Own The Build – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 Tone’s explosive growth, and how modern estimators are evolving from number-pushers to project strategists. The trio unpack the cultural shift in tendering, what great QS–Estimator relationships look like, and why curiosity (plus owning your mistakes) might just be the best traits for the next generation of professionals.

If you’ve ever argued over a bill, blamed an estimator for a budget, or wondered who really owns procurement – this one’s for you.

🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:

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 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 coaching is critical for QSs and subcontractors alike
• The underestimated importance of soft skills and psychological safety
• How to handle difficult conversations with confidence
• What truly makes a “great” QS in today’s market
• The real impact of curiosity, communication, and mindset

If you’re managing or mentoring QSs — or are one yourself — this episode offers practical insights into how to grow a strong, competent commercial team.

🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:

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.

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-driven world (spoiler: it’s not just tech knowledge)
• 💸 Whether main contractors can mandate portals like PayApps — and if freezing access is legal or just cheeky
• 🏉 What sport best represents the QS profession (Test cricket? Heptathlon? Rugby?)
• 🏆 Which sports personality would make the best QS (yes, Roy Keane gets a shout)

Plus, advice for QSs returning to the UK job market and how to unlock freelance roles with developers, SMEs, and beyond.

This is QS advice from the trenches — funny, honest, and straight-talking. Question Time is officially back, every 4 episodes.

📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.

Download them 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.

This week, Paul is joined by Rudi Klein, the Director at Klein Legal and former chief executive at the Specialist Engineering Contractors (SEC) Group. Rudi was involved in piloting the ‘Construction Act’ through the UK Parliament and originated Section 112 of the Act dealing with the right to suspend construction contracts for non-payment.

Today’s show discusses payment abuse being the industry’s dominant business model and what we can all do to change this. We discuss 120-day payment cycles, the demise of Carillion and other large Main Contractors in the recent past, and we turn to Project Bank Accounts and Retentions to change the status quo.

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Your free OTB download

Looking for an Invitation to Tender template? We have created a document for you:

Invitation to Tender Template

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.

This week, Paul is joined by Mike Wharton, Chief Executive Officer at Complete Roofing Systems, Allied Roofing and Roof Analytics. Mike is passionate about quality and standards in the delivery of construction and has had an exciting journey from Equity Analyst and Fund Manager to CEO at a roofing subcontractor.

Today’s show discusses the current economic climate and how it impacts construction’s Supply Chain. 

As a Subcontractor, what is your process when a tender lands? Do you say, “Wahey, we have a job to price! Let’s get on and do it?” Or do you hesitate and think, “This is a potential new client, which is great, but it’s a tier one; why are they suddenly coming to us out of the blue?”

Mike shares his advice on operating in today’s market as a subcontractor, considering all the risks.

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Your free OTB download

Looking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:

Final Account Statement Template

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Today’s Sponsor

Today’s Sponsor is Sablono. Track Free is a real-time tracker that’s connected directly to your construction site and it’s completely free!

To try it for free, Click Here.

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.

This week, Paul is joined by Jon Watts, the Procurement and Supply Chain Director at Hayfield Homes.

In today’s conversation, Paul and Jon discuss the relationship between the Procurement and Commercial Departments, and Jon explains how he manages collaboration between the two at Hayfield Homes.

Across the episode, we discuss Jon’s unique approach to Supply Chain relationships, how his experience in the RAF shapes his approach to work and most importantly, the best tactics to maximise procurement returns in construction.

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Your free OTB downloads

I’ve shared a link to the eBook here:

Beyond margin – how QS KPIs can transform your construction business.

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Today’s Sponsor

Today’s Sponsor is Sablono. Track Free is a real-time tracker that’s connected directly to your construction site and it’s completely free!

To try it for free, Click Here.

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.

This week, Paul is joined by his close friend and QS, Chris Barber. Chris is a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at C-Link and Prosper and a passionate advocate for subcontractors on his YouTube channel, School of Sub. 

In today’s conversation, Paul hosts the second episode of a new 4-weekly series titled The Future of Contracting. In today’s episode, we explore the topic of measuring QS performance and Chris shares why companies have to move away from only measuring QSs’ on financial performance.

This show will resonate if you are a QS or manage Quantity Surveyors. Paul and Chris reflect on their shared experience and quickly realise that the way QS have been measured for so long is fundamentally flawed if you want to discover how and what can be done about it, check the show out.

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Your free OTB downloads

I’ve shared a link to the eBook here: QS KPIs eBook.

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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. 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.

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.

This week, Paul is joined by Gary Davies from SubPort, an Award-winning Quantity Surveying Consultancy supporting Sub-Contractors to increase profits, improve cash and eliminate risk.

In today’s show, Paul and Gary discuss the art of the Application for Payment process, how to ensure you are always getting paid the right amount and on time and what to do if you are not.

In today’s economic environment, never has there been a better time to focus on cash flow, and this episode gives you the grounding.

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Your free OTB download

Looking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:

Final Account Statement Template

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C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. 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.

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.

This week, Paul is joined by Michelle du Plessis, Managing Director and Co-founder at Shft, a leading one-stop BIM agency working with SMEs across the country to take the opportunities of BIM and digital technology.

In today’s show, Paul and Michelle talk about BIM. Michelle is a genuine expert in the space, and we discuss where we are up to with BIM, how things are changing and how Michelle and her team at Shft help contractors, especially SMEs, start to impact their bottom line with BIM.

A must-listen!

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Your free OTB download

Looking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:

Final Account Statement Template

--

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. 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.

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.

This week, Paul is joined by an experienced Construction Solicitor, Samuel Bawden, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Holmes & Hills. Samuel is also the Chair at Constructing Excellence Essex, and like the rest of us, he is highly passionate about construction.

In today’s show, Paul and Samuel discuss the options contractors have at their disposal when they are not being paid. If you’re not being paid and want to know what can/can’t be done, what processes are available to you and which one is best, tune in.

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Your free OTB download

Are you looking for a Final Account Statement template to work with on your construction project? We have created a template document for you:

Final Account Statement Template

--

C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Main Contractors. 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.

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.