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:
Matt 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:
If 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 18
Welcome 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:
This 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:
If 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.
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:
Carolann 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.
#Growingconsultancies #Constructionconsultancy #Quantitysurveying #Projectmanagement #Costmanagement #Cowburnwatsonbox #Leadership #Constructioncareers #Womeninconstruction #Businessgrowth #Entrepreneurship #Consultancylife #Northwestconstruction
The Reality Behind the Success | Rob Sweetner (KS4) -Growing Consultancies - Ep15
Welcome 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:
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.#GrowingConsultancies
#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 Ep14
Welcome 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:
Dave 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.
Watch 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 Ep13
Welcome 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:
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#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:
This episode isn’t just about running a business, it’s a powerful and important conversation about people, perception, and progress in our industry.
🎧 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 11
Welcome 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:
We 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.
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:
Beth 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.
🎧 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 Evans
Welcome 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:
It’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.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ProjectManagement #MotionProjectManagement #ArenaProjects #IndustrialProjects #DNO #ConstructionManagement #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #ConsultancyLife
From Junior to Senior: Developing Leaders in Consultancy | Matthew Easton Growing Consultancies Ep7
Welcome 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:
This 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;
MJ 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 7
Welcome 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:
This 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.
#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:
If 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.
Watch 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 5
Welcome 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:
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.
#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:
It’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.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ESG #NetZero #Retrofit #ProjectManagement #CostManagement #Leadership #Innovation #LifeProven #CanaryWharfBusiness
Professional poker player to business owner | Sean Eden - Growing Consultancies - Episode 3
Welcome 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 growth
The story of almost leaving the industry to become a professional poker player
The lessons he’s carried from great managers and mentors
How these experiences are shaping SE3 to grow year on year
This is an honest, inspiring story of ambition, resilience, and learning from those around you.
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #QuantitySurveying #QSConsultancy #NorthWestBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #ConsultancyLife #SE3
In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Tes Adamou, founder of EEDN, a small PM consultancy based in London and soon to be expanding into Cyprus.
This is a truly open and genuine conversation about the realities of running your own business. While many assume it’s easy, Tes shares with honesty the pressures, challenges, and sheer hard work that comes with building and sustaining a consultancy.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business or want reassurance that you’re not alone in the journey, this episode is packed with truth, insight, and encouragement.
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
Links;
Welcome to the very first episode of our new podcast, Growing Consultancies!In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Rick Bellis, founder of Rihbell, a PM/QS and soon-to-be building surveying consultancy based in Manchester.
Rick brings an incredible energy and shares his journey just one year into business, already growing to a six-person team with huge ambitions for the future.We dive into:
Rick has this process really dialled in and his insights are invaluable for anyone looking to grow their own consultancy.
Tune in, take notes, and get inspired to take your business to the next level!
Links;
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #QuantitySurveying #ProjectManagement #BuildingSurveying #ManchesterBusiness