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PODCAST

Own The Build

Own the Build is the podcast for Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Directors who want to sharpen their commercial edge and lead with confidence.Hosted by Paul Heming, former Commercial leader and now co-founder of C-Link, each week’s conversation dives into the realities of modern commercial management — from procurement and contracts to digital transformation and leadership in construction.Through honest discussions with industry leaders, forensic planners, and forward-thinking QSs, Paul explores

business management

All Episodes

32:12

Clause-Dumping and Risk Wars: Why Subbies Deserve...

Own The Build ·

2025/08/04

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 subcontractors are set up to fail before they’re even on site🧾 The madness of passing down entire main

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30:25

10 Commercial Mistakes I Made Early in My Career —...

Own The Build ·

2025/07/28

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, Paul and Chris discuss: The pressure of being thrown into the deep end as a trainee QSWhy their

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31:21

Capping Your Risk – Why Every Contractor Needs to...

Own The Build ·

2025/07/21

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 ...

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30:52

When It’s Time to Walk Away: How to Terminate a...

Own The Build ·

2025/07/14

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...

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50:55

The Habit of Excellence – What Construction Can Learn...

Own The Build ·

2025/07/07

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 te...

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31:34

Redefining the QS Role: Strategy, Influence, and...

Own The Build ·

2025/06/30

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 percei...

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53:41

Settlement Strategies: How to Resolve Construction...

Own The Build ·

2025/06/23

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 DubaiWhat it actually means to be a settl...

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41:15

From Labourer to Leader: Why Every QS Should Spend...

Own The Build ·

2025/06/16

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-li...

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50:03

From Oil to Off-Grid: How One Village Set a New...

Own The Build ·

2025/06/09

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 ...

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34:49

Question Time #6: Your Construction and QS Challenges...

Own The Build ·

2025/06/03

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

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67:32

Estimators vs QSs: Can We Finally Work as One Team?...

Own The Build ·

2025/06/02

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, bui...

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61:39

THE MERGER SPECIAL: Built by QSs, Built by...

Own The Build ·

2025/05/29

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 ex...

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42:44

Breaking the ‘Cycle of Doom’: How Subcontractors Can...

Own The Build ·

2025/05/26

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 ...

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51:27

Psychic Entropy: The Silent Killer of Leadership...

Own The Build ·

2025/05/19

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

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55:57

Mental Toughness = Commercial Power: Win the Hard...

Own The Build ·

2025/05/12

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...

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33:38

Question Time #5: Your Construction and QS Challenges...

Own The Build ·

2025/05/06

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

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52:11

The Immune System of the Project: How QSs Can Protect...

Own The Build ·

2025/05/05

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 s...

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49:09

The Softer Side of Contract Management: Lessons from...

Own The Build ·

2025/04/28

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

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45:44

Mastering FIDIC: How to Handle Claims, Payments &...

Own The Build ·

2025/04/21

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

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52:47

What to Do When a Client Refuses Practical Completion...

Own The Build ·

2025/04/14

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

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256 results

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