a Main and Subcontract QS and leans into his experience on both sides to share his best practice advice.
A must-listen for all Quantity Surveyors and anyone doing procurement.
Your free OTB downloads
As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared some links to free downloads on templates and guides we wrote below:
- Vesting Certificate Template
- EoT Template
- Guide to the JCT Design and Build Contract
If there are other documents you’d like us to share/produce. Please get in touch with me at paul@c-link.com.
--
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Dale Sinclair, the Head of Digital Innovation at WSP. Many of you will know WSP, but if you don’t, WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering professional services firms, with 42000 employees across 40+ countries.
In today’s conversation, Dale explains the term ‘Kit-of-parts’ and its relevance to us in the construction sector. Across the conversation, Dale explains how a kit-of-parts will change the way we work and what it might do to the role of the Architect and the QS moving forward.
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Chris Ritson, Senior Risk & Uncertainty Consultant at Safran, a software company building a unified project management solution to help organisations confidently tackle complex capital projects.
Chris is an out-and-out risk expert, and Paul wanted to interview him to fully understand the difference between how a Risk Manager and a QS manage risks and what QS’ could learn.
Across the episode, we cover parametric modelling, Montecarlo simulations and best practice when managing risks and opportunities. Chris advises best setting up projects and project teams to manage risks. If you work construction risks - you really should listen in.
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Ian Hepstinall, an Associate Professor in Project Management at the University of Birmingham, a coach, an advisor, and the Author of the Executive Guide to Breakthrough Project Management.
Ian is a firm believer in changing the industry. In this conversation, he shares his slightly radical thoughts on changing the industry’s mentality and approach to project management. Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.” Ian thinks that the construction industry is doing just that.
This episode will give you real food for thought if you are a construction professional.
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market. At C-Link, we completed a survey that found that 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Tim Danson, Technical Director of Sustainability at WSP in the UK. Many of you will know WSP, but if you don’t, WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering professional services firms, with over 60,000 employees across 40+ countries.
In today’s conversation, Tim talks about how in 2022, humans used a year’s worth of the earth’s resources in just seven months and how he believes the circular economy can help us. Tim’s passion for the circular economy and how it can change the way we work as a sector is evident, and we talk about the business case for us all moving towards it.
The article Paul refers to in the podcast is available to read here.
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market. At C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Joe Ryle, Director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, Media and Comms Lead for the think tank Autonomy and former advisor to the Shadow Chancellor.
Joe is leading the campaign for a four-day, 32-hour working week with no loss of pay, which he argues would benefit workers and employers. In this thought-provoking conversation, Joe lays out the benefits of the 4-day working week for all and then discusses how it could and if it could work in construction - particularly in the context of time-based pay (i.e. day works on site and charging per hour as a consultant).
Here’s the link to the report on a 4-day working week in construction.
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Angela Mansell, Managing Director at Mansell Build, one of the UK’s longest-established and most experienced sub-contractors in the field of SFS, plastering, partitioning, dry-lining and rendering.
In today’s conversation, Angela describes her experiences of how main contractors generally treat sub-contractors - what works, what doesn’t work and how she would change the industry. Across the episode, we cover how her supply chain management approach is different from that of main contractors and how she wants them to change.
If you are a Main Contract or Subcontract QS, this episode will provide you with real food for thought and is a must-listen.
Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Simon Robinson, a Quantity Surveyor and the Director at Subport, an Award Winning Quantity Surveying Consultancy Supporting Subcontractors to secure their profits.
In today’s conversation, Simon and Paul debate how to improve the relationship between Main Contractors and Subcontractors. Across the episode, we discuss how Main Contractors can better manage Subcontractors and the top 10 commercial tricks that both sides should be mindful of before signing a contract.
If you are a Main Contract or Subcontract QS, this episode will provide you with real food for thought and is a must-listen.
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Are you struggling with a lack of Quantity Surveyors?
A recent RICS Survey found that 54% of main contractors reported insufficient numbers of Quantity Surveyors available in the market, and at C-Link, we completed a survey that found 80% of companies find it challenging to recruit QS at the moment.
Are you one of those companies?
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by Patricia Haywood, the Director and Commercial Lead at Haywood Consulting, a construction consultancy leveraging contracts to drive profits. Patricia is a lawyer, QS, adjudicator, mediator, and much more.
In this highly insightful episode, Patricia and Paul debate what “getting the contract right” means for Main Contractors and how this is different for subcontractors. Across the conversation, we touch on back-to-back contracts, variations and tender submissions.
