Explore every episode of the podcast The Subcontractors Blueprint
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are You Prepared for the Financial Impact of Liquidated Damages in Your Contracts? | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:20:32 | |
In episode 60 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone discusses the critical issue of liquidated damages for construction subcontractors. He explains that liquidated damages are pre-agreed financial penalties for project delays, which can significantly impact a subcontractor's finances. Jacob offers practical advice on understanding contracts, securing extensions of time, and documenting delays to mitigate these risks. He emphasises the importance of proactive communication and thorough record-keeping to protect against unexpected liabilities. This episode provides valuable insights to help subcontractors maintain profitability and avoid financial pitfalls in their projects. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "Most standard forms of subcontract don't contain liquidated damages clauses." "One of the best ways to do this is by securing extensions of time. If the delay isn't your fault, maybe it's down to bad weather, design changes, delays caused by other trades. You need to request an extension of time for that as soon as possible." "If your delay causes the main contractor to be late, you're not just responsible for the liquidated damages that they owe the employer, but also the contractor's own costs for being on site longer and further costs for dealing with claims from other subcontractors who are impacted by your delay." "You need records. Records, Records of everything. If another subcontractor is holding you up, you need to document it." "When it comes to managing the risk of LADs as a subcontractor, that is about the most you can do, barring not working at all - and not making any money, of course."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| The Blueprint for Successful Pre-Construction Planning for Subcontractors | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:18:04 | |
In episode 59 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone underscores the critical role of pre-construction planning for subcontractors. He covers essential aspects such as contract review, site logistics, resource allocation, setting realistic timelines, effective communication, and risk management. Jacob emphasises that thorough planning can lead to smoother, more profitable projects by mitigating common issues like risks, miscommunication, and delays. His practical advice aims to help subcontractors enhance their project execution and overall business success, making this episode a valuable resource for construction business owners. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "Pre-construction planning is all about laying the groundwork for your success. Whether it's reviewing contracts, preparing site logistics, allocating resources, setting realistic time scales, or managing risks, every step you take before the project starts can and will pay off in the long run." “Every project is different and every contract is different. This isn't just standard paperwork.” “Misunderstandings about what expected can lead to scope creep and disputes, and you can end up doing more work than you thought you'd agreed to without any additional pay." "Safety should never be an afterthought, so it needs to be baked into your logistics, planning and of course, your risk assessment and method statements from day one." "One of the best experiences that I remember having as a contractor involved a glazed petitioning outfit... the foresight of that contractor saved us that logistical challenge." Link to the episode about checking your contract mentioned in the show: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000652550701 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/39wLCRoOf8meDevs2zxRec?si=viHGwIlyR3qHYP9e26wHUw Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Cash Flow SOS: Saving Subcontractors from Financial Turbulence | 08 Jul 2024 | 00:21:32 | |
In episode 50 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into cash flow challenges faced by subcontractors and offers practical financial management strategies. Joined by a friend who owns a subcontracting firm, they discuss the importance of working with prompt-paying contractors, setting accurate prices, and managing retention. Jacob emphasises the value of setting up separate accounts for taxes and supplier payments to ensure financial stability. The episode provides actionable advice for improving cash flow and profitability, encouraging listeners to adopt these practices to protect your business. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "And then also the likes of your payday lenders and these kind of organisations, they're really capitalising on people's need for money by pushing up their interest rate to some silly percentages. And that feels morally wrong to me. But at the same time, this is just the bank hedging their bets." "So the first thing that he swears by is working for contractors that will pay him promptly and regularly. And what I mean by that is he's got a short payment period and regular valuations." "Now, this makes the business not quite self-financing, because he's still got to cover the labour, which he pays on a weekly basis for the period that he's waiting for his first lot of money." "And the issue is, as much as it was consistent, the inflation that had been consistent alongside it was eroding how much money he was making on every job. So regularly reviewing how much you're making out of your subcontract rates is a vital component of making the right margin on your job." Click to listen to episode 28 mentioned in the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000644284764
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Is the Future of Main Contracting Putting Subcontractors at Risk? | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:13:51 | |
In episode 49 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone explores the evolving landscape of main contracting and its implications for subcontractors. He differentiates between main contracting and subcontracting, emphasising the shift from traditional models to modern practices that rely heavily on subcontractors. Austin discusses the challenges faced by both main contractors and subcontractors, including reduced risk, lower profit margins, and workforce stability. He highlights the broader industry impacts, such as the sustainability of skilled labor and mentorship for apprentices. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "Main contracting typically comes from the role of the main contract, as in the document in force between the client and the contractor delivering the work on the client's behalf." "Main contracting almost was more entrepreneurial previously, because what you would see is that a lot of main contractors had their special civil division, and they had a housebuilding team." "If people only knew that this is the way that one of the largest industries in the country is operating regularly, I think there'd be a similar load of uproar about it." "Consistent employment is the only way that we're going to see any kind of rise in the number of skilled operatives coming into the industry."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Unlock the Secrets to Timely Payments in Construction! | 24 Jun 2024 | 00:22:19 | |
In episode 48 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone dives into the top ten issues causing late payments for subcontractors in the construction industry. Jacob offers practical advice on timely payment requests, proper invoice formatting, and meeting payment prerequisites. He stresses the importance of clear communication, understanding retentions and discounts, and navigating contract terms. Additionally, Jacob discusses the impact of project changes and the financial stability of main contractors. This episode is packed with insights to help subcontractors enhance cash flow, ensure profitability, and foster business growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "Late payment to subcontractors continues to be a blight on the industry, and cash needs to change hands really quickly to keep the big old wheels of the industry turning” "I’ve seen firsthand the devastation that gets left behind when a contractor goes bust partway through a project, leaving someone else to step in and pick up the pieces.” “If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. Protect yourself, protect your livelihood, and the livelihood of all the guys that work for you.” “You should make it as easy as you possibly can for the contractor to pay you as much money as you ask for." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| How Can Subcontractors Ensure Compliance with NEC Obligations? | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:15:42 | |
In episode 47 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into the critical obligations subcontractors must understand under the New Engineering Contract (NEC) to ensure profitability, improve cash flow, and grow their business. Key topics include the early warning clause, the necessity of employing competent personnel, adherence to project scope, compliance with health and safety requirements, and meeting key project milestones. Jacob also covers the importance of timely defect correction, payment submissions, and accurate compensation event assessments. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Episode 4 - Mastering NEC4: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658618 Episode 41 - Managing Change under NEC4: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000654693851 BEST MOMENTS: "It is a must that you raise early warnings to avoid the effects of this "you should have told me earlier" clause” "this is the NEC forcing the discussion, forcing you to raise issues that might turn into problems and get around the table to resolve them.” “We only got paid a small portion of that boarding work, which was roughly what it would have cost to patch some of the bigger holes.” "The onus is on you here to give enough information to justify how much you want or how much you need." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Navigating NEC Projects: A Comedy of Mindset Errors | 10 Jun 2024 | 00:15:35 | |
In episode 46 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone explores the mindset shift required when transitioning from JCT to NEC projects. Reflecting on a past project that faced challenges due to the rigid NEC approach, Jacob emphasises the importance of understanding the differences between the two contract types. He highlights the necessity of treating the NEC program as a live document and fostering a collaborative environment. Jacob underscores the significance of open communication, good faith, and mutual trust in NEC contracts. He concludes by encouraging SME contractors to adopt a collaborative mindset and subscribe for further insights and support.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Episode 4 - Mastering NEC4: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658618 Episode 41 - Managing Change under NEC4: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000654693851
BEST MOMENTS: "It was the commercial relationship that didn't really embody the spirit of the contract." "When it turns adversarial, the employer will have no hesitation in turning the timescales against you.” “Some people get a little bit angsty about being overly contractual and oh, I don't like to submit a notice. I don't like to submit an early warning because it's seen by the other party as being aggressive and contractual.” "Talk to your counterpart in the same way that you would talk to somebody else that you trust and have a frank and honest discussion."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| What Should Subcontractors Watch Out for in Collateral Warranties? | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:18:55 | |
