Own The Build

This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub. 

Today’s conversation centres on an article about construction procurement routes. Main Contracting, as we know it, had its origins in the 19th century, and aside from the introduction of D & B Contracts in the 1980s, not much has changed.

In this episode, Paul and Chris explore why that is, what could change and how clients can create a better project environment for all involved.

Your free OTB downloads

I’ve shared a link to the article here: A New World for Main Contractors

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

In this episode, Paul is joined by Sarah Fox, a construction contract expert and Director at 500 Words, who delivers simple digital trust-enhancing contracts to put construction companies in control.

In today’s conversation, we discussed Sarah’s book - “How to Write Simple and Effective Subcontract Agreements in Just 500 Words”. Sarah was inspired to write this book for “all the talented construction companies frustrated with horrific one-sided contracts”.

We discuss in today’s show how Main and Subcontractors should manage and negotiate Back-to-Back Main Contracts reasonably and fairly to benefit all parties involved.

You can download Sarah’s books here.

Your free OTB download

I’ve shared a link to the eBook: Tackling the UK’s Quantity Surveying Shortage.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by William Temperley, Managing Director at Fortis Foundations, Civil Engineering and Piling Specialists serving the Rail, Civils, Energy, Residential and Water sectors.

Will is a fascinating individual who set up his own Specialist Contractor some years ago and has a fascination with company culture that stems from his experience of being an integral Rugby team member, so much so that he wrote a dissertation on company culture.

Today’s show discusses how his focus on culture and organisation has led him to create a thriving and fast-growing company. We talk about his experiences at other companies and how that led him to make the world-class culture he now has.

In the context of today’s labour shortage, this is such an important listen for all contractors.

Your free OTB download

I’ve shared a link to the eBook: Tackling the UK’s Quantity Surveying Shortage.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

 This week, Paul is joined by Tom Haley, Director and Founder at Quantik. Tom is a Construction Claims Specialist and Quantum Expert Witness

Tom is a Commercial and procurement specialist with experience leading business units and significant projects in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong within main contractor, subcontractor and supplier businesses. He is an expert in commercial recovery, procuring for value and dispute resolution, with a track record of enhancing revenue, profit and cash.

In today’s show, we discuss the evolution of Contractor’s QSs as Tom reflects on 20 years in the industry and considers where we will be. We discuss data, QS' as Data Scientists and reflect on the Project Review/CVR process and debate how the Quantity Surveying profession and contractors generally need to evolve.

Your free OTB download

I’ve shared a link to the eBook here: Tackling the UK’s Quantity Surveying Shortage. 

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub. 

Today’s conversation centres on a piece of research and writing that Paul undertook for the RICS, reflecting on how construction labour and materials costs developed in 2023 and focusing on 2024 and 2025.

The conversation turns to the growing concern that the construction labour shortage will lead to significantly increased costs for Subcontractors and Main Contractors. Paul and Chris debate which medium to long-term strategies and tactics Main Contractors can implement to ensure they defend against this, including discussing supply chain management, payment, and how to ‘position’ yourself as a main contractor that is different from your clients.

I’ve shared a link to the RICS article here: Why industry can look ahead with cautious optimism

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by Anil Sawhney, Director of the Infrastructure Sector at the RICS. 

Anil leads the emerging RICS initiative and strategy on placing and positioning the Institution within the field of excellent commercial management of projects globally with a primary focus on the (economic) Infrastructure sector, defined by the RICS as transport, utilities, energy and similar fields.

In today’s show, we discuss the data behind decarbonising construction, focusing on shifting our mentalities to a whole-of-life worldview - something Anil feels we don’t currently have. 

If you want to understand better how the RICS and Anil, an industry-leading voice, plan to change the construction world, this episode is for you. I have placed linked below to some of the information referred to by Anil in the show:

• Whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) for the built environment (rics.org)
• ICMS: International Cost Management Standards (rics.org)
• RICS cost prediction professional statement, global 1st edition
• The power of data and technology for quantity surveyors and cost managers (rics.org)

Your free OTB download

Looking for an Invitation to Tender template? We have created a document for you:

Invitation to Tender Template

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by Louise Stewart, CEO and Founder at ProjectPay, a tech company revolutionising global payments in building and construction.

