Growing Consultancies: People, Purpose and Progress - Reflecting on 25 Episodes

Twenty five episodesCountless storiesOne simple idea. That growing a consultancy is about people first.In this special episode of Growing Consultancies, we take a moment to look back on the first 25 conversations. From brave beginnings and bold decisions to hard lessons, people problems, and the steady work of building something that lasts.These episodes were never about perfection or polished soundbites. They were about honesty. The moments where things nearly did not work, the risks that paid off, and the values that kept businesses moving forward when the road got bumpy.If you are building, scaling, starting over, or simply curious about what really goes on behind the scenes of a consultancy, this episode is for you.Thank you to every guest who shared their story, and to everyone watching who is quietly building something of their own.📌 Subscribe for weekly conversations with consultancy founders and leaders🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts💬 Comment with your favourite moment from the first 25 episodes#growingconsultancies #businesspodcast #consultancylife #leadership #construction #projectmanager #quantitysurveyor

This week we have a special edition video with Paul, sharing his honest predictions for 2026 across the construction and infrastructure sector.After what has been a challenging 2025 for many businesses, with redundancies across consultancies and the loss of contractors, Paul gives a grounded view on what is likely to repeat, what will recover, and where the real opportunities lie in 2026.This video is based on real conversations with clients across the UK focused on the consultancy market.In this video, Paul talks about:Why parts of the consultancy market still need to right sizeWhy some businesses struggled post-Covid while others continue to grow Which construction sectors are likely to be busy in 2026, including data centresThe expected return of high-rise residential and Gateway approvalsCommercial, retail and leisure market activityEnergy, utilities and grid investmentDefence spending and geopolitical pressureWhy rail may continue to struggleThe worsening skills shortage across constructionAn ageing workforce and the continued brain drain of UK Quantity SurveyorsWhy early recruitment activity in 2026 is already a positive signIf you work in a construction consultancy, or you are a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, Director or business owner, this video will give you a clear and realistic view of what the year ahead may look like.This is not hype. It is a practical outlook on where the industry is heading and what that means for people and businesses within it.👍 If you find this useful, please like the video, subscribe to the channel and share it with someone in the industry planning for 2026.#constructionindustry #quantitysurveying #projectmanagement #constructionconsultancy #2026predictions #ukconstruction #infrastructure #skillsshortage #datacentres #energyinfrastructure #constructioncareers #consultancylife

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, I’m joined by David Green of Churchill Cost Consultants.Churchill is a consultancy originally formed in the US, and in 2022 David was approached by the founders to set up and grow their UK and European operations from scratch. Just a few years later, the business has already grown to 36 people, with ambitious plans for continued growth across the UK and Europe.This is a fascinating story of backing yourself and taking a calculated risk. David made the decision to leave one of the highest-performing teams in the consultancy world to join a smaller start-up and move into the data centre sector for the first time. Today, both his role and his team are entirely focused on data centres, an area of construction that continues to attract huge interest and investment.We discuss:- Setting up a consultancy from scratch in the UK- Scaling a business quickly while maintaining quality- Making the move from a large consultancy to a start-up- Breaking into the data centre market- Leadership, growth, and building specialist teamsThere’s often a lot of mystique around the data centre market, and if you’re a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, Cost Manager, or anyone working in construction, this episode will give you real insight into how that world works and what opportunities exist within it.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you’re enjoying the Growing Consultancies series.#GrowingConsultancies #QuantitySurveying #ProjectManagement #CostConsultancy #ConstructionIndustry #DataCentres #DataCentreConstruction #ConsultancyLife #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #ConstructionCareers

Today I’m joined by James Hallworth of Workman LLP. James is a Partner at Workman and also leads their Building Technology offering. He is also the driving force behind IBOS, a specialist building technology division focused on helping property and asset owners better manage their buildings.This turned into a genuinely fascinating and educational conversation around what many people call PropTech (a phrase James himself isn’t particularly fond of). At its heart, this episode is about how technology can transform the way buildings are operated, managed, and optimised.We discuss:What “PropTech” really means in practiceHow building technology is changing asset and property managementImproving building efficiency and reducing energy intensityHow data and smart systems can revolutionise the way buildings performWhat the future looks like for building management and ownersI’ll be honest, this is an area I didn’t know enough about going into the conversation, and I learned a huge amount from James. If you work in construction, property, asset management, project management or quantity surveying, this episode will open your eyes to where the industry is heading.Listen now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #PropertyTechnology #PropTech #BuildingTechnology #AssetManagement #PropertyManagement #Sustainability #EnergyEfficiency #ProjectManagement #QuantitySurveying #BuiltEnvironment #WorkmanLLP