In episode 45 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone provides essential insights on collateral warranties for subcontractors. He stresses the significance of these warranties in establishing a contractual connection between subcontractors and third parties. Jacob advises subcontractors to meticulously examine the terms of collateral warranties, as they may extend liabilities or impose additional insurance requirements. He also warns of the risks tied to novation clauses and the assignment of warranty benefits. Subcontractors are encouraged to consult legal experts to safeguard their rights and interests when dealing with collateral warranties. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: “So fitness for purpose? Very, very bad. If you see it in a document, you must insist that it is struck out.” "They don't read like a subcontract and start introducing all manner of rights and obligations, making you liable for elements of your design and sometimes your finished work to a third party that you might never have heard of." "There have been some colossal hikes in the price of insurances in the last few years, so it's important when you're reading the warranty that where the insurances are mentioned, there is a statement that says as long as that insurance is available at commercially reasonable rates." "Novation can be a good thing or a bad thing. It depends whether that novation clause contains obligations for the employer to pick up the bill for anything the contractor hasn't paid you." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/
| |||
| Deciphering Contractual Jargon in Subcontracts - Obligations | 27 May 2024 | 00:14:14 | |
In episode 44 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into the subtleties of contractual language, elucidating the legal significance of terms such as "shall," "reasonable endeavours," and "best endeavours," and how they influence contractual obligations. Furthermore, Austin emphasises the crucial importance of design liability limitations, offering guidance to construction business owners on the imperative of delineating these boundaries to ensure adequate insurance coverage for their subcontracting activities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: “Shall. This is a direct instruction, an obligation for you to do something. And the ramifications then, if you don't, is that you potentially lose an entitlement.” "By not submitting a notice, you aren't giving the contractor a heads up and the opportunity to do anything about any potential delay, so then you forego your potential entitlement." "Without disadvantaging yourself and acting within your means, you're going to try and get something done." "Right there in the black and white of the standard unamended JCT is a requirement for you to leave no stone unturned to prevent the delay of subcontract works." Episode 24 as refecenced in this episode is available on Apple Podcasts on the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000640967914
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Avoiding Site Instruction Destruction: Your Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls of the Humble Site Instruction | 20 May 2024 | 00:18:18 | |
In episode 43 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone discusses a crucial lesson about the importance of following on-site instructions. He recounts a story of a subcontractor facing consequences for refusing to execute additional work, leading to project delays and financial loss. Jacob highlights the necessity for subcontractors to understand their obligations and the circumstances under which they can reject instructions. He also explains the process of issuing instructions, both written and verbal, and the significance of documentation. Additionally, Jacob offers insights into the JCT and NEC contracts' procedures for instructions. He concludes by stressing the importance of compliance with on-site instructions to avoid negative outcomes for subcontractors. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "Unhappily, in his words, he was being shafted." “This is where you've got to be incredibly careful, because holding out for agreement on a price or refusing to do something because of you've not been paid the full amount that you thought a previous variation was worth, isn't a valid reason to reject an instruction.” "This is your warning; if you've already failed to action an instruction and you then receive a seven-day notice telling you to get on with it, if you don’t”…”Then it’s going to start costing you money” “All of these little bits are extra loss and you could be looking at a fairly hefty bill.” Unlike JCT.. “There is no procedure under NEC for verbal instructions to be given. So in that instance, if somebody doesn't confirm to you in writing something that they've asked for, then there is no change and there's no compensation event." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Unlocking Critical Path Analysis for Subcontractors: A Practical and Insightful Discussion | 13 May 2024 | 00:21:32 | |
In episode 42 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone dives into the nuances of critical path analysis for effective project management. He elucidates how this technique can streamline subcontractors' projects, ensuring optimal resource allocation and focus on pivotal tasks. With practical examples, like making tea, Jacob breaks down activity dependencies and the use of tools like Excel for critical path planning. He stresses the value of understanding project logic and that unlocking the principles is the key to understanding construction programmes. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "It can help you identify the most important areas to focus on and allow you to effectively allocate your resources to the most productive tasks, preventing you from wasting resources on tasks that aren't critical." “True concurrency is actually quite rare because as much as anything else, just what's the chances.” "Critical path analysis is one of the tools you can use to demonstrate that you've lost time, which is crucial when it comes to proving delay." “I’m saying teabag too many times now.” "By doing your critical path analysis, this is going to enable you to plan and resource your work, monitor against it, and inform your next job." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| How Can Subcontractors Effectively Manage Changes Under NEC4 Suite of Contracts? | 06 May 2024 | 00:26:31 | |
In episode 41 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin brought his extensive experience with NEC contracts to the table. We dove into the intricacies of managing changes under the NEC4 suite of contracts. Jacob highlighted the critical distinction between variations and compensation events, emphasising the importance of using precise terminology to ensure clear communication and proper compensation. He also shared his insights on the timing for submitting compensation events, the need for accurate pricing, and the benefits of including assumptions in quotes. His practical advice is a must-hear for subcontractors looking to navigate the NEC4 contracts with confidence. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: It's vital that you get your head into the right frame from the start because you don't want to come to the end of the job and realise, 'Oh, I need another six weeks of time because of all these instructions that have happened.'" “True concurrency is actually quite rare because as much as anything else, just what's the chances.” "We're not saying, 'Right, we want an extra ten weeks now,' we're saying we might need some; we don't want to burden you with ten weeks' worth of out-of-hours costs if we don't need it." "Had I taken that approach with my client, I have no doubt whatsoever that they wouldn't have given me an extra penny." "It's one of those things that clients love to throw around, especially when they're trying to get something done for free." For more information on NEC4 contracts, click here listen to Episode 7: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658618 Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Navigating the Complex World of Subcontractor Final Accounts | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:17:05 | |
In episode 58 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone covers the crucial topic of final adjustments and payment procedures under the JCT Design and Build 2016 contract. Jacob explains the complexities of final accounting, emphasising the importance of understanding the final subcontract sum and the various adjustments that can affect it. He offers practical tips for subcontractors, highlighting the need for timely documentation and effective communication with main contractors. The episode aims to equip subcontractors with the knowledge to protect their financial interests and improve cash flow, ensuring they navigate the final account process successfully. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "Construction projects can be a bit of a roller coaster ride from the initial inquiry and your bid through to your agreeing, the final account and the final invoice." "Understanding these adjustments is crucial to helping you protect your bottom line and ensuring you are getting fairly compensated for the work that you've done." "The timeline kicks off once your work is practically complete, and at this point, you have two months to submit all the necessary documents to the main contractor." "If you miss your deadline, the contractor is still required to prepare a statement on the information they have, but of course, without your input, they might miss key details and you could end up with a lower payment at the end of the job than what you deserve." Link to the episode about re-measurement mentioned in the show: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000648010674 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bm9Pkqg5QbQND0sh8lEoR?si=0745b4c495df4c5f Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| How Can Subcontractors Prove Extensions of Time in Construction Projects? | 29 Apr 2024 | 00:19:09 | |
In episode 40 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin discusses the critical topic of proving extensions of time for subcontractors. He recalls the story of a plastering contractor friend to share a cautionary tale about the challenges and financial repercussions of project delays. Jacob offers practical advice on how subcontractors can safeguard their interests, including the necessity of timely notices and the complexities of critical path analysis. He stresses the importance of maintaining clear records to substantiate claims for extensions of time, aiming to help construction business owners enhance profitability, manage cash flow, and achieve business growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "I couldn't help but feel for him because he's just one of those people that likes to help people out." “True concurrency is actually quite rare because as much as anything else, just what's the chances.” “The giving of a notice, particularly when you can do it at the right time, when something can be done about a problem, should be seen as something positive, because you're what you're actually doing is raising somebody's awareness that there's an issue here is going to cause a problem." "He's always been one of those sort of spit and a handshake kind of guys that he expects that if he does something to help you out, you'll help him out at the right point." "It really beggars belief the situation that he's found himself in because the contractor, the cheeky bastard, has caused some clear delays to his subcontractor and then he's going about stitching him up for a contribution to his losses.” For more information on relevant events mentioned in this episode, click here listen to Episode 14: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658680
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Subcontractor Final Account Procedures | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:20:33 | |
