Own The Build

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 [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 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 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 [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 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 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 [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 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 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 [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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.