Blog

In this episode, Paul is joined by Brandon Silver, construction solicitor at Bexley Beaumont, for a deep, practical conversation on where construction contracts most often unravel — and how QSs and commercial leaders can protect themselves before problems escalate. Brandon works daily on adjudications, payment disputes, termination claims and delay arguments, acting for contractors and… Continue reading Termination, Delay & Contract Chaos — What Main Contractors Get Wrong (EP 255)

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… Continue reading Mastering Provisional Sums: Navigating Complex Situations as a World-Class Quantity Surveyor (EP 190)

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… Continue reading Question Time Returns: The QS Career Clinic (EP 236)

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… Continue reading Curiosity, Communication, and Coaching: How to Build Better QSs (EP 241)

In the second episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Chris Hartley, former Commercial Director at McLaren Construction, a £1bn+ main contractor, and now a business change consultant and quantum expert. Chris shares a deeply reflective account of his journey from early career QS to leading commercial teams of more… Continue reading Own the Build Leadership Series #2:Chris Hartley, Former Commercial Director at McLaren Construction (£1bn+ Contractor)

In this episode, Paul is joined by Kate Kennedy, Head of Legal Bids and Contract Transformation at Laing O’Rourke, to explore a bold idea: what if construction contracts were actually easy to understand? Kate is leading an industry-first initiative to rethink how construction contracts are written, used and negotiated — starting with a simple premise:… Continue reading Rewriting the Rules: How Laing O’Rourke is Transforming Construction Contracts (EP 259)

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… Continue reading From Variations to EOTs: How to Defend Claims – Your Framework for Success (EP 191)

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… Continue reading Inside the QS Market: Salaries, Burnout & Hiring Reality in 2026 (EP 251)

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 –… Continue reading Question Time #2: Your Construction and QS Challenges Answered (EP 204.1)

In this episode, Paul is joined once again by Simon Robinson, former main contractor Managing QS turned founder of Subport, to unpack a question that sits at the heart of construction delivery: What actually makes a “good” subcontractor — and a “good” main contractor — from a commercial perspective? Using results from a live poll… Continue reading Main Contractor QS vs Subcontractor QS: What Really Matters (EP 258)