In episode 39 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin delves into the critical topic of final account procedures for subcontractors. Drawing from a friend's challenging experience, Jacob underscores the importance of a thorough understanding of the final account process. He offers expert advice on the content and structuring of final account statements, the intricacies of the JCT contracts, and the best practices for a smooth final account journey. Jacob emphasises the value of regular submissions and preparation for final account meetings, while also clarifying the timelines for submissions, disputes, and payments. His commitment to empowering SME contractors with practical knowledge shines through, as he advocates for knowledge sharing within the subcontracting community. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "Sadly, he'd not been submitting cumulative valuations properly, and at some point in the job, some of the early variations he completed had dropped off his application.” "Obviously, that was disappointing for him, and with hindsight, he would do different things." “On an NEC project, I think this way of working is ideal. And the proviso that this works on is that each time there is a change, there's a compensation event as it's referred to under that subcontract." "Of course, by the time you finished the job, all of the unknown items should be known, and therefore all of the unknown sums of money should have been firmed up and the provisional sum omitted and a variation added back to cover the piece of work." "a good way to approach your final account is to include a rolling final account within your regular interim applications, because what you want to happen is for there not to be any surprises when it comes to getting around the table to make that final assessment.”
For more information on Provisional Sums, and other provisional items mentioned in this episode, click here listen to Episode 27: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000643452382 Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Getting it RIGHT Before SITE: 7 Must-Do Checks Before Signing Your Subcontract | 15 Apr 2024 | 00:22:42 | |
In episode 38 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin provides crucial advice for subcontractors on the seven key areas to review before signing a subcontract. He highlights the importance of understanding the financial standing of the contracting party, clear payment terms, and the specifics of price, program, scope of work, design liability, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Jacob stresses the need for a seven-day notice period for payment and the benefits of the adjudication process under the construction act for swift dispute resolution. He urges subcontractors to scrutinise the subcontract for any discrepancies and to consider the long-term effects of the contract's wording. If you enjoy the show, Jacob invites you to share the episode’s insights. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "Who am I trading with? How long are they going to be around? Because at the end of the day, if you're going to commit to doing some work for somebody, you want to make damn sure that you're going to get paid for it." "The combination of big inflation and the hike in interest rates have really brought the sale rates of big housing contractors down to a minimum." "Cash flow is everything. It's also worth noting, if you're working for a contractor and they are themselves working for a small developer or quite a high-risk developer, it would be worth checking your contract to see what the terms say around the contractor paying you." "You want to remember that you can rely on that if you're not paid; you submit a notice, and seven days later, you can pull off site." "Going to court to resolve a dispute is a hell of a lot more expensive and time-consuming, and one you want to avoid if you certainly can." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Project Reporting: Essential Records for Subcontractors | 08 Apr 2024 | 00:15:43 | |
In episode 37 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin delves into the critical role of project reporting for subcontractors within the construction industry. He emphasises the necessity for thorough documentation and outlines the essential components that should be incorporated into these reports to ensure transparency and accountability. This episode is a must-listen for construction business owners looking to streamline their project management processes and enhance communication with their subcontracting teams. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "If things end up turning for the worse and you end up in a delay situation with fingers being pointed at you, the best way to defend that is to have taken contemporary records as and when issues crop up." "Those times when you need the records the most are probably the times when you've been least on top of keeping them, particularly if the relationship starts to get a bit fractious." "The best thing to do is just to be honest about it and say, 'Look, this has happened,' and even better if you can present something to say, 'And this is what I'm going to do to make it better." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Decoding the Demands: A Comprehensive Look at Subcontractor Requirements in Construction | 01 Apr 2024 | 00:16:51 | |
In episode 36 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin provides a detailed overview of the stringent requirements subcontractors must meet to collaborate with main contractors. He delves into the expectations around social value, apprenticeships, training, and legal compliance, among others. Austin sheds light on the challenges these demands pose, their effect on costs, and the importance of understanding the full scope of contractual obligations. His insights aim to guide SMEs in the construction industry through the intricate subcontracting environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Requirements for subcontractors to work for main contracting partners * Social value, apprenticeships, accredited training, employability support, local supply chain spend, and compliance with anti-slavery and anti-bribery legislation * Challenges and practicality of meeting these requirements * Importance of understanding and assessing the implications of these demands * Contractual obligations and requirements for subcontractors * The key to Subcontractors protecting themselves is understanding terms and conditions BEST MOMENTS: "But at the same time, are any of these things practical? Maybe two and three men sharing a van heading to and from work might be, but any more than that is a potential logistical nightmare." "So then you go back around to the client organisation, going back to competitive tendering to try and lessen the cost that they're paying out. And what that basically tells you is they don't want to pay the price for all of the things that they're trying to burden you with. So why do it in the first place?" "Now all of these things I'm saying to you, they sound like a rant perhaps, but I'm saying it because I want you to be aware. I want you to know what you're getting into, and that's got to start with reading the documents you get sent." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.qs.zone/all-links | |||
| Mastering Dispute Avoidance: Expert Advice for Subcontractors in Construction Projects | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:19:42 | |
In episode 35 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin offers essential guidance for subcontractors on how to sidestep disputes in construction projects. He underscores proactive management, meticulous record-keeping, a thorough understanding of the subcontract, and the ability to present a strong case as key strategies for issue resolution and certainty. Austin also touches on the importance of swift adjudication, the value of project management systems, and the benefits of direct communication with contractors to prevent disputes from escalating. His expert advice aims to equip construction business owners with the tools to navigate contractual challenges and maintain healthy project relationships. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "God only knows how long it could actually take and how much it could cost when you don't even have an ounce of certainty that the outcome is going to come your way." "For something that somebody is either going to make a flip decision on or perhaps come up with some arbitrary split and award you only a portion of what you're looking for, if anything at all." "If you're missing some of the things we've already spoken about, like the records, the timely issued notices, then getting around the table and having a frank and open conversation about these things could be the only thing that sees you get any kind of payment."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| When Disruption Hits: A Subcontractor's Survival Guide | 19 Mar 2024 | 00:26:06 | |
In episode 34 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin addresses the critical issues of disruption and delay in construction projects, offering valuable advice to subcontractors. He clarifies the distinction between the two, with disruption impacting work efficiency and delay affecting project timelines. He emphasises the importance of proactive communication, written notices, and detailed record-keeping to manage disruptions effectively. He also guides listeners on the three-step process for handling disruptions and the significance of expert advice and analytical methods. Additionally, he stresses the need for precise estimating and the strategic submission of claims, while highlighting "This Zone's" resources for subcontractors. His expertise provides a roadmap for construction business owners to navigate and mitigate the challenges of project disruptions. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "You're losing a chunk of your day, you're losing time, you're losing that effective output from the guys that you've got to pay their wage anyway." "So what do you need to do when there's a disruption situation? Well, there's a three-step recipe for it." "The best and most successful claims are built on a solid foundation of a lot of records." "Nobody is going to thank you for receiving a disruption claim; this isn't something that you should just be doing lightly." Link to episode 14 about relevant events and relevant matters: https://apple.co/4a2wK3t
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| The Top Ten Most Common Issues Caused by Unclear Contracts in Construction | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:16:11 | |
In episode 33 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin addresses the critical issue of unclear contracts and their repercussions for subcontractors. He lists the top ten problems, including financial strain, project delays, and reduced profit margins, which stem from ambiguous agreements. Jacob also discusses the negative effects on relationships, productivity, reputation, morale, planning, growth potential, and the risk of legal disputes. He provides actionable advice for subcontractors to prevent such issues, emphasising the importance of clarity and communication during the tender process and pre-start meetings, and the thorough review of contracts before work begins.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Project Delays- Disputes over scope and pricing lead to project delays, affecting timelines and potentially leading to additional charges. Reduced Profit Margins- Commercial views to win work can lead to un-costed elements, eating into tight margins and hindering competitiveness. Productivity Loss- Time spent on disputes reduces productivity, diverting resources from critical path activities and increasing inefficiencies. Difficulty in Planning and Budgeting- Large uncertainties in projects make it difficult to plan resources and form accurate budgets, leading to potential inefficiencies.
