50 Episodes of Growing Consultancies: The Biggest Lessons in UK Construction - Ep 56

To celebrate 50 episodes of Growing Consultancies, we’re looking back at some of the standout moments, biggest ideas and most memorable advice shared by our guests so far.From AI and the future of Quantity Surveying, to leadership, business growth, recruitment, data centres, career progression, skills shortages and the changing face of UK construction, this special episode brings together some of the conversations that have shaped the series. It’s a snapshot of where the industry is now, where it could be heading next, and the lessons construction leaders are learning along the way.A huge thank you to every guest who has joined us for the first 50 episodes. Here’s to the next 50.

How far can a career in Quantity Surveying take you?In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Lionel Dore of Portcullis LLC to talk about a career that has taken him from London to Dubai, Saudi Arabia and ultimately Orlando, Florida.Lionel shares his experience of becoming a Partner at Davis Langdon, working on major international construction and infrastructure projects, and building a life and career in the US.They discuss the opportunities available for Quantity Surveyors overseas, what it’s really like working in the US construction market, the earning potential in America and Saudi Arabia, and the practical realities of relocating from the UK.A fascinating conversation for anyone working in Quantity Surveying, construction consultancy or project management who has ever considered taking their career overseas.Connect with Lionel here

What makes someone truly stand out in construction consultancy?In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Matthew Mackey of Contollo Group to talk about his 16 years in Australia, his return to the UK construction industry and the lessons he’s learned along the way.From building Arcadis’ cost management offering and developing high-performing teams, to winning work, nurturing client relationships and creating a strong personal brand, Matt shares what he believes really drives career progression in the built environment.They also explore the differences between the UK and Australian consultancy markets, the changing role of the Quantity Surveyor, why retaining great people matters, and why sometimes you have to put yourself out there and risk a little criticism to get noticed.A great listen for Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and anyone looking to build a successful career or business in construction consultancy.

What does it take to build a construction consultancy that grows without losing sight of what matters?In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Jamie Hillier of Akerlof to explore the realities of building a specialist consultancy, navigating a changing construction industry and preparing for what comes next.Jamie shares the story behind Akerlof, from launching just before the pandemic to developing a consultancy focused on social value and ESG, industrialised construction, and commercial management.They discuss sustainable business growth, the importance of protecting culture as a consultancy scales, collaboration across the industry and why Akerlof keeps six months' cash in the bank before taking on a new employee.The conversation also looks ahead to the future of construction, from the industry's productivity and skills challenges to AI and the opportunities presented by the current technology revolution. As knowledge becomes increasingly accessible, Jamie asks an important question for every consultancy: where does your real value lie?A fascinating conversation for anyone running, growing or working within a construction consultancy.Connect with Jamie hereAkerlofWatch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/RtwB-_0JhAQ

What does it really take to leave the security of a senior corporate role and build your own construction consultancy from scratch?This week on Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Yaeger Irwin, Founder of Bloom Project Management, for an open and refreshingly honest conversation about the realities of starting and growing a construction consultancy.Yaeger shares how she took the leap with just £5,000 saved, built Bloom from the ground up, and navigated the challenges of winning clients, building a team, managing cash flow and learning to think like a business owner. She also discusses why your network matters, the power of LinkedIn, choosing the right clients and why growth takes far more time than most new consultancy owners expect.They also explore the bigger question: is success really about salary and turnover, or about building a business and life you actually enjoy?If you're running a construction consultancy, thinking about starting one, or simply want an honest look behind the scenes of entrepreneurship in the built environment, this episode is packed with lessons worth hearing.Yaeger IrwinBloom Project ManagementWatch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/j4ipGKOVwwM

What does it really take to build a successful construction consultancy from the ground up?In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Freddie Edwards, Founder of Dragonfly Projects, to talk about his journey from project manager and sole trader to building a growing construction consultancy focused on commercial office and residential projects.Freddie shares the lessons he’s learned from growing a team, hiring senior talent, winning clients and competing with larger consultancies. He also gives his view on what makes a great project manager, the importance of client trust and difficult conversations, and why strong people skills still matter so much in construction.They also discuss some of the biggest challenges facing the industry, including the skills shortage, apprenticeships, productivity, AI and technology, and what the future could look like for project managers, quantity surveyors and construction consultants.A great listen for anyone working in construction, project management, quantity surveying or consultancy leadership.Connect with Freddie ⁠here⁠⁠Dragonfly Projects⁠Watch on YouTube -⁠ https://youtu.be/4j-E2LcNnCs⁠

Why are talented women still leaving construction before reaching senior leadership?In our 50th episode of the Growing Consultancies podcast, Paul Micallef is joined by Vanessa Murray and Ceri Moyers from The Circle Partnership, an award-winning consultancy dedicated to developing and retaining mid-level women across construction, property and the wider built environment.They discuss why the leadership pipeline is still leaking female talent, the impact of poor line management, unclear career progression, workplace culture, flexible working and the pressures facing women at mid-career.The conversation also explores confidence, loyalty, role models, quotas, tokenism and why businesses must move beyond polished diversity statements and start creating meaningful cultural change.A frank and thought-provoking discussion about women in construction, leadership development, employee retention, diversity and the future of the built environment.This episode also marks a very special milestone our 50th episode of Growing Consultancies! Thank you to every guest, listener and supporter who has joined us on the journey so far.Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/6L9NC7M3fKw

How do you grow a specialist consultancy from four people to 170 without losing the culture, quality and relationships that made it successful?In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Chris Coward, COO of BCS Consultancy, to explore the rapid growth of one of the data centre sector’s most exciting businesses.Chris shares how BCS expanded across the UK and Europe, why a people-first culture has been central to its success, and how the business is tackling the shortage of Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and technical construction professionals.They also discuss apprenticeships, converting former professional athletes into construction careers, the growing influence of AI, and why data centres could become one of the biggest opportunities in the construction industry.A valuable conversation for Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, construction consultants and business leaders interested in growth, culture, talent and the future of digital infrastructure. Watch the episode on YouTube here

Is becoming more specialised the secret to growing a successful construction consultancy?Paul Micallef is joined by David Shaw of Edinburgh-based Torridon Cost Consultancy to discuss building a refurbishment-first Quantity Surveying practice, finding the right niche and navigating the realities of running a growing consultancy.David shares how he moved from Davis Langdon and AECOM to launching his own business just months before the pandemic and explains why commercial refurbishment, retrofit and reusing existing buildings could play a major role in the future of UK construction.They also explore the value of MRICS, building a strong professional network, using LinkedIn to win work and why likes and followers do not always equal business success.Plus, with AI already changing Quantity Surveying and Project Management, they ask an important question: how do we embrace technology without losing the technical skills needed to train the next generation?A must-listen for Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Cost Consultants and anyone building or leading a construction consultancy.Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/vCKCnkbx41cConnect with David Shaw here Torridon

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Michelle Hannah and Danny Garwood, Owner Directors at CAST Consultancy, to discuss how the project management and cost consultancy has grown from around 13 people to a team of approximately 90.They explore CAST’s journey through the residential market, the future of Modern Methods of Construction, the Building Safety Act, project viability and the growing pressure on Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers to deliver better outcomes.Michelle and Danny also share their thoughts on AI in construction, why good data matters, how consultancy roles are changing and what the industry could look like over the next decade.A thoughtful conversation about growth, technology, leadership and why UK construction cannot keep doing things in quite the same old way. Michelle HannahDanny GarwoodCAST Consultancy