Own The Build

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 [email protected].

Reminder: We’re launching a Q&A segment soon! Send in your questions to [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.