Own The Build

Епизоде

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  How Quantity Surveyors Should Actually Be Using AI (EP 284) 14.09.2026 33мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined by James Pearson, a freelance Quantity Surveyor with nearly 20 years' experience across UK construction, to explore the commercial habits that keep projects under control — and how AI is beginning to change the way QSs work. James shares his approach to managing projects through a structured commercial calendar, explaining why reporting what happened last month isn't the same as actively managing what happens next. The conversation explores: why projects rarely...
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  The Hidden Complexity of Tier 1 Procurement (EP 283) 07.09.2026 44мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined by Kevin Horner, Procurement Operations Leader at Laing O'Rourke, Board Director at SSIP, and a member of several Build UK working groups, for an in-depth look at what procurement really looks like inside one of the UK's largest contractors. While procurement is often viewed as simply "buying subcontractors", Kevin reveals that modern Tier 1 procurement is far more strategic—balancing supply chain capability, governance, compliance, commercial risk and lo...
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  Commercial Cock-Ups, Nightmare Meetings & Lessons Learned the Hard Way (EP 282) 31.08.2026 33мин

  In this Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to answer listener questions on the realities of working commercially in construction — including the mistakes, difficult meetings and relationships that shape you as a QS. This episode gets particularly candid, with Paul and Chris looking back on their own careers and sharing some of the lessons they learned the hard way. The conversation explores: the toughest meetings they...
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  Own the Build Leadership Series #8: David Taylor, Former Group Commercial Director at Costain (£1bn+ Contractor) 24.08.2026 1ч 1мин

  In the eighth episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by David Taylor, former Group Commercial Director at Costain, where he spent over a decade on the Executive Board helping lead one of the UK's largest infrastructure contractors. From starting his career as a trainee estimator at Taylor Woodrow to leading complex PFI programmes, resolving some of the industry's most challenging projects, and ultimately becoming Group Commercial Director, David shares the experi...
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  Why Better Contracts Could Save Lives in Construction (EP 280) 17.08.2026 48мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined by Marc Preston —Quantity Surveyor, dispute resolution specialist, registered counsellor and CEO of New Foundation Counselling—to discuss one of the construction industry's biggest challenges: Why are we still losing so many people to poor mental health? Drawing on decades of experience across Tier 1 contracting, development, dispute resolution and counselling, Mark shares a unique perspective on the commercial and cultural changes needed to make construction a...
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  Why QSs and Design Managers Need to Talk About Money (EP 279) 10.08.2026 37мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined by Nitesh Rupalia, Technical Project Manager at Taylor Wimpey South Wales, for a fascinating discussion on one of the most overlooked relationships in construction: The link between commercial, technical and operational teams. Drawing on experience across developers, architects, Tier 1 contractors and national housebuilders, Nitesh shares why projects perform best when design managers, QSs and site teams stop operating in silos and start working as a single pro...
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  Leadership Question Time: How the Best Commercial Leaders Think (EP 278) 03.08.2026 27мин

  In this special Leadership Series Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, Co-Founder and COO of C-Link, to answer questions submitted by listeners following recent Leadership Series interviews. Drawing on themes from conversations with Prabhat Shikotra, Genna Rourke, Anil Rai and other senior commercial leaders, Paul and Chris explore how commercial professionals can apply those lessons in the real world. The discussion explores: how leaders can find time...
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  Own the Build Leadership Series #7: Genna Rourke, Former Commercial Director at Costain (£1bn+ Contractor) 27.07.2026 1ч

  In the seventh episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Genna Rourke, former Commercial Director at Costain and now Industry Engagement Director at Built Intelligence, to explore an unconventional route into commercial leadership and the lessons she learned along the way. After falling into quantity surveying by chance, Jenna built her career through curiosity, continuous learning and a willingness to take on problems others avoided. From trainee QS to Commercial Dire...
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  Practice the Contract, Protect the Relationship: The Art of Commercial Leadership (EP 276) 20.07.2026 34мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined by Mark Holden-Smith, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Registered Adjudicator, Registered Arbitrator and Director of Holden Smith Consultancy, for a deep dive into one of construction's most misunderstood topics: Why do so many final accounts end in dispute? Having progressed from labourer and plasterer to Managing Director before specialising in claims, dispute resolution and adjudication, Mark brings a unique perspective from every corner of the industry. The con...
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  Commercial Director or Freelance? The Career Choice More QSs Are Making (EP 275) 13.07.2026 51мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined by Bernie Keens, freelance Commercial Manager and Managing QS, to explore a growing trend in the construction industry: Why are experienced QSs choosing freelance over the traditional climb to Commercial Director? Having spent 13 years progressing from Junior QS to Commercial Manager within the same contractor, Bernie recently made the move into freelance commercial management. The conversation explores what drove that decision, what he's learned so far, and wh...
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  Question Time: Is there actually a QS Shortage & Finding the Right Mentor (EP 274) 06.07.2026 26мин

