Afleveringen

  • 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.


  • Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?

    Klik hier om de feed te vernieuwen.

  • 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 windowsWhy estimators and QSs need to stop working in isolationThe real handover issues and how most data is lost after the tenderThe "Golden Thread" of procurement — and how this platform finally delivers itTheir 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.


  • 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 [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.


  • 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 [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.


  • 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 [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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 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 [email protected] 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 [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.


  • 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 [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.


  • 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 [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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.


  • 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 [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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.


  • 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 [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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.


  • 🎙️ 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or message on LinkedIn!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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.


  • 🎙️ 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 [email protected] or message him on LinkedIn and he’ll send it over!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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.


  • 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 [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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.


  • 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 [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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.


  • 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 [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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 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 [email protected] to have them featured!


    What You’ll Learn:

    🔹 Managing Late Payment Applications
    Discover how to handle subcontractors’ late applications while adhering to strict payment schedules.

    🔹 Ensuring Spec-Compliant Quotes
    Explore effective methods to ensure subcontractor bids align with project specifications and avoid future disputes.

    🔹 Dealing with Acceleration Instructions
    Learn how to respond to acceleration instructions from main contractors, including protecting your position under JCT contracts.

    🔹 Claiming Loss of Profit on Variations
    Gain 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 SurveyingThe AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying

    Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.

    📩 Have a question for Question Time? Email [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.


  • 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 [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!

    🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:

    Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe 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.


  • 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 SurveyingThe 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.


  • 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 SurveyingThe 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.