Louise argues that the construction industry’s payment landscape is riddled with inefficiencies, delays, and non-payments, especially for smaller players, and she wants to change this.

We talk about how ProjectPay is disrupting the world of construction payments and her vision for the industry’s future.

Your free OTB download

Looking for an Invitation to Tender template? We have created a document for you: Invitation to Tender Template

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined in the studio by Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association, PhD in Applied Econometrics and Honorary Professor at the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, UCL.

Noble has been making waves in the industry with his easily digestible insights into market indicators such as brick deliveries and mortgage approvals. His posts provide followers with invaluable perspectives, offering genuine insights into the trajectory of the construction market. 

In this compelling conversation, Paul brings Noble’s insightful posts to life, creating an engaging dialogue reflecting on the events of 2023. Together, they peer into the future, navigating the landscape of 2024 and delving into the identified risks and opportunities that lie ahead. 

--

Your free OTB downloads

I’ve shared a link to the eBook: Why Main Contractors seriously need a Tender Strategy.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.

In today’s conversation, Paul shares a recent conversation with a Tier 1 Main Contractor who explained all the “Pain Points” they had identified in their commercial department and how they wanted to remedy them.

If you are a Director at a Contractor, manage Quantity Surveyors or just a QS, many issues here will resonate. Paul and Chris reflect on their experience leading and working in Commercial Departments and explain why they built C-Link for many of the "Pain Points" identified.

Your free OTB download:

Here is a link to the eBook here:  How Main Contractors manage subbies today and how they will manage them tomorrow.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by Rudi Klein, the Director at Klein Legal and former chief executive at the Specialist Engineering Contractors (SEC) Group. Rudi was involved in piloting the ‘Construction Act’ through the UK Parliament and originated Section 112 of the Act dealing with the right to suspend construction contracts for non-payment.

Today’s show discusses payment abuse being the industry’s dominant business model and what we can all do to change this. We discuss 120-day payment cycles, the demise of Carillion and other large Main Contractors in the recent past, and we turn to Project Bank Accounts and Retentions to change the status quo.

--

Your free OTB download

Looking for an Invitation to Tender template? We have created a document for you:

Invitation to Tender Template

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by Mike Wharton, Chief Executive Officer at Complete Roofing Systems, Allied Roofing and Roof Analytics. Mike is passionate about quality and standards in the delivery of construction and has had an exciting journey from Equity Analyst and Fund Manager to CEO at a roofing subcontractor.

Today’s show discusses the current economic climate and how it impacts construction’s Supply Chain. 

As a Subcontractor, what is your process when a tender lands? Do you say, “Wahey, we have a job to price! Let’s get on and do it?” Or do you hesitate and think, “This is a potential new client, which is great, but it’s a tier one; why are they suddenly coming to us out of the blue?”

Mike shares his advice on operating in today’s market as a subcontractor, considering all the risks.

--

Your free OTB download

Looking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:

Final Account Statement Template

--

Today’s Sponsor

Today’s Sponsor is Sablono. Track Free is a real-time tracker that’s connected directly to your construction site and it’s completely free!

To try it for free, Click Here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by Jon Watts, the Procurement and Supply Chain Director at Hayfield Homes.

In today’s conversation, Paul and Jon discuss the relationship between the Procurement and Commercial Departments, and Jon explains how he manages collaboration between the two at Hayfield Homes.

Across the episode, we discuss Jon’s unique approach to Supply Chain relationships, how his experience in the RAF shapes his approach to work and most importantly, the best tactics to maximise procurement returns in construction.

--

Your free OTB downloads

I’ve shared a link to the eBook here:

Beyond margin – how QS KPIs can transform your construction business.

--

Today’s Sponsor

Today’s Sponsor is Sablono. Track Free is a real-time tracker that’s connected directly to your construction site and it’s completely free!

To try it for free, Click Here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub. 

In today’s conversation, Paul hosts the second episode of a new 4-weekly series titled The Future of Contracting. In today’s episode, we explore the topic of measuring QS performance and Chris shares why companies have to move away from only measuring QSs’ on financial performance.

This show will resonate if you are a QS or manage Quantity Surveyors. Paul and Chris reflect on their shared experience and quickly realise that the way QS have been measured for so long is fundamentally flawed if you want to discover how and what can be done about it, check the show out.

