The Contract Clarity Series with Sarah Fox (Part 2) In this second instalment of the Contract Clarity Series, Paul is once again joined by construction’s contract queen, Sarah Fox — contract strategist, author, and keynote speaker — to explore a topic every subcontractor, QS, and contractor needs to understand: liability. Sarah breaks down the risks contractors are exposed to, explains how liquidated damages (LDs) really work, and pulls back the curtain on indemnity clauses – which she calls “co...
Jul 21, 2025•31 min•Ep. 227
In the first instalment of our 4-part Contract Clarity Series with Sarah Fox — contract strategist, speaker, and author of Small Works Contracts in Just 500 Words — Paul dives into one of the trickiest, most nerve-racking topics in construction: contract termination . Termination often strikes fear into contractors and lawyers alike — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Sarah and Paul explore why termination needs to be seen less like a courtroom drama and more like a planned, mutual exit w...
Jul 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 226
In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Langley Sharp , former Head of the Centre for Army Leadership at Sandhurst, Commanding Officer of the Parachute Regiment, and now MD of Frontier Leadership. With over 20 years’ experience leading teams in the British Army—including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan—Langley brings a rare and proven insight into how leadership really works under pressure. He’s also the author of the bestselling book The Habit of Excellence and today, he’s helping construction team...
Jul 07, 2025•51 min•Ep. 225
In this episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber challenge the view of Quantity Surveyors as mere cost controllers — and makes the case for QSs to step up as strategic commercial advisors. Through personal stories (including a classic misunderstanding in Italy), Paul explores why QSs are often misunderstood, and what it takes to shift from passive cost reporter to trusted advisor. Whether you're a junior QS or commercial director, this episode offers practical tips to transform how you're perceived...
Jun 30, 2025•32 min•Ep. 224
In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Stefan Panourgias , a seasoned commercial consultant and specialist in construction settlements. With a career spanning London, New York, Malaysia, and the Middle East, Stephen has built a reputation for resolving disputes before they derail projects — from forensic delay analysis to strategic negotiation with the C-suite. We discuss: Stephen’s global career journey — from Heathrow Express to boutique consulting in Dubai What it actually means to be a settle...
Jun 23, 2025•54 min•Ep. 223
In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Stephen Harpur , Managing Director at Sharpur Consultancy – a Chartered Construction Manager with more than 25 years in the industry. Stephen’s journey is anything but typical: he started as a labourer, worked every trade you can think of, and went on to lead some of the most complex, multimillion-pound construction projects in Northern Ireland. Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link...
Jun 16, 2025•41 min•Ep. 222
In the studio today, Paul is joined by Emma Fletcher , Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, Chair of the RICS Residential Professional Group Panel, and a lifelong innovator in residential development. From leading housing associations to helping an entire village go 100% off oil, Emma is redefining what a modern home should be. Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event In this ep...
Jun 09, 2025•50 min•Ep. 221
In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber return to tackle your commercial, contractual, and career questions—this time covering subcontracting from both sides of the fence, AI’s impact on QS, and how the industry needs to rethink risk allocation. Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event 📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a mo...
Jun 03, 2025•35 min•Ep. 2201
Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event --------------------- Today, Paul’s guest is Mike Ashcroft , Estimator, Co-Founder of EstimateOne, and now Merger Partner at C-Link. This episode is a conversation years in the making — one driven by too many busted Excel sheets, missing elevations, and the gap between Estimators and QSs. Mike and I talk through how two different companies, built...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 220
The Merger Special: Why C-Link and EstimateOne Joined Forces to Change Construction Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event In this special Thursday edition of Own the Build, Paul Heming is joined by all four co-founders from C-Link and E1 to announce something major: C-Link has officially merged with E1 . This isn’t your standard acquisition. It’s a union born from years of lived expe...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 2200
Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event --------------------- Today, Paul’s guest is Cian Brennan , Founder of Quantum Contract Solutions and now the author of his new book, The Subcontractor's Edge . Cian’s first appearance on the show was a real listener favourite — and today, he’s back with an even bigger mission: helping subcontractors escape what he calls "The Cycle of Doom." In t...