Patricia’s experience as both a lawyer and a Quantity Surveyor places her perfectly to give some candid advice on how construction projects should be managed commercially.
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Want a demo of C-Link’s new feature?
Over the last few weeks, Paul has talked about C-Link’s procurement software which saves QS’ 600 hours per project. If you are short on time or QS - you really should see it!
Book a demo by clicking here.
In this landmark episode, Own the Build has a first in having three special guests in the studio. Paul is joined by Katie Hathaway (Head of Business Engagement and Communications), Natalie King (Operations Director) and Nicola Bird (Managing Director) at AccXel, the UK’s first industry-led, co-funded construction school.
In this funny and heart-warming conversation, Katie, Natalie and Nicola talk about their inspiration for founding AccXel being to save a family business and that this is now the wider industry:
“AccXel is not just a training school; it is an ideology based on experience, data, strong values and the aspiration of future-proofing the industry.”
The work being done at AccXel is genuinely phenomenal, and all in construction should want to understand it better. As promised, you can find links to our guest's LinkedIn profiles below:
- Katie
- Natalie
- Nicola
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Want a demo of C-Link’s new feature?
C-Link’s procurement software saves QS’ 600 hours per project. If you are short on time or QS's - you really should see it!
Book a demo with paul at paul@c-link.com or by clicking here.
This week, we’re doing something a little different.
As we approach a century of episodes, Paul reflects on five moments from the Own the Build catalogue to date, which he feels he personally extracted the most from, and thanks all the Own the Build listeners for their ongoing support - without you, we’d be nothing!
If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave us a review or feel free to get in touch with Paul on LinkedIn or by email (paul@c-link.com).
Want a demo of C-Link’s new feature?
C-Link’s procurement software saves QS’ 600 hours per project. If you are short on time or QS's - you really should see it!
Book a demo with paul at paul@c-link.com or by clicking here.
This week, Paul is joined by David Nash, the Director of Strategy and Policy at The ECITB, a non-departmental public body supporting training and skills development across the engineering construction industry in England, Scotland and Wales.
At the show’s beginning, Paul shares a story about a client struggling to resource a QS. Perhaps this is something your business is experiencing right now?
If so, you are not alone. David is a highly knowledgeable individual on labour policy today, and he shares his insights on how the construction labour market can be reshaped. The conversation covers 3d printing, robotics and the future construction workforce, with David demonstrating exactly why the sector needs an institution like and a levy from the ECITB.
Want a demo of C-Link’s new feature?
At the top of the show, Paul explained about C-Link’s new forecast final account tool - if you’d like to see it. Book a demo with paul at paul@c-link.com or by clicking here.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Ross Griffin, the Founder & Chief Commercial Specialist at KOSMOS, which provides specialist commercial management advice to the Nordic & Irish construction industries.
Paul and Ross talk about their experiences working as Quantity Surveyors outside the UK and Ireland and how other countries perceive the profession. Ross is a big believer that the role of the QS is changing rapidly, and he talks about how he uses digital tools to create value for his clients and the design team throughout the project with a real focus on pre-construction.
Ross is a fascinating chap, and as promised, here’s his LinkedIn profile.
Want a demo of C-Link’s new feature?
At the top of the show, Paul explained about C-Link’s new forecast final account tool - if you’d like to see it. Book a demo with paul at paul@c-link.com or by clicking here.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Jo Lucas, Director of Co.Cre8, a consultancy enabling thriving project eco-systems through knowledge, networks, and behaviours and also by Gareth Evans, the CEO at Smart Procurement Solutions, a consultancy that positively disrupts the status quo of construction procurement.
In an exceptionally insightful conversation, Jo and Gareth talk about the fragility of construction’s supply chain, how that has been exposed in recent years and how they advise their clients to defend against both the challenges we face today and will face tomorrow.
If you are a main contractor, this episode is definitely one for you.
Want a demo of C-Link’s new feature?
In last week’s show, Paul explained about C-Link’s new CVR tool - if you’d like to see it. Book a demo with paul at paul@c-link.com or by clicking here.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by James Major, the Founder of Hubb.pro. HubbPro is an AI-Powered Platform Revolutionising The Design Of Low Carbon, Net-Zero Homes. James is a genuine M & E expert, and he is here to tell us how to procure and manage M & E packages.
M & E packages are often the most complex, challenging and risky packages to deliver on a construction project, and James is a genuine M & E expert. During this insightful episode, James explains how to procure and manage M & E packages to reduce time, cost, and stress.
Want a demo of C-Link’s new feature?
