Own The Build

• Can We Trust the Data? Construction Metrics That Actually Matter (EP 246)

  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.

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• Why We’re Losing Good People – What Every Leader in Construction Needs to Hear (EP 245)

  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.

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• Question Time Returns: Adjudication or Relationship – Where’s the Line? (EP 244)

  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.

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• Why Modular Construction Fails in the UK – And How to Fix It (EP 243)

  In this episode, Paul is joined by George Lujans, Director at GoModular, for a masterclass on modular construction that breaks down everything you thought you knew.George’s message is clear: most developers, QSs, and even modular startups have misunderstood modular construction – and that’s why it hasn’t delivered on its promises.Together, Paul and George unpack:Why modular is a verb, not a noun – and how that changes everything.The biggest myths in modular: standardisation, site access, and planning restrictions.Why finance, not technology, is the real blocker to scaling modular housing.What QSs and developers are getting wrong when procuring modular projects.How we shift from chasing megafactories to building smarter, leaner, scalable modular systems.If you're in cost management, development, or just curious about why modular keeps “failing,” this episode reframes the entire conversation.📥 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.

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• Estimating vs. Quantity Surveying – Can We All Just Get Along? (EP 242)

  In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Mike Ashcroft (Co-Founder of EstimateOne) and Paddy Westbury (Estimating Director at Structure Tone) to explore the often misunderstood world of estimating – and its love/hate relationship with quantity surveying.They dive into Paddy’s 40-year journey from sleepy PQS firms to the intensity of fast-track fit out, his reflections on Structure Tone’s explosive growth, and how modern estimators are evolving from number-pushers to project strategists. The trio unpack the cultural shift in tendering, what great QS–Estimator relationships look like, and why curiosity (plus owning your mistakes) might just be the best traits for the next generation of professionals.If you’ve ever argued over a bill, blamed an estimator for a budget, or wondered who really owns procurement – this one’s for you.🔗 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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