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PODCAST

The Subcontractors Blueprint

Welcome to "The Subcontractors Blueprint," the essential podcast for construction industry Subcontractors. Join host Jacob Austin, a seasoned Chartered Surveyor with a rich background in industry giants and the founder of QS.Zone. This show is your key to mastering commercial savvy and contract finesse. Gain the knowledge and skills to manage accounts, understand rights, and boost profitability as an SME sub-contractor. Jacob"s expertise guides you through risk management, cashflow

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All Episodes

21:52

Don’t Let Your Budget Go to Waste: How to Avoid Cost...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/06/16

In episode 97 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin highlights the importance of cost reporting and monitoring for subcontractors. He explains how tracking project expenses against budgets is crucial for maintaining profitability and cash flow, especially given the tight margins in construction. Jacob shares practical, straightforward steps for implementing cost reporting without excessive paperwork, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Listeners gain

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29:08

Building Bridges not Barriers

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/06/09

In episode 96 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin discusses the common issue of disputes between subcontractors and main contractors in construction projects. He explores the root causes—pressure, conflicting incentives, and poor communication—and offers practical strategies to foster collaboration, set clear expectations, and build trust. Jacob emphasises the importance of a solution-focused mindset, proactive communication, and learning from conflicts. His insights

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29:22

Navigating the Legal Minefield: Essential Insights...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/06/02

In episode 95 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin discusses crucial legal principles affecting subcontractors, focusing on the prevention principle and other common law doctrines in UK construction contracts. He simplifies complex legal concepts, offering practical examples to help subcontractors safeguard their businesses. Key topics include the importance of well-drafted contracts, recognising repudiation breaches, understanding frustration of contracts, and the

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20:02

Building the Future: Six Game-Changing Techniques You...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/05/26

In episode 94 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin dives into six game-changing construction methods— 3D volumetric modular, mass-timber frames, robotic rebar & 3D-printed concrete, reality-capture digital twins, plug-and-play MEP pods, and hydrogen-ready plant—and spells out exactly how each one will alter a subcontractor’s cashflow, risk profile and contract clauses. Using live UK case studies Jacob some of the pitfalls of these methods including, harsh

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29:50

Protecting Your Bottom Line: How to Identify and...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/05/19

In episode 93 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin addresses the critical issue of unfair contract terms in the construction industry. He provides practical advice and cautionary tales to help subcontractors identify and navigate potentially one-sided clauses that could lead to significant financial consequences. Jacob emphasises the importance of thoroughly understanding contract terms, negotiating fairer conditions, and seeking expert advice when necessary. He also

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22:14

Don’t Get Stuck in Approval Limbo: Surviving the...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/05/12

In episode 92of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin discusses the practical implications of the Building Safety Act for subcontractors involved in high-rise building projects in England. The episode focuses on the two critical gateways that can impact project timelines and cash flow. Jacob emphasises the importance of understanding these regulatory checkpoints, preparing early, and sharing risks with contractors to navigate potential delays effectively. By adopting

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26:26

Adjudication Horrors

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/05/05

In episode 91of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin heads long into the critical topic of adjudication in the UK construction industry. Adjudication, introduced in the late 1990s, is a fast-track dispute resolution process designed to maintain cash flow and prevent project delays. Jacob shares cautionary tales and real-life examples, highlighting common pitfalls and emphasising the importance of meticulous preparation and understanding of the process. He advises

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32:19

Cybersecurity in Construction: Why Every...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/04/28

In episode 90 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin addresses the critical issue of supply chain cybersecurity in the construction industry. Jacob highlights the alarming rise in cyber attacks targeting subcontractors and suppliers, emphasising the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The episode shares real-world examples, such as the Interserve breach and a ransomware attack on a multinational contractor, illustrating the severe consequences of inadequate

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20:26

Case Law Coffee Break - Spring 2025

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/04/21

In episode 89 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin introduces the "case law coffee break," a segment focusing on recent legal rulings affecting subcontractors in the construction industry. Jacob discusses three pivotal cases:Morgan Stone Limited vs. Bergkamp Limited - This case highlights the implications of acting as if a revised payment schedule has been agreed upon through performance. Providence Building Services Limited vs. Hexagon Housing Association Limited -

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21:16

The Best Practices for Mastering Contract Management...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/04/14