At the show’s beginning, Paul explained C-Link’s new CVR tool - if you’d like to see it. Book a demo with Paul at paul@c-link.com or by clicking here.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Charlene Colas, the Founding Managing Partner from Bespok Construction Consultants. Charlene is an Advisor in the Built Environment and a genuine enthusiast on AI, Blockchain and the Crypto-Economy.
Charlene tells us how Blockchain technology will change the future of construction; she explains how you can prepare for it; and why you should be excited. In this entertaining conversation, Charlene also explains why she set up her construction consultancy and shares her advice on how others can follow a similar path.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Mark Herbert who is a Construction Insurance expert from Construction Insure.
Mark takes great pride in educating clients on their needs and why they need certain policies to cover their builds and companies. In this highly insightful episode, Mark provides thoughtful advice on managing the Final Account Process, given his many years of supporting construction companies through the process.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Michael Downes, a Solicitor/Construction Expert at Gordons LLP, a law firm from Yorkshire.
In this highly insightful episode, Michael provides thoughtful advice on managing the Final Account Process, given his many years of supporting construction companies through the process. Paul and Michael discuss best practices, common pitfalls and, in general, how best to manage the overall approach to ensure you deliver the best outcome for your project.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Neil Boothroyd, an Adjudicator, Mediator, Arbitrator and Quantum Expert Witness at Gateley Vinden, which is a multi-disciplinary quantity surveying consultancy.
In this fascinating chat, Neil explains how more and more disputes are being resolved by Mediation and why he thinks this is a good thing. Neil talks about his experience with Adjudications and Arbitration, how Mediation differs, and why construction companies should look to it to resolve disputes.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Heather Evans, a Partner and the National Head of Sustainability at Rider Levett Bucknall, a Global Construction and Property Consultancy.
In this entertaining conversation, Heather explains how Quantity Surveying can survive the upcoming AI revolution in construction and not become extinct by linking cost and carbon.
Heather’s experience is that cost consultants are now being asked about the commercial implications of sustainability and how ESG can drive a whole new revolution in the role of the Quantity Surveyor.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Diego Padilla-Phillips, Technical Director and Net-Zero and Decarbonisation Lead for WSP in the UK. Many of you will know WSP, but if you don’t, WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering professional services firms, with 37000 employees across 40 countries.
In this fascinating conversation, Diego explains how skyscrapers are changing, how they will look in the future and why they will become an integral part of the built environment moving forward.
For anyone in construction, this is a thought-provoking and insightful listen.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week, Paul is joined by Martin Paver, CEO and Founder of Projecting Success, a passionate team of visionaries, project managers and data scientists on a mission to change how we deliver projects.
In our conversation, Martin explains that we’re at an inflexion point in construction and AI/Machine Learning and how project teams will look very different in the future.
If you are a QS, this is a must-listen for all in construction.
For links to the events and training cited in the conversation, click below:
- The Apprenticeship
- The Hack
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week Paul is joined by Dr Mark Key, a Chartered Construction Manager, Building Engineer, Author and Researcher. Mark has just written a book on behalf of the Institute of Civil Engineers titled “Building Regulations, Codes and Standards”.
In this thought-provoking episode, Mark explains where we are with Building Regulations, how to work with the current system, and how to start thinking about evolving the system.
A must-listen for all in construction. You can buy the book here – https://www.icebookshop.com/product/building-regulations-codes-and-standards.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week Paul is joined by Tom Hawkins from FTI consulting, a Global Consulting firm. Tom is a Quantity Surveyor and Quantum Expert Witness for Construction and Engineering Industry Matters. In this conversation, Paul and Tom discuss a recent report highlighting the primary reasons construction companies get into a dispute, how to avoid those disputes and best practices in general.
This is a must-listen if you are starting a new project or are currently working on a difficult one.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week Paul is joined by Tom Hawkins from FTI consulting, a Global Consulting firm. Tom is a Quantity Surveyor and Quantum Expert Witness for Construction and Engineering Industry Matters. In this conversation, Paul and Tom discuss a recent report highlighting the primary reasons construction companies get into a dispute, how to avoid those disputes and best practices in general.
This is a must-listen if you are starting a new project or are currently working on a difficult one.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
This week Paul is joined by Joe Gooden, Head of Broking (Structural Warranties) at Build-Zone. They are one of the UK & Ireland’s leading providers of Structural Housing Warranties & Latent Defects Insurance.
In our conversation, Joe explains the difference between patent and latent defects, the importance of structural warranties, and the pitfalls of using a non-A-Rated insurer. I learned a lot from the conversation, so this is a must-listen for all property developers and main contractors.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Linden Dover, Co-Founder and COO at Weaver – an expert in the construction tender space for homeowners – to investigate how main contractors can better manage the tender process and, moreover, how they can spot clients who are timewasters.
