Own The Build

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 [email protected] 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 Fan Mail

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. 

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.

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 [email protected] 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 Fan Mail

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. 

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.

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 [email protected] 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 Fan Mail

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. 

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 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 [email protected] to have them featured!

What You’ll Learn:

🔹 Managing Variations in Complex Projects
How 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 Company
What 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 Relationships
Is 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 Disputes
Discover how QSs can prevent disputes and avoid common pitfalls in handling prolongation claims or loss and expense issues.

🔹 Subcontractors Without Signed Contracts
What should you do when subcontractors are on-site without signed agreements? Practical steps to ensure protection and formalise agreements.

🔹 Promoting Fairness in the Supply Chain
How can the construction industry create fairer supply chains? Insights on overcoming the reputation of main contractors "squeezing" subcontractors.

🎉 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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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 Fan Mail

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. 

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.

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 [email protected] 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 Fan Mail

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. 

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.

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 [email protected], 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 Fan Mail

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. 

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 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 [email protected] 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 Variations
How 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 Work
How do you create a robust scope of works that carries contractual weight and protects against disputes?

🔹 The Risks of No Signed Subcontract
What 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 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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected] 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 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 Surveying
Paul shares career-defining moments: managing teams in his 20s, seminal moments and how certain projects shaped his outlook.

🔹 The C-Link Story
The challenges, milestones, and vision behind C-Link’s journey to becoming a leading digital procurement platform.

🔹 The Rise of Own the Build
From standout episodes and memorable guests like Sarah Fox (LOIs) and Parag Prasad (time management) to listener feedback that shaped the show.

🔹 Looking Ahead
Exciting plans for the future, including new monthly Q&A Tuesday episodes and upcoming events.

🎉 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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected] 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.