Own The Build

• Why Do We Keep Defaulting to Scaffold? (EP 239)

  !!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd!!!-----------------------------------In this episode, Paul is joined by Rob Munns, Head of Sales at BFT Mast Climbing Ltd — the UK’s leading provider of mast climbers.You might think access equipment isn’t the most exciting topic in the world, but this conversation is a wake-up call for QSs, PMs, and operational teams. Paul and Rob unpack why the UK construction industry still defaults to scaffold — despite the cost, time, social impact, and program risks — and explore the commercial and operational business case for mast climbers.Paul also reflects on his early career procuring scaffold on remediation jobs — and how little consideration was given to alternatives. With scaffold often the default spec, is the industry missing a massive value engineering opportunity?In this episode, you’ll learn:Why scaffold is the "comfort blanket" of the industry — and at what costThe major savings (cost, time, social impact) of mast climbersWhy mast climbers aren’t used more — and how to challenge mythsHow QSs can build a business case for alternative access strategiesWhat Rob learned from interviewing residents about life behind scaffoldHow curiosity and early engagement can unlock better decisions🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial SuccessFor our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click 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. 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.

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• Trust is Earned: Building Better Leadership in Construction (EP 238)

  !!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd!!!-----------------------------------This week on Own the Build, Paul is joined by Dave Stitt, a leadership team coach with 25+ years of experience working with boards and senior project teams across the UK construction industry.In this episode, Paul and Dave deep-dive into a subject that every QS, PM, and Director talks about—but few know how to actively build: Trust.Together, they unpack:🔍 Why trust is so often missing in project teams📉 The cost of lip-service collaboration with subcontractors📈 How QSs and leaders can actually build trustworthy relationships—on-site, in business, and beyondDave also shares a practical tool you can use with your team immediately: 👉 Download the Trustworthy TrackerAnd if you want to explore Dave’s wider philosophy on leadership and performance, check out his book: 👉 Deep and Deliberate Delegation on AmazonThis is a punchy and thoughtful episode—packed with real-world leadership insights that will resonate whether you're managing a project team or trying to move up the commercial ladder.📩 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. 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.

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• Why Competence is Now a Procurement Risk – What Every QS Needs to Know (EP 237)

  !!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd!!!-----------------------------------In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by James Filus, Director at both the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and the Institute of Carpenters (IOC), to unpack what competence really means in the context of construction today.James shares the view from the front line of trade associations helping their members navigate the aftermath of Grenfell, the implications of the Building Safety Act, and the critical role of competency frameworks for subcontractors and individuals alike.Together, they explore:What has changed legally – and culturally – post-GrenfellThe hidden cost of proving competence across your supply chainHow subcontractors can prepare to prove they’re competent (even without a formal definition)The commercial burden on QSs and buyers who now must assess more than just price and programmeHow to balance experience, qualification, and behavioural competence in procurement decisionsIf you’ve ever asked, “What’s my responsibility here?” — this episode gives clarity, structure, and a forward-looking approach to Building Safety Act compliance.📩 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. 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.

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• Question Time Returns: The QS Career Clinic (EP 236)

  In this lively episode, Chris joins Paul again to tackle YOUR questions in the return of Question Time. From the realities of AI in construction to the headaches of back-to-back contracts, we dive into the heart of what QSs are really facing on site.Highlights include:How AI is transforming tender analysis and improving subcontractor engagement.NEC vs JCT – which contract is most improperly administered?Back-to-back contracts: Are they practical or just punishment?The most misunderstood part of the QS role.And… what happens when a QS, a planner, and an architect get stuck in a lift?Packed with practical insights, personal stories, and a touch of sarcasm, this episode is a must-listen for QSs, estimators, and project leaders.📩 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. 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.

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• The Building Safety Act: How QSs Need to Procure Differently (EP 235)

  In this episode, Paul is joined by Andrea White, Independent Fire Engineer, Chartered Safety Professional, and one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction (2023). Andrea is also the founder of Women Talking Fire and a leading voice on fire safety strategy in a post-Grenfell landscape.Together, Paul and Andrea unpack the critical implications of the Building Safety Act for quantity surveyors and procurement professionals.💥 What do QSs need to do differently? 💡 Why is procurement now inseparable from safety strategy? 🔍 What is the role of the fire engineer — and why do QSs often overlook it?This episode breaks down myths, reframes responsibilities, and offers practical advice on how commercial teams can support safety and compliance from Day One of a project.Whether you’re a main contractor or a PQS, this is an essential listen.📩 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. 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.

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