Weaver is a mobile app that matches main contractors to vetted residential projects. Weaver checks that homeowners are tender-ready have complete design information, and are serious about their project, reducing time wasted with prospects that lead to nothing.
You can sign up for your business here.
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by me, Paul Heming; feel free to connect on LinkedIn and send me a message.
If you like what we do, I would love to hear from you and to keep in touch. You can also subscribe to stay up to date with our latest articles, videos, and audio production.
As I mentioned on the show, I am a QS and founded C-Link, an app that provides all the tools you need to get subcontract procurement done without the legwork. Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn more, or just email me at paul@c-link.com.
Paul is joined by Danny Clarke, Commercial Director at the National Federation of Builders. In this intriguing conversation, Danny – an occupational health expert – dispels some truths about misconceptions in the industry (not least Paul’s) about occupational health and why he talks about culture and women in construction with such passion.
As promised, you can follow Danny’s LinkedIn here.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you’re there, don’t forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Meena Sankar, Partner and Head of Specifications at Ride Levett Bucknall, a Global Construction and Property Consultancy. In this entertaining episode, Meena – an expert specification consultant – shares her ‘love’ for QS; talks about the art of writing a specification, how to avoid specification gaps and why specifications are imperative for project success.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you’re there, don’t forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Gavin Gallagher, Executive Director at Earlsfort Group & East Point Business Park in Dublin. Gavin is a commercial real estate Investor & Developer with a fascinating story: in this episode, he shares the highs and lows of a 25-year career in construction and property, including losing over £ 50 million in assets during the financial crash and how he bounced back.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Nicola Hodkinson, Owner and Director at Seddon Construction, a forward-thinking, culture-driven principal contractor with roots in Bolton. Nicola shares her recent experiences working on a project which followed the construction playbook’s way of working and why she believes it is a way forward for us all.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this highly insightful episode, Paul is again joined by Michael Downes, a Solicitor/Construction Expert at Gordons LLP, a law firm from Yorkshire. In this conversation, Paul and Michael discuss what variations are, the rules for valuing variations and how best to manage the process to ensure you protect your profit margin.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Sarah Fox, a construction contract expert and Director at 500 Words, who deliver simple digital trust-enhancing contracts to put construction companies in control.
In this episode, we discuss the sky-high inflation we’re experiencing and how best to manage the rising cost of materials with a specific view on tendering lump sum contracts and claims.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Rickie Lameks, Founder of Rev Consultants, a business passionate about bridging the knowledge gap between Main Contractors & Subcontractors.
In this episode, Paul asks Rickie about his perspective on best practices for Main Contractors when tendering. Specifically, how they should craft tenders to attract the best quality subcontractors and pricing.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Bruce Bell, who is the Founder & CEO of Facit Homes, a company using digital manufacturing technology to create individually designed, high-performance homes.
In this intriguing conversation, Bruce explains how Facit use digital technology real-time on-site manufacturing is a fantastic solution and, in many ways, better than off-site volumetric fabrication in factories.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Clare Richards, an Architect and the Founding Director at Footwork, a London-based charity with a big ambition – to make communities more resilient.
Clare shares her experiences working as a filmmaker, an architect and now at the head of Footwork and why developers need to focus more on the social aspect of ESG.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Jonathan Smales, Executive Chairman at Human Nature, a development company designing and building new neighbourhoods where it is enjoyable to live low-impact lives.
Jonathan talks about his latest project; the Phoenix project and describes his vision for the future and the need for a new “social imagination” for us all in a thought-provoking conversation.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Today Paul is joined by Mark Enzer, OBE, a Strategic Advisor from Mott MacDonald and also a Director at the Centre for Digital Built Britain. In this thought-provoking episode, Paul learns how digital twins revolutionised NASA's work and will do the same for construction. Mark shares his vision for the future of the industry.
To find out more on the Digital Twin Hub just head here - https://digitaltwinhub.co.uk/
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Ed McCann, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Senior Director at Expedition Engineering. Ed describes why the ICE is so important to him and engineers worldwide and explains how its place in the modern world is more important than ever. In this entertaining episode, Ed also shares his experiences working on the 2012 Olympics and his vision for the ICE in the future.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Gus Zogolovitch, CEO of Unboxed Homes, London's first custom-build developer.
