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

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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 [email protected] 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 [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.

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 [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.