BEST MOMENTS: "When you find that you've got to throw in elements of work which you'd never costed for, this can quickly eat into a tight margin that was already there to start with." "Dealing with the stress and uncertainty of unclear contracts and continually working to a tight price or even potentially at a loss can be damaging to the tradesmen completing the work on a daily basis." "The consequences of not doing these things can be absolutely dire, so why wouldn't you protect yourself?" Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.
HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Mastering Remeasurement: Empowering Subcontractors to Secure Fair Payment | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:24:38 | |
In episode 32 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin explores the intricacies of remeasurement in construction projects. He discusses the importance of accurate measurement and documentation to ensure subcontractors are paid correctly. The episode covers the rules and framework for valuing contracts, the structure of bills of quantities, and the use of the National Rules of Measurement. Jacob shares his personal experiences and emphasises the need for clarity in documentation to prevent disputes. He gives practical advice on maintaining organised records, using technology for measurements, and collaborating with contractors to manage potential discrepancies.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: The rules and framework for measuring and valuing a contract, including the different sections of a bill and the importance of consistency across the industry. Jacob provides best practices for recording measurements, including common customs for writing and organising dimensions to ensure clarity and accuracy. Jacob highlights the significance of collaborative measurement with the contractor, documenting measurements, and building trust to avoid disputes. The importance of maintaining organised records and a good title system for accurate measurement, recalling and sharing what you’ve done and support your claim to the contractor.
BEST MOMENTS: "There is something to be said for measuring the work on site; the amount of times that I've done a site measure and found things to be different to what is on the drawing for whatever reason." "Imagine if you've worked your way through all of your tasks, and because you haven't organised things properly, you've missed a page out. You might have missed out on 50, 60, 100 square meters, whatever. What does that mean to you, for the sake of not putting a title on?" "That might sound really basic, but when you've got a lot of repetitive work, some of these simple things that you can do can really ease the burden, prompt you to remember things you might otherwise forget, and ultimately help you to get it right, which helps you to get paid." "There's nothing worse than getting to the end of a measure and realising that it hasn't been done properly, and all of your lengths are 10% out. That could be a disaster."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.
HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| How Can Subcontractors Ensure Quality and Profitability in Construction Projects? | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:16:02 | |
In episode 31 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin discusses the importance of quality control for subcontractors in the construction industry. He explains how poor quality control can lead to rework, safety issues, and financial losses. Jacob advises subcontractors to understand project specifications, conduct pre-start meetings, and ensure the right labour and materials are used. He advocates for self-inspection, using tools like inspection sheets, and stresses the importance of communication with the site team. Ultimately, Jacob suggests that maintaining high quality is essential for subcontractors to secure future work and achieve business success. KEY TAKEAWAYS: The importance of thoroughly reviewing project specifications, bill of quantities, and labor allocation to ensure accurate pricing and avoid quality issues. The significance of pre-start meetings in clarifying project expectations, roles, responsibilities, and quality standards to avoid misunderstandings and rework. Challenges in procuring qualified labor and materials as per design specifications, and the potential impact on project quality and subcontractor payments. Methods for ensuring consistent quality, including labor vetting, sample installations, and proactive self-inspections to prevent rework and contra charges. The role of effective communication, planning, and collaboration with the contractor in maintaining quality and preventing disruptions due to changes and time pressures. BEST MOMENTS: "Quality control in the last ten years, I think, has really increased across the industry." "Having the right money in your bid to be able to afford the right, good quality operatives is one key to getting off on the right foot and ensuring you can deliver the quality that you need." "Performing high against quality benchmarks is as important as performing price-wise when it comes to securing future work." Maintaining high quality.. “Is one of the most positive things you can do to secure repeat work from your contractor and maintain a high performing, successful business.” Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Contract Amendments and Changes - A Hidden Minefield? | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:12:37 | |
In episode 57 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone discusses the critical topic of change orders in subcontracting, focusing on the JCT 2016 design and build contract. Jacob emphasises the importance of understanding contract terms, particularly the procedures for submitting claims for additional time or money due to project changes. He highlights potential challenges subcontractors may face and offers practical advice on managing changes effectively. Key pointers include understanding the contract you’re working under, to know your entitlements, change procedures, documentation required, to successfully lodge a change. Jacob encourages subcontractors to be proactive and well-informed to secure their entitlements and protect their businesses. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "The consequences of not submitting that claim or submitting the notice are that you then forgo any entitlement to that extra time or money." "How many times within 30 days have you got all of that information? How many times do you know what the full effects of that delay are going to be?" "I wonder how many of you out there have fully read and digested the change clauses in your subcontract, and understood what you have to do to get your hands on the extra money that you might be entitled to." "A picture paints a thousand words. And if you think about that in how many thousands of pounds you'd have to pay a lawyer to write a thousand words, a picture is worth a small fortune." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Five Steps to Change Success: The Most Effective Model for Subcontractors to Establish Entitlement to Changes | 20 Feb 2024 | 00:15:45 | |
In episode 30 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin shares a five-step model to help subcontractors manage and claim entitlement to changes in construction projects. He emphasises the importance of clear documentation, contract comprehension, and valuation methods for variations. The steps include establishing the variation, defining the change under the contract, valuing the change, applying variation rules, and providing supporting evidence. Jacob's guidance aims to empower subcontractors to navigate change management effectively and secure fair compensation for additional work. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Milestone Achieved: Celebrating 30 episodes and six months of educational information for subcontractors. The ongoing issue of change management: Subcontractors regularly face conflicts and challenges related to change management and variations in construction projects. The frustration of unclear changes: The frustration of receiving a valuation from a subcontractor without clear instruction or knowledge of changes creates fallout. Establishing entitlement to changes: Making it easy for the contractor to understand and approve variations will ensure proper payment. Five simple steps to establish entitlement: A detailed guide on how subcontractors can follow a five-step model to establish their entitlement to changes. BEST MOMENTS: "Change can be one of the most difficult things to overcome." “One of the most frustrating things that can happen as a contractor is to receive a valuation from a subcontractor, and it's got changes that you don't know about.” "It's really frustrating because it just ends up in arguments." "That bit of time is well spent and it will turn into you getting the amounts of money that you're due." “Come application time, you can then just put it on your variation sheet, safe in the knowledge that you've done everything you can to get your hands on the money.”
