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

Is the construction industry doing enough to prepare its next generation of leaders?In this episode, Paul Micallef speaks with Luke Turner, Managing Partner at Playle and Partners, about succession planning, consultancy ownership, AI, leadership and the future of construction.From completing a management buyout to embracing new technology, Luke shares practical lessons for consultancy leaders looking to build businesses that thrive for decades not just today.If you're a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, Construction Consultant or Consultancy Owner, this episode is full of valuable insights into leadership, business growth and the future of the construction industry.Luke TurnerPlayle and Partners

What does it take to lead one of the UK's fastest-growing specialist consultancies?In this episode of the Growing Consultancies podcast, Paul Micallef is joined by Victoria Head of Archus, to explore how the business has grown from a specialist healthcare consultancy into an international organisation operating across the UK and Canada.Victoria shares her journey from studying sociology and working at Marks & Spencer to leading major NHS programmes and ultimately becoming CEO of Archus. Along the way, she discusses leadership, business growth, international expansion, company culture, AI, attracting talent, and why the construction industry must become more agile to succeed.They also discuss:Growing Archus into an international consultancyExpanding into Canada and lessons from overseasLeading major NHS healthcare projectsScaling consultancies without losing cultureAI and the future of construction consultanciesWhy leadership is about people, not titlesBuilding resilient businesses during uncertain timesIf you're a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, Construction Consultant, Director or Consultancy Leader, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you build a stronger business and better career.Victoria HeadArchus

What happens when a Quantity Surveyor decides to build a consultancy around systems, automation and AI rather than traditional ways of working?In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef sits down with Tom Haley, Managing Director of Quantik, to discuss how his business has automated a significant proportion of its internal administration and why he believes AI will fundamentally change the future of construction consultancy. Tom shares his journey from major international contractor to consultancy founder, explains how Quantik was launched during the COVID lockdown, and discusses his vision to restore Quantity Surveying to what it does best: adding value, managing risk and building relationships, while technology handles much of the admin. The conversation explores AI, automation, data, skills shortages, the future role of Quantity Surveyors, and why consultancy leaders need to start thinking "systems first" if they want to remain competitive over the next decade. In this episode:✅ How Quantik was built during lockdown✅ Why Tom believes AI will transform construction consultancy✅ Automating up to 80% of business administration✅ The difference between AI and automation✅ Building a systems-first consultancy✅ How AI can improve Quantity Surveying✅ The future of junior QS roles✅ Data, productivity and efficiency in construction✅ Tackling the industry's skills shortage✅ What consultancy leaders should be doing now to prepare for the futureTom HaleyQuantikWhether you're a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, Construction Professional, Consultancy Founder or Business Leader, this episode offers practical insights into how technology is reshaping the construction industry.🎧 Follow Pegasus Radio for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of construction.#construction #quantitysurveying #ai #automation #constructiontechnology #constructionconsultancy #leadership #projectmanagement #digitalconstruction #businessgrowth #builtevironment #constructioncareers #pegasusradio #growingconsultancies #tomhaley #quantik

What does it take to go from leaving school at 16 to leading a team of more than 50 construction professionals across one of the UK's largest regions?In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Gemma Prior, Head of Cost Management at AtkinsRéalis, for an honest and inspiring conversation about leadership, career progression and the future of the construction industry.Gemma shares her journey from entering the industry at a young age to leading major cost management teams across London and the South East. She discusses the importance of saying yes to opportunities, building strong professional networks, mentoring future talent, and navigating a successful career in construction consultancy.The conversation also explores women in construction, the impact of AI on quantity surveying, skills shortages, attracting the next generation into the industry, and the leadership lessons Gemma has learned throughout her career.Whether you're a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, Cost Consultant, Graduate, Apprentice or Construction Leader, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.Topics covered:• Career progression in construction• Quantity surveying and cost management• Women in construction leadership• Mentoring and professional development• Leadership and team growth• AI and the future of the built environment• Skills shortages and talent attraction• Major projects including Battersea Power StationFollow Pegasus Radio for weekly conversations with the people shaping the future of construction.Gemma PriorAtkinsRéalis

