Paul's quick-fire Q&A - Should you be a specialist or a generalist?

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

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