Own The Build

In our final episode of 2025, we wrap up the year with a Christmas Question Time special — and as ever, Paul is joined by C-Link co-founder and former QS, Chris Barber, for an honest and entertaining look at the issues commercial teams are grappling with right now.This episode is built entirely from listener questions, including:• Have you ever received (or issued) a notice on Christmas Eve? Paul shares the story of the year he unwrapped a “festive” million-pound claim instead of a bottle of wine — and why timing sends a louder message than the paperwork.• How do commercial leaders shift the industry away from turnover obsession and back to sustainable profit? From cash flow support to real partnerships with key trades, Paul and Chris explore practical, relationship-driven steps commercial directors can take in 2026.• What should a QS team do when a client refuses to certify variations? The pair discuss preventing the issue before it starts, how to regroup internally, how to push back professionally, and how to reset expectations without burning bridges.• Are clients and consultants unintentionally driving inflation? An honest look at over-specification, half-baked design, risk loading in D&B contracts, and why two-stage tendering might be the only sensible route forward.Along the way, Paul and Chris reflect on their standout episodes of the year, the rise of two-stage procurement, the growing focus on goodwill, and why 2026 needs stronger industry-wide pushback on unrealistic commercial behaviours.It’s insightful, candid, and the perfect way to close out the year before Own the Build returns on 12th January with Episode 249 — our first ever Own the Build Live recording.---------------------------------📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below: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.

In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Trevor Wilkins, Managing Director of PAH Building & Construction — a contractor working deep inside one of the UK’s most complex and least-understood built environments: the defence estate.Trevor shares the unique story of PAH’s evolution from a one-client refurb contractor to a £15m business operating across the UK, including the landmark MOD housing portfolio recently brought back into government ownership. He opens up about the early days, the risks he took, and the leadership principles that have helped him build a loyal, long-serving team.In the second half, Paul and Trevor dive into the reality of retrofit — far removed from the glossy headlines of a “retrofit revolution”. Trevor gives a frank assessment of funding gaps, skills shortages, inconsistent standards, and the operational challenges that make large-scale retrofit so difficult today. He also offers practical guidance for contractors considering a pivot into the field.Finally, Trevor discusses PAH’s commitment to developing the next generation of tradespeople, including hands-on partnerships with local colleges, mentoring new apprentices, and bringing students onto live sites.This is a grounded, real-world conversation about leadership, resilience, retrofit, and what it actually takes to run a values-driven construction business in 2025.---------------------------------📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below: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.

In Episode 246, Paul is joined by Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research and architect of the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI). With 35+ years in the industry and a mission to bring clarity to construction data, Mike pulls back the curtain on how our sector is being misrepresented — and why it matters.Together, they explore:📉 Why you can’t always trust official statistics — and what the ONS isn’t telling you 🏗️ What the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) is, and why Tier 1s, banks, and government rely on it 📊 How to spot market cycles and make data-driven decisions 🧠 The danger of “groupthink” in construction leadership 💥 Why construction professionals must stop waiting for others to represent the industryThis is a must-listen for any contractor, QS, or commercial leader who’s ever tried to make decisions in the dark. If you care about data, procurement, market confidence, or just want to understand the bigger picture — don’t miss this one.---------------------------------📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below: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.

In Episode 245 of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Faye Allen, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Quantum Expert Witness, and Fellow of the RICS, with over 30 years’ experience in construction. Faye is the author of Building Women — a powerful new book that examines why the industry continues to lose talented people, and what leaders can do to change that.This episode is essential listening for any QS, PM, or director who’s ever asked:Why are experienced professionals walking away from the industry?Why don’t we see more women in senior roles?What role does culture — not just maternity — play in retention?Faye shares stories, research, and practical steps for building inclusive teams — without falling into the “gender war” trap. The conversation covers:Why so many women drop out by age 46The hidden burnout from constant “fighting the system”How male allies can show up — and why most don’t know where to startWhat subcontractors and SMEs need from Tier 1sWhy toilets, mental health, and procurement all matter more than you thinkIf you're a construction leader who wants to attract and retain better talent, this episode will challenge your assumptions — and give you the tools to lead better.🔗 Find out more about Faye’s book: buildingwomen.co.uk---------------------------------📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below: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.

In Episode 244, Question Time is back – and Paul is joined by recurring co-host Chris Barber to answer another round of listener questions from quantity surveyors and commercial professionals across the UK construction industry.This month, we tackle:Should I switch from Main Contractor to Subcontractor? Chris shares real insight from his own experience and a surprising comparison to his wife’s retail-to-supplier career path.When is the right time to consider adjudication for delayed payments – and how do you protect the relationship?What behaviour would you change across QS teams? (Paul wants to ban document dumps. Chris wants to go to the pub.)Is lowest-price-wins procurement still the norm in 2025 – and are we finally shifting to value-based tendering?Plus: Thoughts on the new RICS Responsible Use of AI Standard, and why episode 250 will be a must-listen.👀 Stick around for anecdotes from Paul’s subbie days, and a refreshing reminder that construction doesn't always have to be a battle.📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below: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.