Paul and Gus talk about all things self and custom build, and Paul learns how the Government is bringing in schemes such as Help to Build (like Help to Buy) to support us in building our own custom homes. Gus shares his story and discusses best-practice tips on how we can all embark on a journey similar to his.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
This week Paul is joined by Sarah Meek, Managing Director at Mates in Mind, a leading UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health, focusing on construction. In this honest conversation, Paul and Sarah share personal stories on mental health, why construction professionals suffer more than most with poor mental well-being, and how Mates in Mind are helping.
To donate to Mates in Mind, click here - https://www.paypal.com/uk/fundraiser/charity/3616653
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Shweta Saxena, CEO at MachineMax. Shweta has a product-based background in the technology industry. In this episode, she talks about her fascinating story and vision, which now sees her solving problems in the construction industry based on the plant and machinery.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Paul is joined by Mike Pitts, Deputy Challenge Director at Innovate UK. Mike wrote the business case for the "Transforming Construction Challenge", a 4 year R & D programme part-funded by the UK Government. In this entertaining episode, he talks about the industry's successes and why all construction professionals should learn to celebrate them more.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Peter Sayce, who is Chief Product Officer at Bramble Energy, a young business developing hydrogen fuel cell products and technologies. In this insightful conversation, Peter explains how hydrogen fuel cells have an application in construction, can improve the way we work, and be funded by Government grants.
A must-listen for all in construction.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Sarah Allan, Head of Architecture at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. In this compelling conversation, Paul discovers how Sarah is helping deliver Government policy on everything from architecture, housing, and BIM.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this thought-provoking episode, Paul is joined by Michael Downes, a Solicitor/Construction Expert at Gordons LLP, a law firm from Yorkshire. In this conversation, Paul and Michael discuss adjudication with Michael describing why it was created, how it works, and how it’s not something to be scared of and can be used to your benefit.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul is joined by James Carew, Digital Communication Manager at Tideway, a £4.2 billion construction project with the primary task of reducing sewage pollution and reconnecting London with the River Thames.
Paul and James discuss how Tideway tells the story of their project and why storytelling is an essential and powerful marketing tool for Contractors.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul is joined by James Garner, a Director and the Global Head of Data, Insights & Analytics at Gleeds, a leading construction consultancy.
Paul and James discuss how all construction companies store masses of data, and with some minor changes in how they harness this data, how it could lead to significant gains for them and the industry.
James would welcome connections on LinkedIn and a link to his profile is here.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul speaks to Saul Humphrey, managing partner of Saul D Humphrey LLP; a professional consultancy practice focused on leading sustainable success.
Saul talks about the future home's standard, BREEAM and why now is the time for developers and main contractors to get ahead by focusing on the new regulations.
A must-listen for all SMEs.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay updated with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link.
Own The Build now has its very own Youtube channel! Head over there to check out short clips of our previous episodes plus bonus video content from some of our favourite episodes. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos, and whilst you're there, don't forget to drop our videos some likes!
The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Dr Oliver Jones, Research Director at Ryder Architecture, an award-winning international practice. Oliver’s day job is to develop the growing research power at Ryder. This episode discusses his research and how construction can learn from technological advances and innovation in other industries to improve.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ronan Collins, Director of Digital Delivery at The Red Sea Development Company, a company responsible for the delivery of the world's most ambitious & regenerative tourism project in Saudi Arabia. Ronan is a BIM enthusiast, and in this conversation, Paul and Ronan discuss what he has learnt in 25 years of working with BIM and digital delivery.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Michael Downes, a Solicitor/Construction Expert at Gordons LLP, a law firm from Yorkshire. In this conversation, Paul and Micheal discuss how you can prove a delay has occurred on a construction project. The best way to give notice, request an extension of time and the dream pack of information a lawyer believes you need to help you win your argument.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Precious Zumbika-Lwanga, a Quantity Surveyor and the Founder at Carus Advisory Services. In this conversation, Paul and Precious discuss strategic sourcing in construction, looking at how big businesses procure and what SMEs can learn from them and apply to their own business.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Piragash Sivanesan, Founder and MD of Totum Finance, an FCA regulated brokerage and debt advisor. In this conversation, Paul and Piragash discuss development finance in 2022, looking ahead to how ESG and equity will be front and centre.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul is joined by RICS Young Surveyor of the Year 2021, Javaad Khalil, who is the Founder and Managing Director of Consult North. In this conversation, Paul and Javaad debate why the relationship between Architects and QS is built on unsteady ground and how it can be improved.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Terry O’Mahoney, who is the Founder of the Construction Leaders Club. Terry is a construction leadership coach. In this conversation, he explores the different business models available to main contractors and how market positioning can lead to growth for main contractors.