Best Main Contractor Podcasts (2025)

1
The Building Safety Act: How QSs Need to Procure Differently (EP 235) 43:10

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18h ago43:10

43:10

In this episode, Paul is joined by Andrea White, Independent Fire Engineer, Chartered Safety Professional, and one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction (2023). Andrea is also the founder of Women Talking Fire and a leading voice on fire safety strategy in a post-Grenfell landscape. Together, Paul and Andrea unpack the critical impl…

1
Building a Steady Path Through Economic Uncertainty 35:17

17h ago35:17

35:17

When sales slow, it’s easy to panic, freeze, or throw spaghetti at the wall, hoping something sticks. In this solo episode, Katelyn Magnuson breaks down exactly how to navigate dips in sales and economic uncertainty without losing your footing. From client relationships to financial planning, she shares how to spot early warning signs, make confide…

1
Procurement Reimagined: Building Better Supply Chain Relationships at Guildmore (EP 234) 1:17:16

6d ago1:17:16

1:17:16

In this episode, Paul is joined by Kelvin Maye, Group Commercial Director at Guildmore Ltd, a £100m+ main contractor with an impressive growth trajectory. Kelvin shares the story of his journey from graduate QS to group leadership and how Guildmore is actively reshaping its commercial and procurement strategies. They explore how Kelvin’s team is un…

1
The QS Career Isn’t Linear — And That’s a Good Thing (EP 233) 46:29

9d ago46:29

46:29

In episode 233, Paul welcomes Alice Graham, a chartered Quantity Surveyor turned Solution Specialist at Procore Technologies. Together, they unpack Alice’s career journey — from studying QS at Heriot-Watt University to working in consultancy, and eventually pivoting into construction technology. Alice shares how her “skills inventory” helped her re…

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Question Time Returns: The QS Career Clinic – From Roy Keane to Red Flags in Procurement (EP 232) 33:20

16d ago33:20

33:20

Question Time is back — and it’s better than ever. After a brief baby-related break (sorry about skipping 224.1 and 228.1), Paul and Chris are back to answer your burning questions about quantity surveying, procurement, contracts, and even… sport. In this episode, we cover: 🧠 How to build a standout QS career — including which contract type to mast…

1
Breaking Free From The Matrix with Danielle McCleerey 59:56

22d ago59:56

59:56

In this transformative episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, Katelyn sits down with Danielle McCleerey to explore how human design, astrology, and nervous system regulation can radically shift the way you do business. From her decade-long career at SoulCycle to building multiple thriving ventures, Danielle opens up about the turning points that sh…

1
QS to Software Founder: Why Construction Needs to Work Smarter, Not Harder (EP 231) 50:23

29d ago50:23

50:23

In this special episode of Own the Build, Paul is a guest on Ross Griffin's Inventing Construction podcast. The conversation dives deep into Paul’s journey from subcontractor QS to co-founder of C-Link, a software platform built to overhaul procurement and supply chain management in construction. Paul shares raw and honest reflections on why QSs ar…

1
Can AI Empower the Subcontractor? (EP 230) 33:25

1M ago33:25

33:25

In the final part of the Contract Clarity Series, Paul is joined once again by the brilliantly practical contract expert Sarah Fox to explore the future of contracting in construction. They dive into the rise of AI, what it means for lawyers and quantity surveyors, and how contracting must evolve in a digitised world. From empowering junior QSs to …

1
Contractor vs Employee for Small Business Owners with Leah Weinberg 42:39

1M ago42:39

42:39

In this eye-opening episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, Katelyn sits down with Leah Weinberg, a lawyer, author, and former wedding planner, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the business world: the legal and financial differences between employees and independent contractors. Whether you’re hiring your first team member or review…

1
Clause-Dumping and Risk Wars: Why Subbies Deserve Better (EP 229) 32:12

1M ago32:12

32:12

In this episode, titled Subcontracting Simplified, Paul and Sarah Fox go deep into what’s really broken in subcontracting — and what can be done to fix it. From clause-dumping and risk overload to overlooked meeting minutes and unreadable contracts, this is a frank conversation about the challenges subcontractors face and the behaviours that hold t…