In episode 88 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin speaks about the critical importance of effective contract management in the construction industry. He explains how good contract management is essential for profitability, cash flow, and project success. Jacob emphasises clarity on obligations, accountability, transparency, collaboration, and risk allocation within contracts. He provides practical advice for subcontractors on managing contracts to avoid disputes and

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27:53

Don’t Let Retention Payments Drive You Up the...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/04/07

In episode 87 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, wetake a deep dive into the intricate subject of retentions! Jacob conducts a comprehensive discussion on the manifold challenges and exasperations retentions can pose for subcontractors.This episode serves as a repository of invaluable insights and pragmatic guidance for subcontractors grappling with the intricacies of retention in the construction industry.KEY TAKEAWAYS • Retentions are a small percentage (typically between 1.5% to

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19:51

Are YOU Ready for JCT 24 Contracts?

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/03/31

In episode 86 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin explores the key differences between the JCT 2024 and JCT 2016 contracts. He discusses updates in design liability, communication methods, dispute resolution, payment provisions, and new clauses on sustainability and building safety. Jacob emphasises the importance of subcontractors understanding these changes to manage risks and ensure profitability. He advises listeners to update their contract templates and

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29:51

How the Building Safety Act is Reshaping the...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/03/25

In episode 85 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is talking about the Building Safety Act (BSA) of 2022, a pivotal reform in construction regulatory and building safety law following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Jacob outlines the new roles and responsibilities for subcontractors, emphasising the importance of compliance and documentation. He discusses the increased scrutiny from local authority inspectors and the need for thorough paperwork, especially for design

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20:40

Conflict Avoidance Process

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/03/18

In episode 84 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin dives into conflict avoidance in the construction industry, focusing on the RICS Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP). Jacob underscores the importance of proactive conflict resolution to prevent disputes from escalating into costly legal battles. He explains how the CAP works, its benefits for subcontractors, and the significance of maintaining collaborative relationships with main contractors or clients. By incorporating

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23:39

The BIM Protocol Demystified: What Every...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/03/11

In episode 83 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is speaks on the CIC BIM Protocol, crucial for managing Building Information Modelling (BIM) design processes in construction projects. Jacob emphasises the importance of understanding the protocol's structure, key clauses, and common pitfalls. He highlights the need for subcontractors to be aware of their obligations, the implications on their liability, and the significance of proper documentation and training. By

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28:09

Unlocking Profitability with Technology - The Best...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/03/04

n episode 82 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is discussing the transformative impact of technology in the construction industry. He delves into Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, and digital sign-off technologies, emphasising their potential to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and boost profitability for subcontractors. Austin offers practical advice on integrating these tools, such as designating team members to manage project information and

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18:54

From Skyscrapers to Side Jobs: Finding Your Niche in...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/02/25

In episode 81 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is explores the distinctions between large and small construction projects. He advises subcontractors on tailoring their commercial strategies to different project scales, emphasising profitability, cash flow management, and contract comprehension. Jacob discusses the complexities and risks of large projects, such as high-rise buildings, versus the quicker turnarounds and steady cash flow of smaller projects. He also

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18:56

A Deep Dive Into Value Engineering

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/02/18

This week's episode - 80ofThe Subcontractors Blueprintpodcast is arerun of Episode 19, in which Jacob Austin discusses the topic of Value Engineering and Whole Life Costing. He starts by defining these two phrases which are widely used in the industry. He then gives some historical context to value engineering and how it has evolved into what we know today. Jacob highlights some interesting reasons behind particular materials being specified and how these may affect the implementation of

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25:39

How Can Subcontractors Win Work in a Competitive...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/02/11

In episode 79 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is talking about aiming to secure work in a competitive market. Jacob tackles common bidding challenges, stressing the importance of crafting compelling bids that emphasise unique value propositions. He covers key topics such as writing effective bids by tailoring them to client needs and showcasing competitive advantages. Additionally, he discusses identifying and pricing risks through thorough risk assessments to

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22:19

From Compliance to Competitive Edge: Mastering...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2025/02/04

In episode 78 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is speaks about the rising importance of sustainability clauses and environmental requirements in the construction industry. Jacob highlights the necessity for subcontractors to adapt their business models to meet these evolving demands while maintaining profitability. He discusses the implications of sustainability obligations in contracts, the benefits and challenges of implementing eco-friendly practices, and

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117 results

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