Today, Paul meets Rob Dean , a leading expert at the intersection of construction, arbitration, and technology. Rob shares his insights on how AI and blockchain might transform dispute resolution and what this means for the industry's future. Decentralised Arbitration : Rob introduces Kleros, a decentralised arbitration platform, and explains its innovative role in resolving disputes. The Tech-Driven Future : Explore advancements in AI and blockchain that promise to revolutionise dispute resolut...
Feb 03, 2025•43 min•Ep. 203
Scaling a construction business is no small feat, but Greg Wilkes , Founder of Develop Coaching , has the blueprint to help you succeed. In this episode, Greg shares his story of rebuilding after failure and reveals his proven framework to help businesses grow sustainably while maintaining profitability. Discover the Five Pillars of Success: Plan, Attract, Convert, Deliver, and Scale. Boost Your Margins: Learn how Greg’s clients achieve 15% net profitability. Find the Right Coach: Greg explains ...
Jan 27, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 202
Procurement is one of construction’s biggest challenges, but Chris Mackenzie-Grieve has spent his career redefining how it’s done. From M&A to transforming delivery rates at the Ministry of Justice, Chris shares key lessons and innovations in procurement and value creation. Career Transformation: Chris discusses how his journey from trades to M&A reshaped his approach to procurement. The Value Indicator: Learn how Chris identified inefficiencies, improving project value from 23p to 27p p...
Jan 20, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 201
In our first-ever listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber tackle your most pressing questions on Quantity Surveying, contract management, variations, and lessons learned. 📅 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: 🔹 What Makes a Great QS? What skills are essential for a good QS, and how have employer expectations evolved with advances in technology? 🔹 Managing Des...
Jan 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 200
In this milestone 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: 🔹 Lessons in Quantity Surveying Paul shares career-defining moments: managing teams in his 20s, seminal moments and how certain projects shaped his outlook. 🔹 The C-Link Story The challenges, milestones, and vision behind C-Link’s journey to becoming a leading digital procurement platform. 🔹 The Rise of Own the Buil...
Jan 13, 2025•46 min•Ep. 200
In this unique episode, the tables are turned as Paul takes on questions from a listener-turned-interviewer, Matt , diving into both career advice and technical QS topics. From breaking down his career journey to offering insights into commercial management, Paul provides practical answers to questions submitted by listeners. 🔍 Key Topics: Career Progression : Paul shares how he achieved rapid career growth and the key traits he looks for in staff. Impressing Your Boss : Simple strategies to st...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 199
In this episode, Paul is joined by Damian James , Director and Practicing Expert at Damian James Delay and Quantum Experts, to explore the dynamics of delay, disruption, and the importance of assertiveness in managing construction disputes. 🔍 Key Topics: Challenges in Construction Culture : Damian discusses the cultural issues in construction, such as the reluctance to deliver bad news and the implications of saying ‘yes’ to everything, especially in relation to time bars and dispute escalation...
Dec 16, 2024•48 min•Ep. 198
In this episode, Paul is joined by Marcus Siddons , Director of Baker Wilkins & Smith, an international firm of construction consultants with a long history of working in the Middle East. Marcus shares insights from his family business, founded in 1955 and has grown significantly across the Gulf region, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Key Topics: Challenges in the Middle East Market : Marcus discusses the unique challenges of working in the Middle East, including getting paid, managing a...
Dec 09, 2024•41 min•Ep. 197
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ali Mafi , a project management expert with over 200 construction projects. Ali shares his insights on how adopting a continuous flow approach and rethinking time management can revolutionise construction project delivery. 🔍 Key Topics: Batch Processing vs. Continuous Flow : Why traditional batch processing causes inefficiencies and how a flow-based system can accelerate projects and improve quality. The Satnav Approach to Time : Ali explains how focusing on e...
Dec 02, 2024•50 min•Ep. 196
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ryan , Chair of Deconstruction, an initiative to rebrand the construction industry to tackle its image problem. With insights from his career and a revealing YouGov survey, Ryan explains why 68% of the public wouldn’t consider a career in construction and what can be done to change that. 🔍 Key Topics: Industry Perception Problems : Why construction is associated with negative terms like "strenuous" and "dirty" and how these misconceptions impact recruitment. R...
Nov 25, 2024•42 min•Ep. 195
In this episode, Paul is joined by Parm Bhangal , QS, an Entrepreneur, Construction Expert, Business Coach, Keynote Speaker, and founder of Bhangals Construction Consultants, to discuss the challenges of low tendering in construction. Pitfalls of Low Tenders : Parm explains why low tenders can be problematic, leading to inaccurate pricing, compromised quality, and hidden costs. Real-Life Example : Parm shares a story about a client who chose the lowest tender and the lessons learned from that ex...