1
10 Commercial Mistakes I Made Early in My Career — And What I’d Do Differently (EP 228) 30:25

2M ago30:25

30:25

In this reflective episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Chris Barber to dive deep into the early mistakes they made as young Quantity Surveyors — and what they’ve learned from them since. If you’ve ever sat in a final account meeting feeling underprepared, avoided a difficult conversation with a subcontractor, or been caught off guard by a v…

1
Rewriting the Rules of Business with Human Design with Mel McSherry 52:37

2M ago52:37

52:37

In this episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, Katelyn sits down with international business and life guide Mel McSherry for a soul-deep conversation about human design, energy management, and building a profitable business rooted in who you actually are. Mel shares their journey from being a personal trainer and coach to becoming a spiritual busin…

1
Capping Your Risk – Why Every Contractor Needs to Limit Their Liability (EP 227) 31:21

2M ago31:21

31:21

The Contract Clarity Series with Sarah Fox (Part 2) In this second instalment of the Contract Clarity Series, Paul is once again joined by construction’s contract queen, Sarah Fox — contract strategist, author, and keynote speaker — to explore a topic every subcontractor, QS, and contractor needs to understand: liability. Sarah breaks down the risk…

1
When It’s Time to Walk Away: How to Terminate a Contract Without Blowing Everything Up (EP 226) 30:52

2M ago30:52

30:52

In the first instalment of our 4-part Contract Clarity Series with Sarah Fox — contract strategist, speaker, and author of Small Works Contracts in Just 500 Words — Paul dives into one of the trickiest, most nerve-racking topics in construction: contract termination. Termination often strikes fear into contractors and lawyers alike — but it doesn’t…

1
Finding Community in a Chaotic World 18:57

2M ago18:57

18:57

In this deeply reflective solo episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, host Katelyn Magnuson opens up about the heaviness of the world right now and how she’s navigating it through community, connection, and choosing presence over perfection. She shares her personal struggles living in a politically mismatched area, the loneliness that can come from…

1
The Habit of Excellence – What Construction Can Learn from Army Leadership (EP 225) 50:55

2M ago50:55

50:55

In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Langley Sharp, former Head of the Centre for Army Leadership at Sandhurst, Commanding Officer of the Parachute Regiment, and now MD of Frontier Leadership. With over 20 years’ experience leading teams in the British Army—including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan—Langley brings a rare and proven insight into how l…

1
Redefining the QS Role: Strategy, Influence, and Impact (EP 224) 31:34

3M ago31:34

31:34

In this episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber challenge the view of Quantity Surveyors as mere cost controllers — and makes the case for QSs to step up as strategic commercial advisors. Through personal stories (including a classic misunderstanding in Italy), Paul explores why QSs are often misunderstood, and what it takes to shift from passive cos…

1
Settlement Strategies: How to Resolve Construction Conflicts Before They Spiral (EP 223) 53:41

3M ago53:41

53:41

In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Stefan Panourgias, a seasoned commercial consultant and specialist in construction settlements. With a career spanning London, New York, Malaysia, and the Middle East, Stephen has built a reputation for resolving disputes before they derail projects — from forensic delay analysis to strategic negotiation with t…

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Legacy, Logins, & Loved Ones: The Overlooked Essentials of Modern Estate Planning with David Edey 36:59

3M ago36:59

36:59

In this honest and eye-opening episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, Katelyn is joined by Certified Executor Advisor and bestselling author David Edey for a candid conversation about death, inheritance, and the legacy you leave behind. David shares his personal story of spending 7 years, $50,000, and 10 court appearances settling his parents’ esta…

1
From Labourer to Leader: Why Every QS Should Spend More Time on Site (EP 222) 41:15

3M ago41:15

41:15

In today’s episode, Paul is joined by Stephen Harpur, Managing Director at Sharpur Consultancy – a Chartered Construction Manager with more than 25 years in the industry. Stephen’s journey is anything but typical: he started as a labourer, worked every trade you can think of, and went on to lead some of the most complex, multimillion-pound construc…