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Building a Strong Foundation: Prioritising Mental Health in Construction | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:51:28 | |
In episode 29 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin interviews Mike Turlin, a seasoned construction professional and mental health advocate. Mike shares his personal journey, highlighting the evolution of the construction industry and its impact on workers, especially regarding qualifications and older employees. He stresses the importance of mental health, drawing from his own experiences with suicide loss to underscore the challenges in recognising warning signs. Mike discusses his commitment to suicide prevention, including investing personal resources and creating a database of mental health resources. The conversation also touches on the need for better working conditions, addressing workplace bullying, and providing adequate training and mentorship in the construction industry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: CSCS Certification and Safety Assessment Discussion on the challenges and issues with the CSCS certification, including the pass rate, misleading questions, and time constraints. Promoting mental health and wellbeing in construction Mike emphasises the importance of promoting mental health and wellbeing in the construction industry and the need for better education and mentorship programs. Creating Positive Work Environments Importance of fostering a positive work environment, including examples of successful site management and the impact on worker well-being and productivity. Improving Site Standards Emphasis on the importance of maintaining high site standards, including cleanliness, organisation, and proper inductions, to create a positive first impression and improve worker satisfaction. Passion for Industry Improvement and Support Passionate commitment to improving the construction industry, supporting younger and older generations, and the importance of mental health support.
BEST MOMENTS: "In 2009, I looked at ways to end my life because of the stress I was under at the time." "Someone told me that it wasn't my time to die, and that was my turning point." "Every event I go to, I get people literally opening up about their mental health issues after they've heard my story." "We all think we're invincible, hiding behind this mask, but we're not." "We need to help the guys a bit more because this is not the way we should be doing the industry." "Whatever happens on this site today, we want you to go home safe."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.
HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.
GUEST BIO: Mike Turlin had an incredible career progression from labourer to site manager, to contracts manager, highlighting and is well placed to share experiences and challenges in the construction industry. He has founded Construction Buddies ( https://constructionbuddies.co.uk ) and ( https://bentleymentalhealth.com ) and is an advocate for mental health support and positive welfare in the construction industry. He is known as the Voice of Construction, using his knowledge and passion for the construction industry to fight the corner of tradespeople and improve education and site standards.
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Show Me the Money: Cash Flow Survival Guide for Subcontractors in Construction | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:21:04 | |
In episode 28 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin shares his expertise on cash flow management for construction industry subcontractors. He underscores the significance of cash flow for operational expenses like bills and salaries. Jacob addresses the common issue of late payments, referencing a survey that showed 92% of construction companies suffer from cash flow problems due to this. Despite some reported improvements in payment times, he stresses the need for better transparency. Jacob advises on cash flow tracking, stress testing, and contingency planning, and offers tips for improving cash flow, such as renegotiating terms, credit checking, and timely invoicing. He also discusses site-level management and financing options to handle cash shortfalls, providing a toolkit for subcontractors to maintain financial health.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: The importance of cash flow in running a business, challenges in the construction industry, and statistics on late payments. Guidance on cash flow planning, the unpredictability of cash flow, and the importance of tracking and updating financial information. Strategies for stress testing your cash flow to understand what may happen when payments land late, or bills increase, managing cash flow, and implementing measures to improve cash flow and payment terms. A number of things can be done to improve cashflow, including reducing stock holdings by just-in-time delivery, timing large deliveries to coincide with valuation dates to speed up recovery, negotiating longer payment terms and only paying invoices when they fall due. Subcontractors should regularly monitor their cashflow, and put in place contingency plans for times when cashflow tightens.
BEST MOMENTS: "Taking the eye off the ball is how insolvency can creep up on people.” "There is some good news in that things are improving, and there may well be some more good news on the horizon." "If any of those tests leave you in a less than comfortable position, then this is your opportunity to put a contingency plan into place." "It's only by assessing your cash flow situation and monitoring what you're likely to have in your bank account that you can understand what you can afford when things aren't going your way." "There's no point in overcomplicating a game of snap; if you set up your cash flow as I've described, it really is as simple as it gets, but it still gives you enough information to make informed decisions."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.
HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| The Most Essential Guide to Provisional Sums for Subcontractors | 30 Jan 2024 | 00:21:34 | |
In episode 27 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin educates us on Provisional Sums. He clarifies ways in which undesigned works are included in a subcontract such as Prime Cost Sums, Provisional Quantities and Provisional Sums. He stresses the importance of the difference between Defined and Undefined Provisional Sums, and the implications this has on your programme and price. He discusses strategies for pricing Provisional Sums as well as how they should be implemented during the course of a project. The episode is a resourceful guide for subcontractors seeking to navigate the complexities of Provisional Sums effectively.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Provisional sums are means of including undesigned or undecided scope of works in a project, giving the client or contractor some certainty that there is some budget for it. Prime Cost Sums, Provisional Quantities, Defined and Undefined Provisional Sums are all means of including incomplete design in a subcontract, and each is treated differently. Prime Cost Sums specify a ‘budget’ amount to be included in a rate to buy an unspecified material. The rest of the work described in the rate should be priced properly, allowing the ‘budget’ to be omitted and the real cost added back to make a complete rate. Defined Provisional Sums require the subcontractor to make allowance in their programme, period and preliminaries for the management and completion of the provisional works. Whereas, Undefined Provisional Sums should be excluded from the programme and preliminaries and the likes. Subcontractors should challenge the validity of Defined Provisional Sums if they do not contain sufficient information to properly describe or allow that work to be priced.
BEST MOMENTS: "The whole idea behind provisional sums is that it's a means of including a kind of a budget for some unknown bits of work and getting that into the contract to give the client a bit of cost certainty." “That's opened your eyes to some of the tricks and stunts that you might see around Provisional Sums and what you can do to protect yourself from them.” “that won't stop some unscrupulous contractor out there from telling you it's a defined Provisional Sum and refusing to give you an extension of time for it.” “These are the kind of fine margins that can win or lose you a project.”
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Navigating Unquantifiable Risks in Construction: Insights and Strategies for Subcontractors | 23 Jan 2024 | 00:18:49 | |
In episode 26 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is talking Unquantifiable Risks - a baffling practice within the construction industry practiced by clients and contractors alike, where they seek to avoid carrying any risks whatsoever, often at the detriment of achieving a competitive price. Whilst these risks are passed down the supply chain to those often least equipped to deal with them - the subcontractors! Jacob highlights several examples of the kind of risks which cause these problems, and identifies ways that subcontractors can identify where these are being asked of them in their tenders. He wraps up the episode by giving his advice on how subcontractors can deal with those risks within their tender submissions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Passing a risk on does not get rid of it. It may pass on to the contractor, or the subcontractor, but it is still there. And it may still come back to hurt the client if it proves too costly to handle. Risks are passed on through omitting key contract mechanisms for time and cost extensions, and through ill-thought-out scope inclusions. Some of these risks may go on for periods of months. So it is vital that you identify and deal with them. Examples of unquantifiable risks such as ground risks, statutory services, and antiquities as well as other works items which can’t be measured. Actionable recommendations for subcontractors to protect themselves against unquantifiable risks, including analysing subcontract amendments and clauses related to compensation events.