Welcome to another episode of Growing Consultancies, the podcast exploring how modern construction consultancies are growing while staying true to the fundamentals of the industry.Today I’m joined by Matt Viall of Core Five. Core Five are one of a small number of cost consultancies who, in my view, are getting things right in the current market. They’re growing, evolving, and embracing new ways of working, while still respecting the core principles of the Quantity Surveying profession.This is a really thoughtful and balanced conversation about the future of cost consultancy and the importance of not losing sight of the traditional QS skill set.We discuss:Why the fundamentals of Quantity Surveying still matter more than everThe risk of becoming over-reliant on models and digital outputs without understanding the basicsThe importance of strong Learning & Development in construction consultancyHow to ensure people coming into the industry truly understand constructionThe growth of Core 5 and where the business is heading nextMatt is one of the industry’s good people, and this is an honest, insightful chat that will resonate with Quantity Surveyors, Cost Managers, Project Managers and anyone working in construction who cares about doing things properly.🎧 Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #QuantitySurveying #CostManagement #ProjectManagement #QSConsultancy #LearningAndDevelopment #ConstructionCareers #FutureOfConstruction #Core5 #ConsultancyLife #BusinessGrowth

Welcome to another episode of Growing Consultancies, the podcast exploring how forward-thinking construction consultancies are being built for the future.Today I am joined by Niall Aitken of Exigere. This is the second time Niall has appeared on the podcast overall, but his first time on Growing Consultancies.Exigere are, in my view, the model of a modern QS and cost consultancy. This episode is essential listening for anyone currently working in a traditional cost consultancy or QS practice who wants to understand where the industry is heading.Niall shares how Exigere have positioned themselves as a high-performing, future-facing consultancy, making deliberate investment in digital, data, and modern ways of working to stay ahead of the curve.We discuss:What separates a modern QS consultancy from a traditional cost consultancyWhy investment in digital and data is no longer optionalHow forward-thinking consultancies are better positioned for the futureThe risks of standing still in an evolving construction industryWhat Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers should be thinking about for their careersIf you are a Quantity Surveyor, Cost Manager, Project Manager or anyone working in construction, this episode will be a real eye-opener and will challenge how you think about the future of consultancy.Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #QuantitySurveying #CostManagement #ProjectManagement #QSConsultancy #DigitalConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #FutureOfConstruction #Exedia #ConsultancyLife #ConstructionCareers

Inside the Growth of a Fast-Scaling Engineering Consultancy | Dan Bradley - Ep 18Welcome to another episode of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from leaders building and shaping construction consultancies across the UK and Ireland.Today I am joined by Dan Bradley of Kennedy Redford, an engineering consultancy based in Manchester that has recently expanded into Dublin. Kennedy Redford work across multiple sectors and have experienced exceptional growth over the past few years.Dan joined the business in 2021, and since then the team has grown to almost 30 people, which is phenomenal progress for an independent consultancy. In this episode, Dan talks openly about how they are empowering future leaders and why succession planning is absolutely critical for long-term success in the construction consultancy world.If you follow my podcast, you will know this is something I feel strongly about. Too many consultancies are not developing the next generation of leaders early enough. Dan and the team at Kennedy Redford have this nailed.We also dive into Dan’s personal journey towards taking on the Managing Director role, how he developed into a leadership position, and what it takes to guide a fast-growing consultancy.We discuss:How Kennedy Redford grew to almost 30 peopleWhy empowering future leaders is essential for long-term successPractical succession planning and how to implement it properly Developing people early and giving them real responsibilityDan’s journey to becoming MD and what leadership looks like in a growing consultancyThis episode is extremely valuable for Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Engineers and anyone in construction who wants to understand how to scale a consultancy while building strong leadership foundations.Listen now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #EngineeringConsultancy #QuantitySurveying #ProjectManagement #Leadership #SuccessionPlanning #FutureLeaders #ManchesterBusiness #DublinBusiness #KennedyRedford #ConstructionCareers #ConsultancyLife #BusinessGrowth

Scaling a Construction Consultancy the Right Way | Jason McKnight of Recom Welcome to another episode of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from the leaders shaping the UK construction consultancy sector.Today I am joined by Jason McKnight of Recom, a truly fascinating business originally founded in 2015 by Jason and Joe as a Project Management consultancy. Since then, they have expanded into three additional divisions: Construction Management, Aftercare and Facilities Management, and Passive Fire Protection.Recom is a brilliant example of a consultancy that has evolved into a multi-service business without losing focus, quality or control. Jason is a true entrepreneur, and what really stands out in this episode are the systems, processes and structures he and Joe have put in place to manage a complex organisation effectively.We discuss:How Recom scaled from a PM consultancy into four specialised divisionThe importance of systems, processes and structure in a growing businessHow they have built an exceptional senior leadership teamThe value of having an advisory board and strong governanceWhat it takes to manage a complex, multi-discipline construction consultancyIf you are a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, Construction Manager or anyone in the construction industry who wants to understand how to grow and run a more complex consultancy, this episode is essential listening. Jason’s entrepreneurial approach and the operational discipline behind Recom offer a powerful blueprint for growth.Jason McKnight Recom Solutions website Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ProjectManagement #ConstructionManagement #QuantitySurveying #PassiveFireProtection #FacilitiesManagement #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Recom #ConstructionIndustry #ConsultancyLife

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