1
From Oil to Off-Grid: How One Village Set a New Standard for UK Housing (EP 221) 50:03

3M ago50:03

50:03

In the studio today, Paul is joined by Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, Chair of the RICS Residential Professional Group Panel, and a lifelong innovator in residential development. From leading housing associations to helping an entire village go 100% off oil, Emma is redefining what a modern home should be. Register your…

1
Question Time #6: Your Construction and QS Challenges Answered (EP 220.1) 34:49

4M ago34:49

34:49

In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber return to tackle your commercial, contractual, and career questions—this time covering subcontracting from both sides of the fence, AI’s impact on QS, and how the industry needs to rethink risk allocation. Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Ch…

1
Healing Wealth Wounds through Identity, Inheritance & Inner Work with Melissa Hoyer 38:11

4M ago38:11

38:11

In this deeply nourishing episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast®, Katelyn is joined by Certified Financial Planner™ and Life/Wealth Coach Melissa Hoyer for a heartfelt conversation about the intersection of wealth, self-love, and identity. Melissa works with inheritors and individuals navigating financial transitions to bring calm, confidence, and …

1
Estimators vs QSs: Can We Finally Work as One Team? (EP 220) 1:07:32

4M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event --------------------- Today, Paul’s guest is Mike Ashcroft, Estimator, Co-Founder of EstimateOne, and now Merger Partner at C-Link. This episode is a conversation years in the making — one driven by…

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THE MERGER SPECIAL: Built by QSs, Built by Estimators: Why C-Link and E1 Joined Forces 1:01:39

4M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

The Merger Special: Why C-Link and EstimateOne Joined Forces to Change Construction Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event In this special Thursday edition of Own the Build, Paul Heming is joined by all four co-founders from C-Link and E…

1
Breaking the ‘Cycle of Doom’: How Subcontractors Can Take Back Control of Their Business (EP 219) 42:44

4M ago42:44

42:44

Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event --------------------- Today, Paul’s guest is Cian Brennan, Founder of Quantum Contract Solutions and now the author of his new book, The Subcontractor's Edge. Cian’s first appearance on the show was…

1
How Biases Shape Your Money Decisions with John De Goey 37:38

4M ago37:38

37:38

In this episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, Katelyn sits down with portfolio manager and author John De Goey to unpack one of the most overlooked factors in personal finance: cognitive bias. From optimism bias and confirmation bias to recency bias and emotional decision-making, John breaks down how our brains often sabotage our money moves, espe…

1
Psychic Entropy: The Silent Killer of Leadership Teams in Construction (EP 218) 51:27

4M ago51:27

51:27

Today, Paul’s guest is Dave Stitt, a Chartered Civil Engineer, Fellow of the CIOB, and one of the UK’s most respected leadership coaches in construction. With nearly five decades in the industry, Dave has worked with some of the country’s biggest firms, leading transformation programmes and coaching leadership teams at the highest level. In this ep…

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Mental Toughness = Commercial Power: Win the Hard Meetings (EP 217) 55:57

4M ago55:57

55:57

Today, Paul’s guest is Dan Bradley, Managing Director at BPM Project Management in New Zealand and Founding Director at ConTech Solutions, a business focused on streamlining construction through digital transformation across Australia and New Zealand. In this episode, Paul and Dan explore a bold and under-discussed topic in construction: mental tou…

1
Question Time #5: Your Construction and QS Challenges Answered (EP 216.1) 33:38

4M ago33:38

33:38

In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber dive into your pressing Quantity Surveying and construction challenges. From late payments to navigating design disputes, this episode is packed with actionable advice for industry professionals. 📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your q…

1
Astrology & Rebellion: An Annual Reflection 20:22

4M ago20:22

20:22

In this deeply personal and empowering episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, host Katelyn Magnuson reflects on the past year of her life and what’s ahead as she turns 35. Through the lens of astrology, cycle awareness, neurodivergence, and radical self-expression, Katelyn shares the rituals, revelations, and routines that have shaped her identity,…

