Is a move to Saudi worth it?

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

Building a Business with Purpose & a Plan | Yusoff Ghaznavi of TTPCC (To The Point)Welcome to Episode 6 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing the real stories of leaders shaping consultancies across the UK.In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Yusoff Ghaznavi, founder of To The Point and one of the early Directors of MAC Consulting.This is a truly fascinating and open conversation about planning for the future and how Yusoff and the two founding Directors at MAC Consulting successfully built a business with an exit strategy in mind as early as 2017.We talk about: How they created a business capable of being sold to the existing leadership team. The challenges they faced, including losing over 60% of their workload overnight. The importance of planning, alignment, and strategy among business owners. What Yusoff learned about leadership, resilience, and the power of having a clear goalIf you’re in the early stages of building your consultancy, this episode is essential listening. It’s a powerful lesson in strategy, alignment, and long-term thinking.Yusoff's LinkedinTTPCC's websiteWatch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #ExitPlanning #ConsultancyGrowth #Resilience #ConsultancyLife #ToThePoint #MACConsulting

Personal Brand & Niche Focus - Midollo | Chris Marrow - Growing Consultancies Episode 5Welcome to Episode 5 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from the leaders building successful consultancies across the UK.In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Chris Marrow, founder of Midollo, a small but ambitious PM and QS consultancy based in the North West.Midollo has carved out success by focusing on two key sectors - the PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) market and the Healthcare sector.What you’ll take away from this conversation:How Chris and Midollo as a business  have built a brilliant personal brand, and why brand value is so important in today’s market. Why being a true specialist in PBSA and Healthcare has helped Midollo achieve success, and how niche focus can give consultancies a real edge.This is an inspiring and practical discussion about the power of personal branding and the strength of being niche in a competitive industry. Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.Chris's Linkedin ProfileMidollo's websiteYoutube link#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ProjectManagement #QuantitySurveying #PBSA #HealthcareConstruction #ConsultancyLife #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #PersonalBranding #NicheBusiness

Welcome to Episode 4 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing the real stories of leaders shaping construction consultancies across the UK.In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Jordan Relfe, co-founder of LifeProven, an innovative consultancy based in Canary Wharf with a team of 18.Six years ago, Jordan and his co-owner Adam were ahead of the curve combining ESG consultancy with traditional project and cost management. Fast forward to today, and LifeProven has hit the sweet spot with the market’s drive around retrofit, net zero, and ESG.We explore: How LifeProven blends ESG with consultancy delivery Why smart use of technology and efficiencies can help a small business punch above its weight Where Jordan sees the industry heading Insights from working with blue-chip organisationsIt’s a fascinating conversation about the future of consultancy, innovation, and building a business that challenges the traditional model. Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.Jordan's LinkedinLife Proven's website#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ESG #NetZero #Retrofit #ProjectManagement #CostManagement #Leadership #Innovation #LifeProven #CanaryWharfBusiness

Professional poker player to business owner | Sean Eden - Growing Consultancies - Episode 3Welcome to Episode 3 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from the leaders of building consultancies across the UK.In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Sean Eden, founder of SE3, a QS consultancy based in the North West.Sean’s journey is remarkable: just three years into business, with a team of only two, SE3 has already generated over £600k in fees in a single year, an incredible achievement in the QS world.In our conversation we cover:His next big hire and plans for growthThe story of almost leaving the industry to become a professional poker playerThe lessons he’s carried from great managers and mentorsHow these experiences are shaping SE3 to grow year on yearThis is an honest, inspiring story of ambition, resilience, and learning from those around you.Sean's Linkedin ProfileSE3 Projects websiteWatch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #QuantitySurveying #QSConsultancy #NorthWestBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #ConsultancyLife #SE3