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Jack Jiggens, who is both a developer and an investor at award-winning property developer XP Property. Paul and Jack talk about the art of sales and focus on Jack’s expertise in cultivating a pipeline of the best property deals.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Martin Prince-Parrott, who is an award-winning Architect and Development Director for SUB\URBAN WORKSHOP. Paul and Martin lean into Martin’s experience managing design teams to uncover the best ways to maximise coordination, efficiency and programme.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ben Channon, Director at Ekkist, a design business focused on creating better buildings. Ben is an Architect, author and WELL Mind Advisory member, and in this fascinating conversation, Paul and Ben discuss how buildings, spaces and cities impact our mood and how architecture can support mental health.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Alex Hurn, Managing Director of Sillence Hurn, who are Building Consultants and Chartered Surveyors for both commercial and residential clients. This episode discusses how 2021 saw record construction cost growth and the strategies developers can employ against this in 2022.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this milestone episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Helen Chorley. She is a serial property investor and presenter of the Sky TV show Property Elevator. This episode discusses Helen’s experiences transferring from finance to real estate. Helen explains how best developers should manage investor relationships and why it is critical.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Jay Munoz, a Chartered Civil Engineer and a Best Selling Author and a Property Developer at Assets for Life. This episode discusses Jay’s experiences transferring from construction to real estate and why he thinks construction equipped him well for the challenges of property development.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Gregor Harvie, Co-Founder of Designing Buildings, a business whose mission is to put all construction industry knowledge in one place and make it available to everyone for free. In this episode, we discuss ‘the construction knowledge gap’, how it holds the industry back and what can be done to remedy it.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this special episode, Paul and Liam are not joined by any guests. Instead, they talk about the adoption of technology in construction, how it differs from other sectors and what we can learn from other industries to improve more quickly.
Paul and Liam frequently refer to the technology adoption lifecycle, which you can read more on here.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Carl O’Boyle, Managing Director of Tayross Associates, for a frank discussion about party wall surveying. This episode discusses Carl’s experience as a party wall surveyor and how property developers can learn a lot by engaging with their neighbours.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Andrew McDonald, Co-Founder of Credo Living and Tandem Real Estate. In this episode, we discuss Andrew’s experience as a Commercial agent and how he uses that skill now, as a property developer, to benefit from the evolution of the high street.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Sarah Fox, a construction contract expert and Director at 500 Words who deliver simple digital trust-enhancing contracts to put construction companies in control. In this episode, we discuss the benefits of reducing the length of construction contracts from 50,000 words to 500.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Brittany Harris, the CEO and Co-Founder at Qflow, a digital platform enabling construction teams to collect real-time materials and waste data at the source. In this episode, we discuss how machine learning can reduce the amount of waste on-site and drive sites towards improved sustainability.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Would you like to learn tactics that other professionals are using to get to PC quicker, reduce costs, and all whilst meeting specification and building standards?
Join our LinkedIn Group, The Site Office, to ask for advice, share your knowledge, and connect with people that might have a different perspective on construction that you've not yet considered.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Ben Richards, Director of Aura Homes, an SME Property Developer and an Award-Winning Architectural design company. This episode discusses how Ben's lessons while working at a prominent developer, the Berkeley Group, shape how he runs his SME property development business.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul is joined by Lukas Olbrich, Co-Founder and CEO of Sablono, which is the world’s first Construction Execution Platform. In this fascinating episode, we discuss how data can give accurate, current information to project teams to inform crucial decision making.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Anjali Pindoria, a Quantity Surveyor at Avi Contracts. Alongside surveying, Anjali is a Novus Committee Member at the CIOB and a public speaker on topics around Diversity and Inclusion and in this episode, we discuss the skills shortage in construction and how best to attract the next generation of talent.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Dev Amratia, Co-Founder and CEO at nPlan, a software business that uses AI to learn how previous construction projects are performed to predict the outcomes of future projects. This episode discusses AI, its impact on construction and the future of contracting.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam are joined by Paul Davis, Founder and Director at Nimbus Maps (www.nimbusmaps.co.uk), a trusted property data platform. This episode discusses Class MA, how it is an exciting change to Permitted Development, and how developers can capitalise.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet Piers Mulroney, Strategic Planning and Policy Manager at VU.CITY, which is software helping people make better design and planning decisions quicker. In this episode, we discuss 3d Visualisation, the technology itself and how it disrupts the construction and real estate sectors.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet Piragash Sivanesan, Founder and MD of Totum Finance, an FCA regulated brokerage and debt advisor, about ESG. Is it impacting the funding world generally and then, more specifically, how it is impacting development finance?