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The Immune System of the Project: How QSs Can Protect Margin and Spot Risk Early (EP 216) 52:11

4M ago52:11

52:11

Today, Paul is joined for the third time by Ray Mellor-Pike, a QS and Managing Director at RMP Consulting. Last time, Ray shared how FBI hostage negotiation tactics inform his approach to final account meetings. This time, he returns with another big idea: The Project Manager is the head of the project, but the Quantity Surveyor is the neck. Togeth…

1
S01E08 Probation Periods 3:22

5M ago3:22

3:22

In this episode David Du-Feu talks about employment and probation periods. How will the Employment Rights Bill offer protection to employees on Probation? Brought to you by E&P Services UK Ltd, an employment & payroll company supporting companies all over the UK. The questions covered: 1. What is a Probation Period? 2. How long is a Probationary Pe…

1
The Softer Side of Contract Management: Lessons from the Real World (EP 215) 49:09

5M ago49:09

49:09

Today, Paul’s guest is Jamie Mills, Managing Director at Signature Build, to explore the often overlooked but crucial human side of contract management in construction. With a career that began in IT before transitioning into infrastructure project management and construction leadership, Jamie brings a unique perspective on how emotional intelligen…

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Somatic Success: Nervous System Secrets for Money Clarity with Sheridan Ruth 53:15

5M ago53:15

53:15

In this deeply human and healing episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, Katelyn sits down with bestselling author and nervous system specialist Sheridan Ruth. Together, they explore the body-based foundations of true financial clarity and why regulation, not just budgeting, might be the missing piece in your money journey. Sheridan opens up about h…

1
Mastering FIDIC: How to Handle Claims, Payments & Disputes Like a Pro (EP 214) 45:44

5M ago45:44

45:44

Today, Paul’s guest is Frans Taljaard, FIDIC Contracts Manager at Gleeds in Lisbon and founder of Clause 20, a consultancy focused on FIDIC training and contract management. Frans has extensive experience managing FIDIC contracts across Europe and the Middle East, supporting contractors in claims, payments, and disputes. 🔹 Understanding FIDIC Contr…

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What to Do When a Client Refuses Practical Completion (EP 213) 52:47

5M ago52:47

52:47

Practical Completion (PC) is one of the most critical and contentious milestones in any construction project. But what happens when a client refuses to grant it? In this episode, Bill Barton, Director at Barton Legal, joins Paul to discuss real-world disputes over PC and how contractors can protect themselves. 🔹 Understanding Practical Completion: …

1
Question Time 4: Subcontracting Pressure, QS Career Advice, Design Management (EP 212.1) 43:09

5M ago43:09

43:09

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 212.1 of Own the Build — our fourth Question Time Special, where Paul and Chris answer listener-submitted questions on commercial, contractual, and career-related issues in the construction industry. These episodes drop once a month on a Thursday — and as ever, if you've got a question, email [email protected] or message Paul on…

1
The Business Owner’s Starter Pack 24:37

5M ago24:37

24:37

If you’ve ever wished being a business owner came with a starter pack, this episode is for you! Host Katelyn Magnuson dives deep into the essentials of running a profitable, optimized business—without falling into shiny object syndrome. Katelyn shares her personal lessons from over a decade in business, helping you avoid unnecessary expenses, deter…

1
Mastering Contract Audits: The 3-Page Hack Every QS and Project Team Needs (EP 212) 29:28

5M ago29:28

29:28

🎙️ Today’s guest is Chris Barber, a returning favourite on the show and someone who needs no introduction for many of our listeners. Chris is a former top-level QS with a sharp eye for practical improvements in construction project delivery and contract management. Contract Audits Made Simple: Paul and Chris dive into a tool that’s been quietly cir…

1
Mastering Project Planning & Delay Analysis with David Moreland (EP 211) 50:50

6M ago50:50

50:50

Today, Paul’s guest is David Moreland, a Chartered Civil Engineer, Accredited NEC Project Manager, and Expert Consulting Engineer at MoreConsult Limited. David specialises in project planning, delay analysis, and expert witness work, helping construction professionals navigate complex claims and project delivery challenges. 🔹 Project Planning Funda…

