Own The Build

In this episode, Paul is joined by Jordan Toman , QS recruitment specialist at ClearNorth — known by many as “the QS Insider” . Jordan sits at the centre of the UK QS market, speaking daily with quantity surveyors and commercial leaders across the country. Few people have a clearer view of what’s really happening behind the scenes. With 2026 underway, this conversation tackles some of the most pre...

For our 250th episode, we mark a major milestone for Own the Build with a special collaboration with the RICS and the Project Flux podcast. This conversation arrives at a pivotal moment: the RICS has just published its first-ever global professional standard for the responsible use of AI in surveying , coming into effect in March 2026. To unpack what this means for QSs, valuers, project profession...

We’re kicking off 2026 with something special — a full replay of Own the Build Live , recorded in front of a packed audience in October 2025. If you were there, you’ll know the energy in the room was electric. If you weren’t, you’re in for a treat. In this live session, Paul sits down with a formidable panel: Sarah Fox (legal consultant), Mike Wharton (Complete Roofing Systems), Kelvin Maye (Group...

In our final episode of 2025, we wrap up the year with a Christmas Question Time special — and as ever, Paul is joined by C-Link co-founder and former QS, Chris Barber , for an honest and entertaining look at the issues commercial teams are grappling with right now. This episode is built entirely from listener questions, including: • Have you ever received (or issued) a notice on Christmas Eve? Pa...

In this episode of Own the Build , Paul is joined by Trevor Wilkins , Managing Director of PAH Building & Construction — a contractor working deep inside one of the UK’s most complex and least-understood built environments: the defence estate. Trevor shares the unique story of PAH’s evolution from a one-client refurb contractor to a £15m business operating across the UK, including the landmark...

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...

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...

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 r...

In this episode, Paul is joined by George Lujans , Director at GoModula r , 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...

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 Ton...

In this episode of Own the Build , Paul is joined by Katie Taylor , Managing Quantity Surveyor, to explore what it really takes to raise the bar for commercial professionals in construction. Katie shares how she entered the industry by chance as a receptionist, studied part-time to become a QS, and developed a deep passion for coaching and communication. Together, Paul and Katie discuss: Why coach...

!!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd !!! ----------------------------------- In this episode of Own the Build , Paul is joined once again by his co-founder and sidekick, Chris Barber , for another round of Question Time . This time, the duo dives deep into one of the most shocking industry stats of 2025: the QS workforce has dropped by over 30% in just 12 month...

!!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd !!! ----------------------------------- In this episode, Paul is joined by Rob Munns , Head of Sales at BFT Mast Climbing Ltd — the UK’s leading provider of mast climbers. You might think access equipment isn’t the most exciting topic in the world, but this conversation is a wake-up call for QSs, PMs, and operational teams....

!!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd !!! ----------------------------------- This week on Own the Build , Paul is joined by Dave Stitt , a leadership team coach with 25+ years of experience working with boards and senior project teams across the UK construction industry. In this episode, Paul and Dave deep-dive into a subject that every QS, PM, and Director tal...

!!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd !!! ----------------------------------- In this episode of Own the Build , Paul is joined by James Filus , Director at both the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and the Institute of Carpenters (IOC), to unpack what competence really means in the context of construction today. James shares the view from the front lin...

In this lively episode, Chris joins Paul again to tackle YOUR questions in the return of Question Time . From the realities of AI in construction to the headaches of back-to-back contracts, we dive into the heart of what QSs are really facing on site. Highlights include: How AI is transforming tender analysis and improving subcontractor engagement. NEC vs JCT – which contract is most improperly ad...

In this episode, Paul is joined by Andrea White , Independent Fire Engineer, Chartered Safety Professional, and one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction (2023). Andrea is also the founder of Women Talking Fire and a leading voice on fire safety strategy in a post-Grenfell landscape. Together, Paul and Andrea unpack the critical implications of the Building Safety Act for quantity...

In this episode, Paul is joined by Kelvin Maye , Group Commercial Director at Guildmore Ltd, a £100m+ main contractor with an impressive growth trajectory. Kelvin shares the story of his journey from graduate QS to group leadership and how Guildmore is actively reshaping its commercial and procurement strategies. They explore how Kelvin’s team is unlocking QS productivity, improving tender and con...

In episode 233, Paul welcomes Alice Graham , a chartered Quantity Surveyor turned Solution Specialist at Procore Technologies. Together, they unpack Alice’s career journey — from studying QS at Heriot-Watt University to working in consultancy, and eventually pivoting into construction technology. Alice shares how her “skills inventory” helped her redefine her path, the case for becoming a visible...

Question Time is back — and it’s better than ever. After a brief baby-related break (sorry about skipping 224.1 and 228.1), Paul and Chris are back to answer your burning questions about quantity surveying, procurement, contracts, and even… sport. In this episode, we cover: 🧠 How to build a standout QS career — including which contract type to master and why 🤖 What skills QSs need in an AI-drive...

In this special episode of Own the Build , Paul is a guest on Ross Griffin's Inventing Construction podcast. The conversation dives deep into Paul’s journey from subcontractor QS to co-founder of C-Link, a software platform built to overhaul procurement and supply chain management in construction. Paul shares raw and honest reflections on why QSs are drowning in admin, how traditional tender...

In the final part of the Contract Clarity Series , Paul is joined once again by the brilliantly practical contract expert Sarah Fox to explore the future of contracting in construction. They dive into the rise of AI, what it means for lawyers and quantity surveyors, and how contracting must evolve in a digitised world. From empowering junior QSs to building smarter scopes of work, the discussion u...

In this episode, titled Subcontracting Simplified , Paul and Sarah Fox go deep into what’s really broken in subcontracting — and what can be done to fix it. From clause-dumping and risk overload to overlooked meeting minutes and unreadable contracts, this is a frank conversation about the challenges subcontractors face and the behaviours that hold the industry back. We discuss: ❌ Why many subcont...

In this reflective episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Chris Barber to dive deep into the early mistakes they made as young Quantity Surveyors — and what they’ve learned from them since. If you’ve ever sat in a final account meeting feeling underprepared, avoided a difficult conversation with a subcontractor, or been caught off guard by a variation — you are not alone. 🎯 In this episode,...

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 liquida...