BEST MOMENTS: "Clients are expecting the contractor to be able to price and include for things that are just unfathomable." "You're either going to see silly prices back from the marketplace, or you're buying a project with a hole in it." "Making a different party responsible for something that can't be quantified doesn't make the risk go away.” “And it's not until 20 years later and it's long forgotten that some unwitting builder has their ground worker on a lump sum contract, and they're digging it (asbestos) up by the bucketload. But oh no, Mr. Subcontractor, you took the risk on the ground."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.
HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Understanding and Managing Latent and Patent Defects in Construction: Implications for Subcontractors | 16 Jan 2024 | 00:16:49 | |
In episode 25 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin explores construction defects and their effects on subcontractors. He clarifies the difference between patent defects, which are obvious and detectable, and latent defects, which are concealed and may emerge long after completion. Jacob advises on the importance of using quality materials, skilled labor, and taking immediate action to fix defects to prevent further complications or safety issues. He also discusses the consequences of not adhering to construction standards and the role of the clerk of works in defect detection. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the liability of subcontractors for damages caused by defects. KEY TAKEAWAYS There is no firm definition of what a ‘defect’ is in construction contracts. The importance of being proactive in identifying and rectifying issues during the defects liability period is highlighted, along with the role of attention in ensuring work completion. The difference between latent and patent defects using a crack on a wall as an example and the implications of each type. Common causes of latent defects, are design and manufacturing faults, and cutting corners whilst undertaking the work The possibility of liability for damages resulting from defects and the considerations related to corrective actions and improved specifications.
BEST MOMENTS: "We had the client's clerk of works coming around, taking great delight in telling us that we've got a problem. Oh no, the building is going to fall down!" "Now that happened while we were on site. You could say that we were actually lucky that we were still there." "There are some factors that can contribute: you've got poor workmanship, either by using poorly qualified staff or staff that are on too keen a price, so they're cutting corners and leaving things not properly finished."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Unraveling the Complexities of Design Liability: Insights from a Construction Industry Expert | 09 Jan 2024 | 00:20:22 | |
In episode 24 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is discussing Design Liabilities and Design & Build Subcontracts. Jacob starts by discussing the issue with Fitness for Purpose criteria within the design and build requirements and why you should avoid these at all costs. He then delves into some of the pertinent clauses, outlining requirements, compliance with directions and where CDM obligations are introduced. He then explains the process of submitting the designs, the various statuses of the design review process and the ability for the approver’s comments to be challenged in a timely fashion. Jacob recalls his experience of an Employer abusing the design submission procedure, and how this could have been avoided with hindsight. He then covers the liability statement which assumes that the subcontractor will have as much skill as an qualified architect in designing their particular piece of the contract design.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Fitness for purpose clauses should be avoided at all costs. The process for design submission is straight forward, and there are rights for the sub-contractor to challenge the contractor’s approval of designs to seek instruction or re-state the contract requirements. Employers do misuse the design review and approval process, and this abuse can be lessened with proper application of the design submission procedure. The submission and approval of design does not remove obligations to achieve the requirements of the subcontract if the design is later found to be lacking.
BEST MOMENTS: “Sometimes the employer will use the building for a particular purpose, but within his requirements, he will state, 'I want a floor that can do X.' You design to those criteria, but then the fitness for purpose element may take it above and beyond that.” “If you find fitness for purpose statements within your subcontract inquiries and within your subcontracts themselves, challenge them and don't be afraid to walk away from the work if you can't negotiate those statements out." "You are liable for all of that: moving the tenant out, moving them into temporary accommodation, maybe setting them straight for loss of income that they have incurred whilst they have not been able to use the building." “They can still come back at a later time when they can’t get their five metre tall piece of plant through the door and say, hold up, Mr. Contractor, you f*d this one up!”
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.
HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Are Actual Cost Contracts Hindering Efficiency in Construction Projects? | 19 Dec 2023 | 00:17:59 | |
In episode 23 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is discussing target cost and cost plus contracting. He criticises cost plus contracts, citing lack of incentives for contractors to save money, leading to cost overruns in projects like major roadworks and HS2. He suggests competitive tendering to encourage cost-effectiveness. Jacob also discusses the administrative burdens of these contracts and the financial consequences of inaccurate tender prices in target cost contracts. He advises contractors to consider risks, make clear exclusions, and include budgets for risks they are asked to hold. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: “These kind of arrangements have become commonplace in a lot of government procurement and what you're seeing is a lot of framework projects and a lot of large scale say civil engineering projects are falling under these kind of contract arrangements. I personally think these contracts are sh*t!” “They're (cost plus contracts) lacking in any target. There's no incentive for the contractor to perform….The job takes as long as it takes, the costs are whatever they are, the fee gets added to it, and the contractor wins." "having done a few of these target cost contracts in my lifetime i actually think these are the worst of all worlds" "how you treat these risk sums when you're pricing the job and when you're pricing the compensation events is really key to maintaining a good target price and maintaining your ability to get a healthy margin out of the job" Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| What is the JCT Subcontract? | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:27:25 | |
In episode 22 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin discusses how JCT subcontracts in the construction industry are formed. He emphasises the importance of understanding the terms and conditions of these contracts, including the rights and obligations of all parties involved. Jacob also explains the various elements of a subcontract, such as recitals, articles of agreement, and subcontract particulars. He provides detailed insight into the other items which are introduced by the sub-contract particulars such as attendances provided by the main contractor, retentions, and insurance requirements. He concludes by stressing the need for subcontractors to familiarise themselves with their contracts to avoid potential issues and disputes. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: “It is vital that you understand and know what those conditions are that you're signing up to because you've got to operate the subcontract, you've got to know where to issue a notice if you have to issue one, and you've got to understand what the change procedure is." "These are the documents that are telling you what you're doing, so they need to be right." "Sometimes it's not always straightforward and in spite of what some people might tell you, it's not that the contractor is trying to hide the conditions from you. It is just common custom and practice." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Risk management in construction: From uncertainty to opportunity | 05 Dec 2023 | 00:21:12 | |
In episode 21 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is talking to you all about Risk and Risk Management. This is a topic in Construction that is not talked about enough, and for Subcontractors is a must to thrive in a difficult industry. Jacob starts by defining risk and defining risk management. He then explains that risks are an inherent part of running any business and that a level of risk must be present for us to operate in business. Jacob explains that there are several different ways that risks are introduced into the sub-contract. He then explains some simple techniques for managing risks, and how these can play out as a sub-contractor. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Risk management is vital to success as a Subcontractor in the Construction Industry. Risks can be Controlled, Accepted, Reduced or Avoided but should not be ignored. Both Opportunities and Risks should be monitored and managed. The key to mitigating the risks you encounter as a Subcontractor is to flag them up early to the Contractor and discuss them. BEST MOMENTS: "The best time to start managing risk is at enquiry stage. The second best time is now.” “Talking about risk is something we don’t do enough of in the construction industry.” “To truly expose yourself to no risk at all is to sit and do nothing.” “These conversations aren’t always straightforward but the more you discuss the problems the greater the chance that you can get the issues resolved before it becomes a problem that bites you.” Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Are You Leaving Money on the Table by Not Clarifying Your Subcontract Prices? | 19 Aug 2024 | 00:17:46 | |
In episode 56 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone discusses the crucial importance of clarifying pricing in subcontracting work. Sharing a personal story from his early career, Jacob highlights the pitfalls of vague agreements and miscommunication. He recounts a challenging project involving boiler replacements, where unclear scope definitions led to financial losses. Jacob emphasises the need for thorough client discussions, provisional sums for undefined items, and meticulous documentation. This episode offers valuable advice to subcontractors on ensuring profitability, through clear communication and detailed scope definitions. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "And this essentially turned into a humongous argument with them saying that they'd bought one thing and was saying that we'd only price to do a different thing.” “They'd done everything properly as regards defining the scope, so we had things like the asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey locations of all of the existing services which we needed to avoid, and a really detailed pricing document." "But when it came to recommissioning the air handling unit, it was clear that that wasn't enough because basically more than one coil needed replacing." "And sometimes within a bid there are these unknown items. Sometimes they can be fairly minor, but sometimes they can turn into big, hairy beasts of an item that, in one brutish swipe, can bring the whole project down for you." “Pick up the phone and have a good, detailed conversation about exactly what that means in terms of a scope item and what the contractor is expecting you to provide for it."
Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| #20 Completion or Not Completion? | 28 Nov 2023 | 00:18:58 | |
In episode 20 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is talking all things Completion. This is yet another topic which is simple on the face of it, but the construction industry has its unique way of making it difficult! Jacob explains terminology including Practical Completion, Sectional Completion, Partial Possession, Early Use and Completion, and explains what they mean to you. Jacob explains the lack of definition of completion and offers his thoughts on why this is the case, and his solution for that problem. He explains that the sub-contract does not use all of the same terms, and talks through how to apply the completion clause of a JCT Design & Build Subcontract. Throughout this episode Jacob imparts his industry wisdom, giving practical advice on how you can record completion, and his recommendations to protect yourself on a typical project. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "There’s only one point in a project that you truly know where you are - before you start! At least then we can all readily agree nothing has happened!” “If you thought you could look to an Architect for a definition, think again!” “He must identify the reasons why you haven’t finished, of course in his opinion” “This isn’t the contractor saying whoah I can’t release your retention on some nonsense technicality” Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| #19 Value Engineering | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:18:56 | |
In episode 19 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, 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 value engineering. He also gives some practical advice on how to deal with value engineering requests, what to do to avoid the risks and ensure the full impact is considered prior to proceeding. Throughout the episode, Jacob imparts his industry wisdom to help subcontractors manage the value engineering process. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "All it is is ripping out any value from a project and substituting it with cheap alternatives" "In my experience how we implement it in construction is all to do with cost reduction" "Sometimes the best savings can be quite radical" "It just goes to show you never can tell what someone else is going to want and if you can, your skills are probably best employed somewhere else" Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| Valuing Changes | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:22:47 | |
In episode 18 of the Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin delves into the topic of valuing change. He starts by discussing the different terminology used for changes in various contracts, highlighting the importance of using the correct terminology for each contract. Jacob then outlines some general principles for valuing changes, such as valuing work on the same basis as similar work under the contract and adjusting rates for changes in quality or conditions. He also explains how to handle situations where there is no similar work or benchmarks, and when to resort to a day works or time and cost resource-based price. Throughout the episode, Jacob provides practical advice and insights for subcontractors to ensure fair and accurate valuation of changes in their contracts. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "Just a shame nobody told the rest of the contract." "Charging for prelims as part of a change is different and potentially preferable to a loss and expense situation." "If you're asked to complete works on a day works basis, you will need to get a signed record." "It's also worth thinking about if you're pricing a lump sum package, have you given enough rates when you're putting your price together to give an accurate way of valuing any changes?" HOST BIO LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| Retrofitting | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:24:55 | |
In episode 17 of the Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin explores the topic of retrofitting. He explains that retrofitting involves introducing new materials, products, and technologies into existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Jacob discusses the government's targets for net zero emissions and the implications for the construction industry. He also highlights the challenges and considerations involved in retrofitting projects, such as dealing with asbestos, addressing unknowns in existing buildings, and managing stakeholders and occupants. Jacob emphasizes the importance of effective communication, documentation, and planning to ensure successful retrofitting projects. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "The financial implication of achieving net zero emissions is absolutely huge, and it may well be the public purse that has to stump up some of the bill for that." "When you're working on an existing building, the information that you're working with is only as good as the surveys of the existing building." "You've got to be particularly aware when you're pricing a lump sum. Have you been able to inspect everything? What are the unknowns that you're pricing?" "When you're working in these kind of live environments, you've got to remember those are somebody else's environment as well." HOST BIO LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| Payment Notices and the Construction Act | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:17:23 | |
In this episode of the Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin discusses payments under the Construction Act, with a focus on payment notices. He explains that the Construction Act enforces rules on all construction contracts, regardless of whether they are formal or informal agreements. Jacob highlights the importance of regular and prompt payments throughout the supply chain and emphasizes the need for clear mechanisms for determining payment amounts. He also delves into the requirements for payment notices, pay less notices, and the basis on which sums are calculated. Jacob provides insights on how subcontractors can navigate these processes and ensure fair outcomes. Overall, this episode provides valuable information for subcontractors looking to improve their understanding of payment procedures under the Construction Act. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "The contractor doesn't have to do anything in the eyes of the law, as long as they pay you the amount that you've applied for." "If you don't receive a pay less notice, you would just get paid your application, and then the same right to suspend would apply if you didn't get the money." "The contractor has got to have some genuine belief that that is a fair valuation and that is what they'll pay you based on the information that they've got at the time." "Your contract, even if it is in support of their contract, is a standalone agreement." HOST BIO LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| The Tender Process Demystified: How to Secure Lucrative Subcontracts | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:29:25 | |
In this episode of The Subcontractors Blueprint, Jacob Austin discusses the tender process and submitting quotations. He acknowledges that while two-stage tenders are not commonly used in subcontractor procurement, they can be beneficial for complex projects. Jacob highlights the increasing requirements for pre-qualification in subcontractor procurement, with contractors needing to ensure their subcontractors are competent and capable. He also expresses frustration with the numerous pre-qualifications and accreditations required, and hopes for a more streamlined and universal system. Jacob provides valuable insights on how subcontractors can navigate the tender process, including clarifying scope, addressing program considerations, and pricing strategies. Overall, this episode offers practical advice for subcontractors looking to ensure profitability and grow their business. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "And rather disappointingly, various of the main contractors have got their own little questionnaires added into these pre-qualifications." "What the fuck has that got to do with building? What happened to just procuring the best contractor to do the work?" "So we're starting to trickle into the things that you need to provide when you submit your tender." "By stating what these are you're limiting your liability and you're also giving the contractor some useful information to help vet his other tenders." "A statement such as that should allow you to negotiate the conditions if the contractor finds your offer to be of interest." HOST BIO Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.linktr.ee/qs.zone This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| Unraveling the Complexity of Relevant Events and Relevant Matters | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:21:20 | |
Jacob tackles the topic of relevant events and relevant matters in construction contracts. Building on the previous episode's discussion on submitting an extension of time request, Jacob explains the distinction between relevant events and relevant matters, and why they are separate entities. He emphasises the importance of providing detailed information and records to justify delays and demonstrate fault on the part of the contractor. Jacob also highlights the need to focus on relevant events that have associated costs, rather than chasing extensions of time for events that won't result in financial compensation. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into navigating the extension of time clauses and loss and expense claims in subcontracting. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "If you're chasing costs, you have to be chasing a relevant event that's got a relevant matter associated with it." "The weather is a good example of one of those neutral events that's nobody's real fault, the contract rarely saying, nobody gets punished for." "It is about time somebody did something about statutory authorities because they've been the ruin of many a poor job." "If it's the employer's or the contractor's fault, then you're likely to be able to recover costs." "I've mentioned before, but the simple principle to remember is if it's the employer's or the contractor's fault, then you're likely to be able to recover costs." HOST BIO Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.linktr.ee/qs.zone This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| Dealing with Delays as a Subcontractor | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:25:24 | |