May 26, 2025•43 min•Ep. 219
Today, Paul’s guest is Dave Stitt , a Chartered Civil Engineer, Fellow of the CIOB, and one of the UK’s most respected leadership coaches in construction. With nearly five decades in the industry, Dave has worked with some of the country’s biggest firms, leading transformation programmes and coaching leadership teams at the highest level. In this episode, we talk about: 🎯 Leadership training in construction – Why we don’t do it well, and how that’s holding teams (and margins) back. 📈 How to bu...
May 19, 2025•51 min•Ep. 218
Today, Paul’s guest is Dan Bradley , Managing Director at BPM Project Management in New Zealand and Founding Director at ConTech Solutions , a business focused on streamlining construction through digital transformation across Australia and New Zealand. In this episode, Paul and Dan explore a bold and under-discussed topic in construction: mental toughness—what it means, how to develop it, and why it’s one of the most important skills for professionals navigating high-stakes contracts, disputes,...
May 12, 2025•56 min•Ep. 217
In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber dive into your pressing Quantity Surveying and construction challenges. From late payments to navigating design disputes, this episode is packed with actionable advice for industry professionals. 📅 Reminder : We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your questions to paul@c-link.com to have them featured! In this episode, we discuss: 🧱 Developer-side moves – Is jumping from Main Contractor/Subbie...
May 06, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2161
Today, Paul is joined for the third time by Ray Mellor-Pike , a QS and Managing Director at RMP Consulting. Last time, Ray shared how FBI hostage negotiation tactics inform his approach to final account meetings. This time, he returns with another big idea: The Project Manager is the head of the project, but the Quantity Surveyor is the neck. Together, Paul and Ray break down the real influence of a great QS — not just as a cost controller, but as the immune system of the project, constantly sca...
May 05, 2025•52 min•Ep. 216
Today, Paul’s guest is Jamie Mills, Managing Director at Signature Build, to explore the often overlooked but crucial human side of contract management in construction. With a career that began in IT before transitioning into infrastructure project management and construction leadership, Jamie brings a unique perspective on how emotional intelligence, relationship management, and communication shape successful outcomes—both contractually and commercially. 🔹 The Reality of Goodwill in Constructi...
Apr 28, 2025•49 min•Ep. 215
Today, Paul’s guest is Frans Taljaard , FIDIC Contracts Manager at Gleeds in Lisbon and founder of Clause 20, a consultancy focused on FIDIC training and contract management. Frans has extensive experience managing FIDIC contracts across Europe and the Middle East, supporting contractors in claims, payments, and disputes. 🔹 Understanding FIDIC Contracts : Learn where FIDIC is most commonly used and how it differs from JCT & NEC contracts. 🔹 Avoiding Common Pitfalls : Discover the biggest m...
Apr 21, 2025•46 min
Practical Completion (PC) is one of the most critical and contentious milestones in any construction project. But what happens when a client refuses to grant it? In this episode, Bill Barton , Director at Barton Legal, joins Paul to discuss real-world disputes over PC and how contractors can protect themselves. 🔹 Understanding Practical Completion: How is PC defined, and why does ambiguity create major issues? 🔹 When Clients Withhold PC: What are the commercial and legal implications for contr...
Apr 14, 2025•53 min•Ep. 213
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 212.1 of Own the Build — our fourth Question Time Special , where Paul and Chris answer listener-submitted questions on commercial, contractual, and career-related issues in the construction industry. These episodes drop once a month on a Thursday — and as ever, if you've got a question, email paul@c-link.com or message Paul on LinkedIn and it could feature in the next one. In this month’s Q&A, Paul tackles these brilliant listener questions , including real-world dile...
Apr 08, 2025•43 min•Ep. 2121
🎙️ Today’s guest is Chris Barber, a returning favourite on the show and someone who needs no introduction for many of our listeners. Chris is a former top-level QS with a sharp eye for practical improvements in construction project delivery and contract management. Contract Audits Made Simple: Paul and Chris dive into a tool that’s been quietly circulating among the Own the Build community—Paul’s Contract Audit Document . Designed to distil a 1,000-page contract into 3–4 actionable pages, this ...
Apr 07, 2025•29 min•Ep. 212
Today, Paul’s guest is David Moreland , a Chartered Civil Engineer, Accredited NEC Project Manager, and Expert Consulting Engineer at MoreConsult Limited. David specialises in project planning, delay analysis, and expert witness work, helping construction professionals navigate complex claims and project delivery challenges. 🔹 Project Planning Fundamentals: Learn the critical elements of a successful project program and why getting the basics right can prevent costly delays. 🔹 Understanding th...
