Growing Consultancies 016: Carolann Watson-Box of Cowburn Watson-Box

From humble beginnings to co-owner | Carolann Watson-Box - Cowburn Watson-Box Welcome to another episode of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from the people shaping the UK construction consultancy sector.Today, Paul Micallef is joined by Carolann Watson-Box, co-founder of Cowburn Watson Box, a Cost and Project Management consultancy based in the North West.Carolann’s story is one of determination and opportunity. She grew up on a council estate in Rochdale, worked her way into the construction industry, and went on to co-found a successful SME consultancy. Her journey shows how construction can open doors for anyone, no matter their background.In this episode, we discuss:How Carolann built her career from humble beginningsWhy construction is a career open to all walks of lifeThe growth and success of Cowburn Watson BoxThe dynamic between Carolann and her co-founder Matt, blending ambition with analytical thinking How to balance passion, people, and progress when running a consultancyCarolann is passionate about people, opportunity, and doing things the right way, this episode is inspiring for Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Cost Consultants, and anyone in construction looking to grow their career or business.👀Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies. 📈Carolann's LinkedInCowburn Watson-Box Website#Growingconsultancies #Constructionconsultancy #Quantitysurveying #Projectmanagement #Costmanagement #Cowburnwatsonbox #Leadership #Constructioncareers #Womeninconstruction #Businessgrowth #Entrepreneurship #Consultancylife #Northwestconstruction

The Reality Behind the Success | Rob Sweetner (KS4) -Growing Consultancies - Ep15Welcome to Episode 15 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real, honest stories from leaders building consultancies across the UK.Today, Paul Micallef is joined by Rob Sweetner, founder of KS4, a consultancy that specialises in all things beds, from Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Co-living to Later Living and Hotels.With a team of 18 and plans to expand into a brand-new office space that will allow them to double in size, KS4 are on an exciting growth journey. But as Rob shares in this open and raw conversation, success hasn’t come without challenges.We talk about:The tough realities of business ownership – including bad debt and clients not payingBeing the last to get paid, but still pushing forwardHow Rob is building a people-first culture, where everyone shares in success through equity and bonus.  Staying resilient, honest, and grounded through the highs and lows of running a consultancy.Rob is a hugely credible and down-to-earth entrepreneur who doesn’t shy away from the hard parts of leadership, but his commitment to doing things the right way makes this episode an inspiring must-watch for any business owner.Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultanciesRob's LinkedIn KS4 Website#ConstructionConsultancy #ProjectManagement #QuantitySurveying #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BTR #Coliving #LaterLiving #Hotels #KS4 #PeopleFirst #Resilience #ConsultancyLife

From Drummer to Director: Building Dream Homes | Dave Lawry (Fidus) - Growing Consultancies Ep14Welcome to Episode 14 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing the real stories of leaders building successful consultancies across the UK.In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Dave Lawry, founder of Fidus, a highly specialised consultancy focused on the high-end residential market, building and refurbishing dream homes for high-net-worth individuals.It’s a fascinating space, and Dave’s story is even more extraordinary. Originally from New Zealand, he started out as a drummer in a band, came to the UK, and through opportunity, hard work, and sheer determination built his way to running a small, high-impact consultancy with a big reputation.We talk about:The world of high-end residential constructionBuilding a specialist, high-performing teamHow unexpected journeys can lead to incredible successWhy staying grounded and authentic matters mostDave is a genuinely inspiring and down-to-earth guy, and this conversation is full of lessons about passion, opportunity, and creating your own path in business.Dave's LinkedInFidus websiteWatch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #HighEndResidential #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #ConsultancyLife #Fidus #LuxuryHomes #ProjectManagement #Inspiration

Forget Fast Promotions - Grow at Your Own Pace | Frank Liguoro - Growing Consultancies Ep13Welcome to Episode 13 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing honest stories from the leaders shaping construction consultancies across the UK.Today, Paul Micallef is joined by Frank Liguoro of Strata, a PM and cost consultancy primarily focused in the residential, life sciences, and healthcare sectors.This episode is a refreshing and grounded conversation about career growth, leadership, and perspective. Frank is wonderfully down-to-earth, and what stands out most is his belief that you don’t have to do everything overnight. We talk about:Why it’s okay to take your time building your career and move when you’re ready The myth of “fast, fast, fast, promote, promote, promote” that dominates today’s marketThe importance of creating a consultancy that’s genuinely a great place to work Building success step by step, not through burnoutIt’s an open, honest, and deeply relatable chat that reminds us that slow growth, done right, lasts longer. Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.Frank's LinkedInStrata's website#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #ProjectManagement #QuantitySurveying #CareerGrowth #Strata #ResidentialConstruction #LifeSciences #HealthcareConstruction #ConsultancyLife #HonestLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Welcome to Episode 12 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from leaders shaping the consultancy world across the UK and beyond.Today, Paul Micallef is joined by Kara Thompson of Faction. Faction are a relatively new player in the UK market, an Australian-founded consultancy where Kara has been leading the charge to establish their UK operation.Kara’s story is fascinating: she grew up in the UK, built most of her career here, and is now balancing two huge challenges, growing a business and becoming a mum. When we filmed this episode, Kara was seven months pregnant, offering an honest insight into the realities of leadership, growth, and motherhood.We discuss:What it’s like building a consultancy while preparing for motherhoodThe stereotypes and pressures around women returning to work post-pregnancyThe imbalance between maternity and paternity in our industry and how we can fix itKara’s inspiring story of resilience, leadership, and redefining expectationsThis episode isn’t just about running a business, it’s a powerful and important conversation about people, perception, and progress in our industry.Kara's LinkedInFaction's website🎧 Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WomenInConstruction #MaternityLeave #PaternityLeave #WorkLifeBalance #DiversityInConstruction #Faction #ConsultancyLife