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet Idowu Anthony-Ajileye, a Project Manager, TedX speaker, and mentor and coach in the construction industry. Anthony explains what a Project Business Case is and why, for developers, they are such a crucial part of the development process.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet Jonathan Fashanu, Founder & CEO of Dash Homes, a sustainable architecture studio that builds less impactful homes. Jonathan explains his belief that it is no longer a debate whether sustainable developments have a viable economic chance and why SME developers should be making the change.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul meets Saam Lowni, Founder & Managing Director of Merryoaks Finance, who provide Property Finance Solutions for Investors & Developers. Saam is an expert in investment and development finance and, we explore how to build a capital stack in property development and, more importantly, why developers need to.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this rare episode, Paul invites Liam to the show in a new capacity. Liam is Marketing Director at C-Link, and in this special episode, Liam discusses his views on the five marketing mistakes typically made by contractors in the industry.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet once again with Iain Miskimmin of Bentley Systems. Iain has been at the forefront of BIM adoption in the UK. This entertaining episode further explores the possibilities that BIM offers the construction world and how SMEs can benefit.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul meets Karolina Hernandez, a Chartered Construction Project Manager at Box Associates. In the episode, Karolina explains her approach to managing strip out works on site and the importance of timing it at the right stage of the design development process.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet Eve Lameks, Director of Rev Consultants, who coach subcontractors to be tendering experts. We discuss how best to tender and how subcontractors feel and react when they receive tenders in specific formats.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam catch up with Robin Hayhurst, Managing Director of Property Project Consultants, who offer property mentoring programs. In the episode, Robin explains the concept of ‘overwhelm’, how it impacts many small business owners and what you can do to manage it.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam catch up with Ian Humphreys, Co-Founder of Brickflow - the UK's first search engine for development finance - about innovation in development finance. Ian gives insight into recent research Brickflow has completed into how developers view self-build and how they think generally.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet with Rachel Ricketts from Vabel London, a London based developer designing and building exceptional living experiences. The conversation centres on how to build a project team from a Project Manager’s perspective.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam chat with Nick Fisher of Aprao, a PropTech business providing financial modelling software for real estate. The topic focuses on cash flow and why the internal rate of return is arguably one of the most critical metrics for property developers.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam welcome back David Kemp, Managing Director of DRK Planning, a multi-disciplinary planning and development consultancy. Today’s topic focuses on community engagement and how best to connect with the community and, specifically, neighbours and how this is critical in executing successful planning applications and schemes.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul meets Hugo McCloud, a Partner at 1200 Works, an architecture practice in London. The topic of conversation is focused on how best to navigate the transition from Stage 3 to Stage 4 design and get the architectural design ready for construction.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul speaks with Piragash Sivanesan, Founder and MD of Totum Finance, an FCA regulated brokerage and debt advisor, about identifying and avoiding the wrong funding partners in the development world. What are the warning signs you should be looking out for and how to do your due diligence?
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet Iain Miskimmin of Bentley Systems. Iain has been at the forefront of BIM adoption in the UK. This entertaining episode sees Iain provide tips on how SMEs can use BIM to transform their profitability and massively reduce risk.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet Karolina Adamczyk, Chief Visionary Officer at Ademchic, a multi-disciplinary interior design and branding consultancy. Karolina provides tips on how developers can design spaces that produce quicker sales while at the same costing less to create.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam catch up with Jason Farnell, Adjudicator and CEDR Accredited Mediator from Commercial Risk Management, to discuss variations.
We put forward the following scenario to Jason:
We are a Main Contractor working on a JCT 2016 Building Contract with a £3m lump sum Contract Sum. The client (the property developer) is looking to amend an element of the works and has issued an instruction to omit a large portion of your scope relating to the M & E. The results are to be completed by Another company. The works are valued at approximately £300,000, including circa £30,000 of profit.
We then asked Jason a series of questions from the main contractor's and developer's perspective to understand how/if you can claim for loss of profit in response to variations when the client is instructing a significant omission.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam meet David Kemp, Managing Director of DRK Planning (www.drkplanning.co.uk), a multi-disciplinary planning and development consultancy. David provides tips on how developers can best work with planning consultants and how sustainability is becoming more critical in successful planning applications.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam catch up with Ian Humphreys, Co-Founder of Brickflow (brickflow.com) - the UK's first search engine for development finance - about innovation in development finance. Ian gives his tips on how developers can build attractive, high-quality development appraisals that stand out to lenders.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul speaks with Piragash Sivanesan, Founder and MD of Totum Finance, an FCA regulated brokerage and debt advisor, about funding options for developers: specifically, equity funding vs. debt funding. What are the pros and cons of both approaches and why Piragash advocates for a hybrid approach.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
How much should I budget, and how can I maximise profit?
