Own The Build

In this Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to answer listener questions shaped by recent episodes and the Leadership Series. 
The conversation focuses on the real challenges QSs face as they progress through their careers — from transitioning into the role, to stepping up into leadership and delivering meaningful value on projects.
Paul and Chris cover:
 how to transition from cost engineer to high-performing QS, shifting from analysis to commercial strategy; 
 why procurement is where margin is won or lost — and how to think differently about it; 
 how to move from constant firefighting to leadership, by addressing root causes and carving out time for strategic thinking; 
 the step change from being a competent QS to an influential one, including time on site, understanding operations, and building relationships; and 
 what “delivering value” actually looks like day-to-day, from turning data into insight to taking ownership of project outcomes. 
The episode also touches on wider industry themes, including contract simplification and the importance of collective action to drive meaningful change.
The underlying message is clear: the best QSs don’t just report what’s happening — they shape what happens next.
A practical, experience-led discussion for QSs at every stage of their career looking to step up, think differently, and lead with impact.
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📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail

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. 
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, Paul is joined by Ray Mellor-Pike, Managing Director at RMP Consulting, for a deep dive into one of construction’s most uncomfortable — and important — questions:
Are we allocating risk in a way that actually works? 
Drawing on experience across PQS, main contracting and subcontracting, Ray brings a rare, balanced perspective on how contracts are written, negotiated and — often — misunderstood.
The conversation focuses on the clauses that matter most:
 why limitation of liability is the first and most critical line of defence for subcontractors; 
 how fitness for purpose clauses can quietly introduce uninsurable, business-ending risk; 
 the realities of time bars and condition precedents — and why clarity from day one matters; and 
 how aggressive contract “step-down” creates complexity that many supply chains simply cannot manage. 
But beyond the clauses, the discussion tackles a bigger issue:
the industry’s default to overly aggressive contracts — and whether it’s actually counterproductive.
From “brutal vs middle vs soft” contract strategies to the unintended consequences of pushing risk down the chain, Paul and Ray explore whether current practices are protecting businesses — or slowly weakening the supply chain they depend on.
The conclusion is clear:
better dialogue, more balanced risk allocation, and stronger leadership at main contractor level are essential to building a sustainable construction industry.
A candid, practical conversation for Commercial Directors, QSs and anyone involved in negotiating contracts — and a timely reminder that what’s written on paper has real consequences on site.
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📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail

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. 
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 the fourth episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Anil Rai, Commercial Director at M Group Water, a £900m+ business within the wider £2.5bn M Group. 
Anil’s journey offers a clear view of what it takes to build a leadership career in a large, complex Tier 1 environment — from early progression through commercial roles to leading at scale across a major infrastructure business.
The conversation focuses on what effective commercial leadership really looks like in 2026, including:
building consistency and standards across large teams;
creating alignment between commercial, operational and client objectives;
leading with accountability while empowering others to take ownership; and
navigating the scale and complexity that comes with major frameworks and long-term programmes.
Anil also reflects on the mindset shift required to step into a Commercial Director role — moving beyond individual performance to driving outcomes through people, structure and culture.
A practical and grounded discussion for QSs aiming for senior leadership — and for Commercial Directors operating in large, multi-project environments.
---------------------------------
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail

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. 
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, Paul is joined by Pamela Cunningham, consultant at Growth & Performance Solutions, to unpack one of the biggest inefficiencies in construction:
The disconnect between main contractors and subcontractors during tendering. 
Having worked on both sides of the fence, Pamela brings a rare perspective — combining Tier 1 procurement experience with hands-on support for SMEs trying to win work in today’s market.
The conversation explores what each side consistently gets wrong.
From the main contractor side:
 why poor tender packs and missing pricing documents create confusion and low engagement; 
 how lack of feedback damages long-term supply chain relationships; 
 and why simple actions like picking up the phone are still a competitive advantage. 
From the subcontractor side:
 why many SMEs struggle to understand expectations and position themselves effectively; 
 how resource, structure and strategy are becoming key differentiators; and 
 what separates businesses that win work from those that don’t. 
The episode also tackles wider industry challenges — from supply chain underdevelopment and skills shortages to the unintended consequences of risk transfer and poor procurement practices.
The conclusion is clear:
better communication, better information and more intentional procurement processes would transform outcomes for both sides.
A practical, honest discussion for QSs, procurement professionals and subcontractors looking to improve how tenders are won, assessed and delivered.
---------------------------------
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail

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. 
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 Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to answer listener questions sparked by the recent Leadership Series with leading Commercial Directors across the UK construction industry. 
The discussion dives into some of the most practical leadership challenges facing QSs and commercial managers today — from when to step in and when to let team members learn through mistakes, to how difficult projects can become the most valuable learning experiences of a career.
Paul and Chris also tackle the uncomfortable topic of “hard-nosed” commercial behaviour in the industry and whether that mindset is still sustainable in modern construction leadership.
The episode closes with advice for the next generation of quantity surveyors — exploring why QS remains one of the most flexible and opportunity-rich careers in construction.
A thoughtful conversation about leadership, growth through adversity, and the mindset required to build stronger commercial teams.
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📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.
Send us Fan Mail

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. 
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.