From Gary Neville to Community Legacy: Zerum’s Journey | Andrew Duffy - Growing Consultancies Episode 11Welcome to Episode 11 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing the real stories of leaders building consultancies with purpose and people at the heart.Today I’m joined by Andrew Duffy, of Zerum, a small but impactful PM and Cost Management consultancy based in Manchester, with a second office in Leeds.Zerum have carved out a clear niche specialising in hotels, student accommodation, and Build-to-Rent (BTR) - essentially, anything to do with “beds”!Andy is a grounded and values-driven leader.His philosophy is simple:Do the right thingLook after people and recognise them as humansGive fair rewards and decent bonusesBuild a business that leaves a legacy for the communityWe talk about his work with major clients like Gary Neville’s Relentless Group, the importance of community-focused development, and why keeping things simple is often the best path to long-term success.This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about people, purpose, and legacy in consultancy.Andrew Duffy's LinkedInZerum's Website Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ProjectManagement #CostManagement #QuantitySurveying #ManchesterBusiness #LeedsBusiness #Hotels #StudentAccommodation #BTR #Community #Leadership #PeopleFirst #Legacy

Doing Things Differently: The Blue Iris Partnership Story | Beth Revell - Growing Consultancies Welcome to Episode 10 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from leaders building consultancies that dare to do things differently.In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Beth Revell, co-founder of The Blue Iris Partnership, a consultancy that breaks the mould in all the best ways.Beth and her business (and life) partner, Stephen, have built a consultancy that’s anything but traditional. They approach their work with creativity, authenticity, and a fresh perspective that challenges the “stuffy” norms of the industry.This episode is all about:How to stand out by doing things differentlyBuilding a consultancy around your personality and valuesWorking with your partner and building something that reflects who you truly areBeth is an inspiring and down-to-earth character full of energy, warmth, and brilliant insight. You’ll come away from this one feeling motivated to carve your own path and create a consultancy that’s truly you.Beth's LinkedInBlue Iris Partnership🎧 Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ConsultancyLife #TheBlueIrisPartnership #BusinessGrowth #Authenticity #Partnership #WorkWithPurpose #DoItDifferently

Why Being Niche Works: Motion Project Management’s Success | Tristan EvansWelcome to Episode of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from leaders building consultancies across the UK.In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Tristan Evans, founder of Motion Project Management, a small but highly specialised consultancy working in the arena, industrial, and DNO sectors - a fascinating and fast-evolving part of the construction industry.What’s remarkable about Motion is that, despite being just 4 and a half years old, they’ve already become the go-to consultancy in the arena space. Tristan’s story is one of passion, focus, and smart evolution.We discuss:How Motion became a trusted name in such a specialist marketWhy Tristan decided to add a turnkey contracting arm to the businessThe growing trend of consultancies moving into construction management What it’s like running a business alongside his wife and how that dynamic works in practiceIt’s a fascinating insight into how niche expertise, strong leadership, and passion can build a consultancy that truly stands out.🎧 Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.Tristan's LinkedInMotion Projects#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ProjectManagement #MotionProjectManagement #ArenaProjects #IndustrialProjects #DNO #ConstructionManagement #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #ConsultancyLife

From Junior to Senior: Developing Leaders in Consultancy | Matthew Easton Growing Consultancies Ep7Welcome to Episode 7 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories, lessons, and insights from leaders shaping consultancies across the UK.Today I’m joined by Matthew Easton, owner of a specialist leadership consultancy, MJ Easton Coaching and Consulting LLP. Unlike my other guests, Matthew doesn’t run a QS or PM consultancy - instead, he helps consultancies build and develop their senior leaders and emerging junior leaders.In this conversation, we dive into:The role of HR in consultanciesWhen and how to introduce an L&D (Learning & Development) functionWhy business owners need to align around the same plan for HR & L&D to succeedPractical advice for consultancies looking to strengthen leadership at all levelsThis episode is particularly useful for consultancies considering how to introduce an L&D function or bring in additional HR support to build for long-term growth.Links;Matthew's LinkedInMJ Easton Coaching and Consulting website#GrowingConsultancies #LeadershipDevelopment #HR #LearningAndDevelopment #ConsultancyLife #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipConsultancy #Entrepreneurship #ConstructionConsultancy #PeopleFirst

The Power of Partnership in Consultancy | Patrick Hickey (Make NW) – Growing Consultancies Episode 7Welcome to Episode 7 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from the leaders building consultancies across the UK.In this episode, Paul Micallef sits down with Pat Hickey of Make (NW), a small but ambitious consultancy based in the North West.Pat joined Make NW just a year ago, when his fellow business partner Matt invited him to take an equity stake in the business straight away, a bold move that united them as a partnership from day one.We dive into: The challenges of running a small business on your own versus having a business partner.  The bravery it takes to share responsibility and make big decisions together.  Why strong foundations can fuel rapid growth for small consultanciesThis is a fascinating conversation about partnership, risk, and the power of building something together rather than alone. Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.Patrick's LinkedinMake NW'S website#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Leadership #Partnership #NorthWestBusiness #ConsultancyLife #Make