In this episode, Paul catches up with Christopher Barber, a co-Founder at C-Link (www.c-link.com). Chris is a qualified Quantity Surveyor, and the conversation is focused on how property developers should budget for and best manage the fit-out of residential apartments.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
How can clients make Architects more efficient?
In this episode, Paul meets Hugo McCloud a Partner at 1200 Works (www.1200works.com) an architecture practice in London. The topic of conversation is focused on how clients can act to maximise an Architect’s productivity. What can clients do to make an architect successful.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this Episode, Paul catches up with Jason Farnell, Adjudicator and CEDR Accredited Mediator from Commercial Risk Management, to discuss vesting certificates.
We put forward the following scenario to Jason:
We’re a property developer acting as a Main Contractor on projects. Subcontractors and suppliers regularly ask to make Advanced Payments for materials off-site by our supply chain. We understand the need for this, but we want to make sure that we’re managing the process and de-risk it.
We then asked Jason a series of questions from the developer's perspective to understand how developers can best respond to requests for advanced payment from their supply chain and reduce the risks inherent with these payments by using vesting certificates and other securities.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Do Principal Contractors give enough consideration to programme negotiation?
In this episode, Paul and Liam discuss how you should treat programme negotiation with the same level of focus applied to price, specifically looking at incentives for the contractor to deliver ahead of time.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
How should a developer, acting as the Main Contractor, or a Main Contractor themselves, plan for the unknown risks they’re going to encounter on a project?
In this episode, Paul and Liam discuss how you should create a system for identifying risks and opportunities throughout the project, rather than sitting back and waiting for either to appear.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam speak with Piragash Sivanesan, Founder and MD of Totum Finance, an FCA regulated brokerage and debt advisor, about bank monitoring on project developments.
Why do banks monitor a project and how? How should a developer work with a Monitoring Surveyor to ensure a smooth relationship, particularly if things don’t work out on site as you’d planned?
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
We know that having a good project manager on your team is critical for an SME developer or Main Contractor to deliver a successful development.
In this episode, Paul and Liam discuss what to look for in a project manager, where to find them, and how important commercial acumen is for the role.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam discuss architects and delay analysis with Jason Farnell, Adjudicator and CEDR Accredited Mediator from Commercial Risk Management.
We put forward the following scenario to Jason:
We’re a property developer acting as a Main Contractor on projects. During a recent project, we experienced programme issues relating to the design team and suffered delays that extended the overall programme.
We then asked Jason a series of questions from the perspective of the Developer to understand how they may recoup any costs associated with the delay, how they would need to prove where the responsibility lied, and how to guard against issues like this occurring.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In previous episodes, we've explored the benefits of Construction Management. Today, Paul runs through the scenarios where Construction Management may not be the most suitable procurement route for your next project.
In Part 1, we identified the six criteria against making your procurement route and focused on the first three.
In this episode, we discuss the remaining three criteria and outline what we believe to be the developer's critical question on whether Construction Management is right for their next project.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In previous episodes, we’ve explored the benefits of Construction Management. Today, Paul runs through the scenarios where Construction Management may not be the most suitable procurement route for your next project.
We identify the six criteria against making your procurement route, focusing on the first three in this episode. In our next episode, part two of the discussion, we focus on the following three criteria.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam ask Piragash Sivanesan, Founder and MD of Totum Finance, an FCA regulated brokerage and debt advisor, what do lenders look for from an SME developer?
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul and Liam discuss late payments and site delays with Jason Farnell, Adjudicator and CEDR Accredited Mediator from Commercial Risk Management.
We put forward a late payment and site delay scenario and asked Paul to provide thoughts and advice from the developer's perspective and Jason from the Contractor's perspective.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this weeks episode, Paul provides an overview on why there’s a lot more to subcontract tendering than you think and delivers the five key stages of subcontract procurement.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
In this episode, Paul provides a breakdown of the economics of construction management versus traditional construction procurement and the financial impact on a developer of choosing one over the other.
Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.
Paul shares an overview of how a small developer might structure their business in order to oversee the build with a Construction Management procurement route.Head to www.get.c-link.com/podcast to learn how you can save a minimum of 5% against budget construction costs on your next project. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest resources, articles, videos, and audio from C-Link. The Own The Build podcast is brought to you by C-Link and is hosted by; Liam Curley and Paul Heming.