Mar 31, 2025•51 min•Ep. 211
Today, Paul’s guest is Len Bunton , Founder of Bunton Consulting, Vice Chairman of Scottish Mediation, and Chairman of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) Commercial and Procurement Group. Len returns for his third Own the Build episode to tackle one of the biggest challenges in construction—conflict avoidance. 🔹 Conflict Avoidance Week 2025 – What is it, and why should the industry take notice? 🔹 Mastering Payment Applications – The role of email tracking, follow-ups, and direct...
Mar 24, 2025•38 min•Ep. 210
Unnecessary contract amendments create confusion, disputes, and inefficiencies across the construction industry. In this episode, Paul's guest is Sarah Fox , a leading expert in construction law and conflict avoidance, to discuss why simplifying contracts is essential for better project outcomes. 🔹 The Conflict Avoidance Pledge : Learn how the RICS initiative drives a cultural shift in contract management. 🔹 The Case Against Onerous Amendments : Why excessive changes to standard forms cause mo...
Mar 17, 2025•48 min•Ep. 209
In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber dive into your pressing Quantity Surveying and construction challenges. From late payments to navigating design disputes, this episode is packed with actionable advice for industry professionals. 📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your questions to paul@c-link.com to have them featured! What You’ll Learn: 🔹 Managing Late Payment Applications Discover how to handle subcontractors...
Mar 11, 2025•36 min•Ep. 2081
Today, Paul's guest is Keith Kelliher , Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Accredited Adjudicator, Arbitrator, Mediator, and Expert Witness at Kelliher and Associates. With a career steeped in construction disputes and conflict resolution, Keith joins us to share his unique perspective on improving communication and collaboration in the industry. 🔹 The Adversarial Nature of Construction: Keith shares his reflections on why the industry remains so adversarial and its toll on businesses and individuals...
Mar 10, 2025•54 min•Ep. 208
Today’s Paul meets Michael Green , Managing Director at RED Systems Ltd, a leading specialist contractor with four divisions: structural glazing, SFS design, digital innovation, and glazing engineering. The Cost of Tendering : Michael explains why each new tender costs his business £4,500 on average and how this impacts decisions between pursuing new projects and focusing on repeat clients. Transparency in Tendering : Hear Michael’s call for clearer timelines, mid-tender reviews, and better coll...
Mar 03, 2025•45 min•Ep. 207
Today's guest is Samuel Bawden , Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Holmes & Hills. Sam returns to the show to unpack key legal cases from 2024 and explore their impact on construction professionals, including Quantity Surveyors and Contract Managers. 🔹 Collateral Warranties and Construction Contracts: Sam explains the Abbey Healthcare case and its debate on whether collateral warranties qualify as construction contracts. Discover why this matters for adjudication rights and how cont...
Feb 24, 2025•42 min•Ep. 206
Today, Paul is joined by Scott Coulton , Founding Director of Nexus Consult, a boutique construction consultancy with offices in Manchester and London. Nexus Consult supports subcontractors, contractors, employers, and law firms across the UK and Middle East. Master the Construction Act: Scott explains how to navigate payment provisions and avoid costly mistakes with payment notices and applications. Adjudication Insights: Learn practical strategies to strengthen your position in disputes and en...
Feb 17, 2025•53 min•Ep. 205
In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber delve into the most pressing challenges faced by QSs and construction professionals. Covering topics from variations to supply chain fairness, this is your go-to resource for practical advice and expert insights. 📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your questions to paul@c-link.com to have them featured! What You’ll Learn: 🔹 Managing Variations in Complex Projects How can QSs ens...
Feb 11, 2025•41 min•Ep. 204
In this episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber reflect on their Quantity Surveying careers, the origins of C-Link, and the evolution of Own the Build . What You’ll Learn: Defining the Role of a Commercial Director What sets a Commercial Director apart from senior commercial managers, and how have the expectations of this role evolved over the years? Lessons from Role Models What behaviours and traits inspire teams and build credibility in a Commercial Director? Conversely, what hinders their effe...
Feb 10, 2025•32 min•Ep. 204