Nov 18, 2024•43 min•Ep. 194
In this episode, Paul is joined by Hilan Shah , a QS and Founder of Construction Mastery a company whose mission is to create as many World Class Construction pros as possible that go on to uplift, influence and impact the construction industry. Together, Paul and Hilan discuss how quantity surveyors (QSs) can advance their careers and become indispensable. Evolving Role of QSs : We explore how the QS profession is shifting from manual tasks to a knowledge-driven role, with automation and techno...
Nov 11, 2024•51 min•Ep. 193
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ali M Saad , an academic researcher and scholar on innovation, modernisation, digitalisation, and improvement in the UK construction industry. An advocate of change in an industry of traditionalists. We explore the concept of 'innovation negativism'—how past failures in construction innovation have led stakeholders to be cautious about adopting new approaches like MMC. Ali examines the specific elements driving this sentiment and the misconceptions shaping it. ...
Nov 04, 2024•37 min•Ep. 192
In this episode, Paul is joined by Matthew Greenhalgh , Director at ICRS Consult, to explore the world of construction claims management and dispute resolution. Matthew shares his journey in the construction industry, reflecting on the complexities of managing claims and why there is a lack of resources like books on this topic. He discusses the essential skills he developed to navigate this challenging field successfully. Key Strategies for Effective Claims Management : We explore Matthew's pra...
Oct 28, 2024•53 min•Ep. 191
This episode features Paul and Chris Barber , Chief Visionary Officer at C-Link, to tackle the challenges of managing Provisional Sums in construction projects. Provisional Sums in Focus: Chris explains what Provisional Sums are, their purpose in contracts, and the risks they pose if not properly managed. Realistic Scenario – Landscaping Provisional Sum: Imagine managing a high-rise project where a £250,000 Provisional Sum for landscaping balloons to £400,000 due to new requirements. Chris guide...
Oct 21, 2024•32 min•Ep. 190
In this episode, Paul is joined by Eric Anderton , an expert in construction leadership and author of 'Construction Genius.’ Since 2004, Eric has been instrumental in helping construction companies boost profits, reduce overheads, and build effective teams. Paul shares his experience leading a team of quantity surveyors at a young age without formal training—a scenario all too common in the industry. Eric offers his perspective on how leadership can be approached differently and more effectively...
Oct 14, 2024•50 min•Ep. 189
Catch up on C-Link's Digital Maturity Event here - GET MY SEAT . In this episode, Paul is joined by Iain McIlwee , the CEO of the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS), an organisation uniting the supply chain to raise standards and drive quality in the Finishes, Fit-out, and Interiors Sector. Paul and Iain discuss the FIS Manifesto, drafted before the 2024 UK elections, and the often-overlooked topic of Contractor Design Portions. Modern procurement methods and their impact on productivity. Enhan...
Oct 07, 2024•58 min•Ep. 188
Register for your seat at the Digital Maturity Event for Free here - GET MY SEAT . In this episode, Paul is joined by James Garner , Global Head of Data, Insights, and Analytics at Gleeds, to discuss the state of digital maturity in construction and the future of AI and data-driven technologies. Market Sentiment and Digital Maturity : James shares his reflections on current tendering trends, capacity issues in construction, and insights from a recent poll on digital maturity levels in the indust...
Sep 30, 2024•45 min•Ep. 187
Register for your seat at the Digital Maturity Event for Free here - GET MY SEAT . This episode features Paul and Chris Barber , Chief Visionary Officer at C-Link, to break down the complexities of procuring a groundworks package. Defining Groundworks : Chris explains what groundworks involve—excavation, foundations, drainage, and site preparation—and why they are critical to project success. Impact on Project Success : Learn how the quality and timing of groundworks can affect a project’s sched...
Sep 23, 2024•43 min•Ep. 186
In this episode, Paul is joined by Rob Valenta , the Inventor of Claim Movies & Forensic Graphics used in Construction Disputes worldwide. Rob has 15 years of experience utilising this unique approach. Paul and his guest explore the fascinating journey from no interest in construction to creating claim movies. Background and Transition : From art and design to construction claim movies. Innovative Techniques : Using animation and video editing for construction claims. Condensing Documentatio...