--

Your free OTB downloads

I’ve shared a link to the eBook here: QS KPIs eBook.

--

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.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by Gary Davies from SubPort, an Award-winning Quantity Surveying Consultancy supporting Sub-Contractors to increase profits, improve cash and eliminate risk.

In today’s show, Paul and Gary discuss the art of the Application for Payment process, how to ensure you are always getting paid the right amount and on time and what to do if you are not.

In today’s economic environment, never has there been a better time to focus on cash flow, and this episode gives you the grounding.

--

Your free OTB download

Looking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:

Final Account Statement Template

--

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.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by Michelle du Plessis, Managing Director and Co-founder at Shft, a leading one-stop BIM agency working with SMEs across the country to take the opportunities of BIM and digital technology.

In today’s show, Paul and Michelle talk about BIM. Michelle is a genuine expert in the space, and we discuss where we are up to with BIM, how things are changing and how Michelle and her team at Shft help contractors, especially SMEs, start to impact their bottom line with BIM.

A must-listen!

--

Your free OTB download

Looking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:

Final Account Statement Template

--

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.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by an experienced Construction Solicitor, Samuel Bawden, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Holmes & Hills. Samuel is also the Chair at Constructing Excellence Essex, and like the rest of us, he is highly passionate about construction.

In today’s show, Paul and Samuel discuss the options contractors have at their disposal when they are not being paid. If you’re not being paid and want to know what can/can’t be done, what processes are available to you and which one is best, tune in.

--

Your free OTB download

Are you looking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:

Final Account Statement Template

--

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.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper, and also a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub.

In today’s conversation, Paul introduces the first episode of a new 4-weekly series titled The Future of Contracting. In today’s episode, we explore an eBook that Paul recently wrote titled Why Main Contractors seriously need a Tender Strategy. In the eBook and the show, we explore:

• 🔮 Why Main Contractors must embrace long-term thinking. 
• 💰 The profound impact of dwindling subcontractor numbers on Main Contractor profits.
• 📊 Unveiling the blueprint for Main Contractors to master their supply chain through an ingenious tender strategy.

--

Your free OTB downloads

I’ve shared a link to the eBook here: Why Main Contractors seriously need a Tender Strategy.

--

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.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

This week, Paul is joined by Cian Brennan, Managing Director at Quantum Contract Solutions, a company giving “contractual superpowers to construction companies”. Cian helps contractors navigate the choppy waters of construction projects and contracts and provides expert advice.

In this contractually focused conversation, we discuss the difference between Liquidated Damages and Consequential Damages and how you must negotiate both at the tender stage and throughout the contract's lifecycle. As always with Cian, real-life examples are brought to the table, and we share best practices if you get into similar positions.

Your free OTB download

As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the download below: 

• Late Payment Notices - What do you do?

--

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

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.

Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com 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, I am joined by Gavin Coyle, CEO of Coyle Group, a Group of Companies serving the safety sector in the construction industry. Gavin is a thought leader, speaker, and safety mentor and holds a level 9 MBS in workplace Safety from DCU, a Diploma in Safety, a Certificate in Law, and a Diploma in Corporate Governance.

In today’s conversation, Gavin talks about his experience in the Construction Industry, the regular pushback from Commercial and Procurement teams regarding Health and Safety and how he believes you can make Health and Safety a Profit Centre, not a cost. 

Gavin is uber passionate about this topic and is a keynote speaker at many high-profile events. His views on Health and Safety will absolutely change your perspective.

Your free OTB download

As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to the download below: 

• Late Payment Notices - What do you do?

--

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.

Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com 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 Dan Macpherson, Executive Director at Henry Riley, who is industry-leading in Construction Consultancy, cost management, health and safety and project management services.

In today’s conversation, Dan talks about Emotional Intelligence in team management, project management and commercial management and how he applies his own Emotional Intelligence to successfully execute projects.

Dan sees Emotional Intelligence as not just a way to improve profit margins but also to secure the long-term success of your business and team as well.

Your free OTB download

As promised at the top of the show - I’ve shared a link to a free download below: 

• Prequalification Questionnaire Template

--

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.

Book a demo to learn more by clicking here.

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com 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.