1
S01EP07 The New Employment Rights Bill but Specifically Day One Rights 3:52

6M ago3:52

3:52

In this episode David Du-Feu talks about The New Employment Rights Bill but Specifically Day One Rights. The questions covered: 1. What’s the thought process behind day one rights? 2. Can you give me a couple of examples of Rights that will be available to employees from Day one? 3. I read somewhere that there may be entitlement to Paid Bereavement…

1
How to Reduce Disputes and Build Stronger Project Relationships (EP 210) 38:03

6M ago38:03

38:03

Today, Paul’s guest is Len Bunton, Founder of Bunton Consulting, Vice Chairman of Scottish Mediation, and Chairman of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) Commercial and Procurement Group. Len returns for his third Own the Build episode to tackle one of the biggest challenges in construction—conflict avoidance. 🔹 Conflict Avoidance Wee…

1
Moving Abroad: How to Build Financial & Location Independence with Vanessa Wachtmeister 32:28

6M ago32:28

32:28

In this episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, Katelyn Magnuson sits down with Vanessa Wachtmeister, a travel tech professional, angel investor, and founder of Wander Onwards, to discuss how to move abroad to achieve financial and location independence. Vanessa has lived abroad for over 11 years, residing in China, the UK, Turkey, and Germany, and …

1
Pointless Amendments: Why the Industry Needs a Simpler Approach to Contracts (EP 209) 47:36

6M ago47:36

47:36

Unnecessary contract amendments create confusion, disputes, and inefficiencies across the construction industry. In this episode, Paul's guest is Sarah Fox, a leading expert in construction law and conflict avoidance, to discuss why simplifying contracts is essential for better project outcomes. 🔹 The Conflict Avoidance Pledge: Learn how the RICS i…

1
S01EP06 Employment & Pensions 2:52

6M ago2:52

2:52

In this episode David Du-Feu talks about Employment and Pensions. The questions covered: Am I automatically placed into a workplace pension scheme and what pension provider do you use? How much do I as a member contribute and how much do you contribute as an Employer? Can I 'opt out' of the pension scheme and if so, do I get a refund of any contrib…

1
Question Time #3: Your Construction and QS Challenges Answered (EP 208.1) 36:22

6M ago36:22

36:22

In our latest listener-driven Question Time episode, Paul Heming and Chris Barber dive into your pressing Quantity Surveying and construction challenges. From late payments to navigating design disputes, this episode is packed with actionable advice for industry professionals. 📅 Reminder: We’ll be hosting this Q&A episode once a month – send your q…

1
Breaking the Silence: Why QSs Need to Pick Up the Phone with Keith Kelliher (EP 208) 53:44

6M ago53:44

53:44

Today, Paul's guest is Keith Kelliher, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Accredited Adjudicator, Arbitrator, Mediator, and Expert Witness at Kelliher and Associates. With a career steeped in construction disputes and conflict resolution, Keith joins us to share his unique perspective on improving communication and collaboration in the industry. 🔹 The Ad…

1
Merging Money & Magic: A Holistic Approach to Finance 12:38

7M ago12:38

12:38

In this episode of the Wealth Witches Podcast, host Katelyn Magnuson invites you to merge financial strategy with spiritual alignment for a truly holistic approach to wealth. Through breathwork, mindset shifts, and energy work, Katelyn walks listeners through how money and magic go hand in hand—helping you create financial abundance while staying c…

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£4,500 a Tender: Why Specialists Are Walking Away and How MCs Can Win Them Back (EP 207) 44:58

7M ago44:58

44:58

Today’s Paul meets Michael Green, Managing Director at RED Systems Ltd, a leading specialist contractor with four divisions: structural glazing, SFS design, digital innovation, and glazing engineering. The Cost of Tendering: Michael explains why each new tender costs his business £4,500 on average and how this impacts decisions between pursuing new…