Sep 16, 2024•36 min•Ep. 185
In this episode, Paul is joined by Patrick Carroll , QS and Founder of Carroll Estimating. This business provides a team of Contractor Quantity Surveyors and Estimators for less cost than one QS employee. Paul and Patrick explore the intricacies of on-account payments and their critical role in maintaining smooth cash flow within construction projects. Challenges and Solutions : Common issues with on-account payments and strategies to ensure smoother transactions. Documenting and Following Up : ...
Sep 09, 2024•48 min•Ep. 184
In this episode, Paul is joined by Nicola Skarkey , a Quantity Surveyor and member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), delivering stand-out, easy-to-read construction market reports and strategic insights at Gleeds. Paul and Nicola dive into the insights from Gleeds’ Q3 2024 Construction Market Report, which measures Market Sentiment to understand where we’re at as an industry: Sentiment Changes: Trends and shifts from Q2 to Q3. Interest Rates and Inflation: Current impact o...
Sep 02, 2024•39 min•Ep. 183
This episode features Paul and Chris Barber , the chief visionary officer at C-Link and a frequent guest on the show. Together, they delve into the transformative power of data visualisation for commercial teams. Key Topics Discussed: The current state of data in the construction industry The importance of data visualisation for Main Contractors Personal experiences with data visualisation as a Quantity Surveyor and Commercial Director The impact of data visualisation on lead times, programme ma...
Aug 26, 2024•39 min
In this episode, Paul is joined by Matthew Klinefelter , a Forensic Delay Analyst, Expert Witness and Director at Planetal Limited, a programme management consultancy offering full project lifecycle services to the construction industry. Paul and Matthew dive into the complexities of delay analysis in construction and its impact on project success. Challenges and Solutions: Common issues in delay analysis and strategies to overcome them. Documenting and Following Up: Key steps to ensure timely a...
Aug 19, 2024•54 min•Ep. 181
In this episode, Paul is joined by Ray Mellor-Pike , a QS and Managing Director of his Consultant QS practice. In today’s conversation, Paul and Ray discuss leading construction teams with emotional intelligence, covering: Why good leadership is lacking in the industry The importance of humility and leading by example Communicating the 'why' to your team Using emotional intelligence to build high-performing teams Tactical empathy for resolving disputes Your free OTB download I’ve shared a link t...
Aug 12, 2024•56 min•Ep. 180
In this episode, Paul is joined by Susan Francombe , Chair of the Adjudication Society and a distinguished Chartered Civil Engineer, Barrister, Adjudicator, and Arbitrator. Paul and Susan delve into Susan's remarkable career journey from engineer to adjudicator and explore what inspired her transition to the legal aspects of the industry. Key Topics Discussed: Susan's career path from civil engineering to adjudication The appeal of the legal profession within the construction industry Creating p...
Aug 05, 2024•57 min•Ep. 179
This episode features Paul and Chris Barber , the chief visionary officer at C-Link, a frequent guest on the show. Together, they explore the transformative potential of Digital Tendering and its far-reaching implications for the construction industry. Key Topics Discussed: The current state and inherent challenges of traditional tendering processes Best practices for tendering, highlighting the ideal tender process A visionary look at the future landscape of digital tendering Join us for a comp...
Jul 29, 2024•42 min•Ep. 178
In this episode, Paul is joined by Rik Vere , Group Commercial Director at Stephenson Group, a specialist contractor in reinforced concrete frames and Shell & Core projects. Rik shares insights into how he establishes a non-adversarial culture within his commercial team, starting from the tender stage and continuing through the construction and post-construction phases. Key Topics Discussed: Establishing a non-adversarial culture in commercial teams Key strategies to implement during the ten...
Jul 22, 2024•49 min•Ep. 177
In this episode, Paul meets Jason Cooney , Director at The Tender Team, a leading bid writing company that helps main and subcontractors craft winning bids. Throughout the conversation, Paul and Jason explore best practices for selecting the right projects to tender for, strategies to enhance bid conversion rates, and tips on maximising resources throughout the tendering process. Key Topics Discussed: How to identify and focus on the most promising tender opportunities Techniques to improve your...
Jul 15, 2024•43 min•Ep. 176
In this episode, Paul meets Stuart Green , a Professor of Construction Management at the University of Reading. Stuart researches construction sector policy and has just authored Making Sense of Construction Improvement. This book critically evaluates the construction improvement debate from 1945 to the modern era. Across the episode, Paul and Stuart discuss the business models of Main Contractors, the evolution of construction procurement routes and how we can redesign the Built Environment as ...
Jul 08, 2024•55 min•Ep. 175