  In this Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to tackle two candid listener questions about career progression, mentorship and the realities of building a successful quantity surveying career. The first question comes from a construction professional with over 15 years of site experience who is struggling to transition into quantity surveying despite completing an MSc and making hundreds of applications. Paul and Ch...
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  Own the Build Leadership Series #6: Prabhat Shikotra, Strategy Lead at BAM UK & Ireland (£3.5bn Contractor) 29.06.2026 1ч

  In the sixth episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Prabhat Shikotra, Strategy Lead at BAM UK & Ireland, to explore a very different path into senior leadership — and why the future of construction will belong to businesses that think long term. Starting his career in architecture before moving into construction through digital planning and innovation, Prabhat shares how curiosity, creativity and consistently putting his hand up for difficult challenges sh...
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  Advanced Influence: The Leadership Skill Construction Never Teaches (EP 272) 22.06.2026 43мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined once again by Dave Stitt, leadership coach and former construction director, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most misunderstood skills in construction leadership: Influence. Drawing on 50 years in the industry and decades coaching senior leaders across major contractors and infrastructure projects, Dave introduces the core ideas behind his upcoming book, Advanced Influencing for Leaders. The conversation explores why technical com...
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  Why Good QSs Are Walking Away from Permanent Jobs (EP 271) 15.06.2026 39мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined by Matthew Williams, Senior Consultant at Clear North, for a practical and timely discussion about one of the construction industry’s biggest hidden challenges: How do contractors attract and retain commercial talent when the QS shortage is getting worse — and freelance working is rapidly evolving? Matt works exclusively with quantity surveyors across the freelance market and brings a front-line perspective on what commercial directors, contractors and QSs need...
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  From Gun QS to Commercial Leader: The Habits That Matter Most - Question Time (EP 270) 08.06.2026 29мин

  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 featuring some of the UK construction industry’s leading Commercial Directors. The conversation explores the consistent themes emerging from those leadership interviews — and what they reveal about how strong commercial leaders are actually built. Paul and Chris discuss: why becoming a “gun QS” st...
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  Why Standard Contracts Fail on Data Centres (And What Needs to Change) (EP 269) 01.06.2026 37мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined by Alex Kozikowska, solicitor at Vinci, to explore a fast-growing but often misunderstood area of construction: Why data centre projects break traditional contract thinking. With experience across contractors, consultants and in-house legal teams, Alex brings a practical perspective on how these highly complex, MEP-driven projects are exposing the limitations of standard forms like JCT, NEC and even FIDIC. The conversation unpacks what actually makes data centr...
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  Own the Build Leadership Series #5: Justin Fahy, Managing Director at Structure Tone UK (£400m+ Fit Out Contractor) 25.05.2026 53мин

  In the fifth episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Justin Fahy, Managing Director at Structure Tone UK, to explore the journey from QS to leading a £400m+ fit-out business. Justin’s career is a strong example of steady progression built on experience, longevity and advocacy — rising through the ranks from trainee surveyor to Commercial Director, before stepping into Managing Director. The conversation focuses on what effective leadership really looks like at ...
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  Why Construction Contracts Are Broken (And What No One Tells You) (EP 267) 18.05.2026 47мин

  In this episode, Paul is joined by David Bebb, Partner at Fenwick Elliott, a construction lawyer with over 20 years’ experience working across the entire supply chain — from Canary Wharf and Network Rail to private practice. Together, they unpack one of the most frustrating — and costly — realities in construction: Why do contract negotiations take so long, feel so combative, and often start in the wrong place? David brings a rare perspective, having seen contracts from every angle, and...
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  Question Time: Cost Engineer to Commercial Leader: The QS Career Shift Explained (EP 266) 11.05.2026 33мин

  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...
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  Who Should Carry the Risk? The Subcontract Debate Commercial Directors Must Have (EP 265) 04.05.2026 53мин

  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 limitatio...