In this episode, Paul is joined by Pamela Cunningham, consultant at Growth & Performance Solutions, to unpack one of the biggest inefficiencies in construction:

The disconnect between main contractors and subcontractors during tendering.

Having worked on both sides of the fence, Pamela brings a rare perspective — combining Tier 1 procurement experience with hands-on support for SMEs trying to win work in today’s market.

The conversation explores what each side consistently gets wrong.

From the main contractor side:

• why poor tender packs and missing pricing documents create confusion and low engagement;
• how lack of feedback damages long-term supply chain relationships;
• and why simple actions like picking up the phone are still a competitive advantage.

From the subcontractor side:

• why many SMEs struggle to understand expectations and position themselves effectively;
• how resource, structure and strategy are becoming key differentiators; and
• what separates businesses that win work from those that don’t.

The episode also tackles wider industry challenges — from supply chain underdevelopment and skills shortages to the unintended consequences of risk transfer and poor procurement practices.

The conclusion is clear:
better communication, better information and more intentional procurement processes would transform outcomes for both sides.

A practical, honest discussion for QSs, procurement professionals and subcontractors looking to improve how tenders are won, assessed and delivered.

---------------------------------

📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:

Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success

Send us Fan Mail

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

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 with leading Commercial Directors across the UK construction industry.

The discussion dives into some of the most practical leadership challenges facing QSs and commercial managers today — from when to step in and when to let team members learn through mistakes, to how difficult projects can become the most valuable learning experiences of a career.

Paul and Chris also tackle the uncomfortable topic of “hard-nosed” commercial behaviour in the industry and whether that mindset is still sustainable in modern construction leadership.

The episode closes with advice for the next generation of quantity surveyors — exploring why QS remains one of the most flexible and opportunity-rich careers in construction.

A thoughtful conversation about leadership, growth through adversity, and the mindset required to build stronger commercial teams.

---------------------------------

📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:

Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success

For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.

Send us Fan Mail

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

In this episode, Paul is joined by Cian Brennan, founder of Quantum Contract Solutions and author of The Subcontractor’s Edge, for a candid conversation about one uncomfortable truth:

Most subcontractors don’t lose money on site — they lose it in the paperwork.

From four-hour “favours” that quietly erode margin, to delayed variations that become interest-free loans to main contractors, Paul and Kian unpack how small commercial decisions in Q1 of a project often come back to bite in Q4 — what Kian calls “squeaky bum time.”

They cover:

• why early variations must be submitted immediately (even the small ones);
• how cash flow timing is the real battleground in subcontracting;
• acceleration traps — and the critical question to ask before agreeing to speed up;
• why final accounts are the most dangerous phase of any project;
• how to “train” payment behaviour from day one; and
• the simple quarterly check-in strategy that turns one project into long-term framework work.

This is a practical, straight-talking episode for subcontractor QSs and commercial leaders who want to protect margin, control cash flow, and avoid painful disputes at closeout.

Because in construction, the difference between surviving and thriving often comes down to process, discipline, and thinking three quarters ahead.

---------------------------------

📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:

Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success

For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.

Send us Fan Mail

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.

Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.