Own The Build

• Redefining the QS Role: Strategy, Influence, and Impact (EP 224)

  In this episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber challenge the view of Quantity Surveyors as mere cost controllers — and makes the case for QSs to step up as strategic commercial advisors.Through personal stories (including a classic misunderstanding in Italy), Paul explores why QSs are often misunderstood, and what it takes to shift from passive cost reporter to trusted advisor. Whether you're a junior QS or commercial director, this episode offers practical tips to transform how you're perceived by clients, project teams, and the wider business.🎙 In this episode, we cover:Why the perception of QSs is still stuck in “bean counter” territoryThe cost of being reactive rather than commercially proactiveWhat great strategic QSs actually do differentlyHow to build trust and influence from day one on a new projectSimple ways to present risk and cost that shape decision-makingPaul’s one-page playbook to reposition yourself on your next project🎁 Exclusive Giveaway: Download your free eBooks:Mastering Your Career in Quantity SurveyingThe AI Revolution in Quantity SurveyingDownload them here - Free eBook Downloads.Send us a textWant 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.

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• Settlement Strategies: How to Resolve Construction Conflicts Before They Spiral (EP 223)

  In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Stefan Panourgias, a seasoned commercial consultant and specialist in construction settlements. With a career spanning London, New York, Malaysia, and the Middle East, Stephen has built a reputation for resolving disputes before they derail projects — from forensic delay analysis to strategic negotiation with the C-suite.We discuss:Stephen’s global career journey — from Heathrow Express to boutique consulting in DubaiWhat it actually means to be a settlement specialist in constructionThe warning signs that conflict is brewing (and what to do next)Why documentation is key — but diplomacy often winsUK vs. Middle East contract culture — and how to navigate bothReal-world tactics for bringing even the most stubborn parties to the tableIf you’re involved in commercial negotiations, claims, or final accounts, this episode is packed with insight on how to fight for resolution, not just the money.📩 Have a question for Paul? Email [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.Send us a textWant 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.

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• From Labourer to Leader: Why Every QS Should Spend More Time on Site (EP 222)

  In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Stephen Harpur, Managing Director at Sharpur Consultancy – a Chartered Construction Manager with more than 25 years in the industry. Stephen’s journey is anything but typical: he started as a labourer, worked every trade you can think of, and went on to lead some of the most complex, multimillion-pound construction projects in Northern Ireland.Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-EventThis episode is all about what world-class construction management really looks like, and how project leaders, QSs, and PMs can raise the bar—together.We talk about:What Stephen learned going from hands-on trades to boardroom leadershipHow to plan and manage a project from inception to “cutting the ribbon”Why every QS needs to spend more time on siteBuilding alignment between commercial and delivery teamsLessons from subcontracting, consulting, and working on the largest live building project in NIIf you’ve ever felt that QSs and PMs should work more collaboratively, or you want to lead construction projects more effectively—this is one for you.📩 Have a question for Paul? Email [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.Send us a textWant 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.

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• From Oil to Off-Grid: How One Village Set a New Standard for UK Housing (EP 221)

  In the studio today, Paul is joined by Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, Chair of the RICS Residential Professional Group Panel, and a lifelong innovator in residential development. From leading housing associations to helping an entire village go 100% off oil, Emma is redefining what a modern home should be.Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-EventIn this episode, Emma and I dive into the rise of zero-bill homes – what they are, how they work, and why they’re no longer a pipe dream. We talk about solar, battery, heat pumps, AI, and homes as energy assets, not just consumers.We explore:The Swaffham Prior story – how a village went off-gridWhy retrofit might scale faster than new buildHow housebuilders, surveyors and contractors must rethink viability and designWhy zero bills is becoming the global standard, and how the UK can catch upWhether you’re a developer, QS, contractor or housing association—this conversation will make you think differently about how homes are designed, valued, and delivered in the future.📩 Have a question for Paul? Email [email protected] to have it answered in an upcoming episode!📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.Send us a textWant 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.

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• Question Time #6: Your Construction and QS Challenges Answered (EP 220.1)

  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 textWant 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.

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