Jacob discusses the topic of delays in construction projects. He emphasises the importance of issuing notices to alert others of potential delays and suggests having a conversation with the relevant parties before sending the notice. Jacob highlights the need for clear records and documentation to substantiate delays and advises subcontractors to request extensions of time retrospectively, providing all relevant information and evidence. He also touches on different methods of delay analysis and hints at future episodes that will delve deeper into the subject. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "And part of the thrust of what I was getting at when we're speaking about notices is that they are there to give somebody notice of something." "You want to think about how you're delivering your notice and a meeting or certainly a phone call, jumping on Teams, Zoom, whatever, having a conversation about it before it lands in somebody's inbox or in somebody's pigeonhole can avoid some of the heartache." "You're doing this to bring things to people's attention before it becomes a big issue, it spirals out of control and it causes a huge delay to a job." "It's about the records. More than anything else, it's about the records. What day did you start? What day did you get access to each little section?" "And if you can do this, it makes it really easy. You've demonstrated the start, you've demonstrated the end. There's no even opportunity to argue." HOST BIO Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.linktr.ee/qs.zone This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| Maximizing Profitability through Acceleration | 02 Oct 2023 | 00:21:33 | |
Get ready to dive into the fascinating topic of acceleration, as Jacob takes us on a journey through its complexities. This is when subcontractors are asked to speed up their work due to project delays or scope changes. Jacob shares smart strategies like adjusting work schedules and overlapping phases to handle acceleration. He also discusses the costs involved, such as overtime and extra supervision. Jacob stresses the importance of clear communication between subcontractors and contractors about expectations, costs, and dealing with delays. He provides insights on managing costs, payment terms, and the need for a revised project plan to track progress. In a nutshell, this episode offers valuable advice for subcontractors dealing with the challenges of acceleration in their projects. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "A lot of the time that will happen because there's been some kind of delay on your project." "You might have a situation where you work some kind of hybrid shifts, so that you get two lots of people who work a full day, an eight hour day, but they both involve working some antisocial hours." "You don't want to agree a guarantee that I will get this job finished by this date if you pay me this. Because you can all set out with the best intentions and all good endeavours follow." "It might be worth considering if you're accelerating only a portion of the work that by getting rid of that portion early there might well be impact on other elements." "Hopefully I've given you some useful pointers there that you can take away when you've got that situation on one of your jobs." HOST BIO Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.linktr.ee/qs.zone This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| The Impact of Insolvency on the Supply Chain | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:25:47 | |
Jacob delves into a pressing issue within the construction industry: insolvency. He's noticed a concerning trend in recent headlines, with more and more contractors and subcontractors facing financial difficulties and going under. Jacob takes a closer look at the different kinds of financial troubles these folks are encountering and tries to uncover the root causes. He really stresses how vital it is to do your homework when you're partnering with contractors. That means checking out their payment track record and credit scores to make sure you're dealing with reliable partners. But it's not all gloom and doom. Jacob also shares some practical advice to help subcontractors safeguard their businesses and reduce the risk of potential losses. So, if you're in the construction business and want to navigate the tricky waters of insolvency, this episode has some valuable insights and actionable tips for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
HOST BIO Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.linktr.ee/qs.zone This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| Are You Forecasting Your Costs Effectively to Avoid Financial Pitfalls? | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:17:46 | |
In episode 55 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into the crucial topic of cost reporting for subcontractors. Jacob shares a cautionary tale about a former partner subcontractor whose contracting business faced liquidation due to poor cost management and lack of regular cost reporting. He underscores the importance of forecasting future costs, contrasting it with traditional accounting practices. Jacob offers practical advice on understanding labor and material costs, tracking project progress, and making necessary adjustments. This episode aims to equip subcontractors with essential financial management strategies to ensure profitability and business growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS: "He lost hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of retentions that had built up over quite a long period." “Cost reporting is very much more than just a simple accounting procedure, because we're not just interested in what has gone before us and how much money we've made or lost." “Had he been carrying out that simple exercise that I outlined, which involved assessing what you'd paid for to date and taking into account that some of what you've bought might be sitting in stock on site or stock in your yard, contrasting that against the value that you've earned to see how much profit you'd made, he would have quite quickly been able to answer whether he was making enough money or not.” "We need to be able to identify when something has had a bad effect on our job, and if it carries on happening where we're going to end up." "By understanding what has gone before, you can set yourself on the path towards a more profitable future." Links to episode 12 mentioned in this episode: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658769 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0sFow038711RlNssYMuwBO?si=770c2a7703344e0f Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ | |||
| The Pros and Cons of Retentions in the Construction Industry | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:27:40 | |
Let's take 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
BEST MOMENTS HOST BIO LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| The Unpredictability of Weather | 11 Sep 2023 | 00:23:37 | |
Imagine a stormy sea of unpredictability – that's weather delays in construction. Jacob sets the stage, shedding light on the impact of these wild forecasts on your projects. Brace yourself as he deciphers contract forms like JCT and NEC, revealing their unique approaches. Hold onto your hardhats as Jacob shares the keys to the weather delay kingdom. Different contracts, different rules! JCT treats adverse weather neutrally, while NEC calculates compensation events objectively. It's like having a weather guide for your contracts. But that's not all. Jacob's got your back with practical tools and strategies. Detailed records and evidence? They're your lifelines. Negotiation tactics? He's your ally. By the end of this episode, you'll be the weather delay guru you never knew you could be. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
HOST BIO Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.linktr.ee/qs.zone This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| From Stress to Success: Cost Reporting Strategies | 04 Sep 2023 | 00:21:31 | |
Picture this: you're the captain of your financial ship. Jacob unveils the magic of regularly monitoring costs, the compass to profitability, smoother cash flow, and business growth. Hold onto your calculators as he spills the beans on his toolkit, from sophisticated systems to trusty Excel hacks for cost tracking. But here's the real gem: it's not just about numbers – it's about understanding your financial landscape, charting your course, and staying ahead of the game. Jacob's like your financial sherpa, guiding you through the peaks and valleys. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.linktr.ee/qs.zone This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||
| Mastering the NEC4 Contract: Key Tips and Strategies | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:27:30 | |
Get ready to unlock the secrets of NEC4, the groundbreaking engineering and construction contract! NEC4 isn't just a contract – it's a game-changer designed for collaboration in building and engineering projects. Jacob breaks down the six key options, unveiling a world of possibilities. But it's not just about contracts; it's about creating a web of trust and cooperation among all players. Hold onto your hardhats as Jacob delves into the nitty-gritty. From early warning notices to compensation events, he's got you covered. Need to adjust time and the program? Jacob's your go-to guru. Pricing compensation events and acceleration? Yep, he's got tips to keep your business soaring KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
HOST BIO Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.linktr.ee/qs.zone This show was brought to you by Progressive Media | |||