Nick Wdowczyk, Director of GWB Consultants, joins Paul Micallef to discuss how the business grew to £1 million turnover within two years of launching.The conversation covers Quantity Surveying, Project Management, consultancy growth, leadership, recruitment, company culture, AI in construction, modern methods of construction and the future of the industry.Nick also shares lessons from starting a consultancy, winning work across multiple sectors, managing growth and creating a business where people enjoy coming to work.A valuable listen for Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, construction consultants and anyone interested in building a successful consultancy business.Connect with Nick Wdowczyk GWB Consultants

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Ben Elsey, founder of Macen, to discuss his journey from Chartered Quantity Surveyor to consultancy owner.Ben shares how he made the leap into self-employment in 2020, building Macen from a one-man operation into a growing consultancy supporting both clients and contractors across the construction industry. The conversation explores the benefits of working on both sides of the fence, the opportunities presented by construction management delivery models, and why developing the next generation of Quantity Surveyors is so important for the future of the profession.Paul and Ben also discuss leadership, company culture, technology, AI, recruitment, and the challenges facing construction consultancies in an increasingly complex market.Whether you're a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, construction professional, or consultancy leader, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest reflections on growing a business in the built environment.Topics covered:• Building a consultancy during COVID• Growing Mason from freelancer to employer• Construction management vs traditional contracting• Training and mentoring future Chartered Surveyors• AI and technology in construction consultancy• Leadership, culture and flexible working• The future of the construction industryBen ElseyMacen GroupSubscribe to Growing Consultancies for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of construction.

In this episode of the Growing Consultancies Podcast, Paul Micallef is joined by Josh Hanson and Liam Clarke, founders of Validity.The conversation dives into the world of 4D planning, digital construction and project delivery, exploring how better visualisation, programme sequencing and collaboration can dramatically improve outcomes across construction projects.Josh and Liam explain what 4D planning actually is, how it helps reduce delays and clashes on site, and why clearer communication between planners, project managers, commercial teams and subcontractors is critical for successful project delivery.The episode also explores their journey from working within Tier 1 construction environments to launching their own consultancy, the realities of entrepreneurship in the construction industry, and why authenticity and strong relationships still matter more than ever.A brilliant conversation for anyone involved in construction, project management, planning, BIM, quantity surveying or consultancy leadership.Connect with Josh Hanson and Liam Clarke from Validity

What does the future of Quantity Surveying and construction consultancy really look like?In this thought provoking episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef sits down with Sunny Ahonsi, founder of FiveThirds Construction Consultancy and Five Thirds Living, for one of the most fascinating conversations yet on the future of the construction industry, AI, consultancy growth and modern business leadership.Sunny shares his journey from trainee QS to building a rapidly growing consultancy serving Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors, alongside a £6m+ Build-to-Rent property portfolio all before the age of 33.But this episode goes far deeper than business growth.Paul and Sunny explore:• How AI could reshape Quantity Surveying and consultancy businesses• Why smaller, AI-enabled firms may outperform larger consultancies• The future of Commercial Management roles• LinkedIn, personal branding and winning clients in construction• The mindset shift from technician to business owner• Why traditional consultancy models may need to evolve• Recruitment, leadership and scaling a construction business• The future of careers in the built environmentSunny also gives a very honest view on whether he would still recommend Quantity Surveying as a career for young people entering the industry today.A brilliant episode for anyone working in:Construction ConsultancyQuantity SurveyingProject ManagementCommercial ManagementProperty DevelopmentRecruitmentThe Built EnvironmentWhether you find this episode exciting or slightly terrifying… it’s a conversation the construction industry needs to be having.Connect with Sunny hereFiveThirds Construction Consultants

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Nathan Spencer, Managing Director of UKREiiF, the UK’s largest real estate, investment and infrastructure event.What started as an ambitious idea during COVID has grown into one of the most influential events in the UK built environment, bringing together investors, developers, councils, government, consultants, contractors and the wider construction supply chain.Nathan shares the story behind UKREiiF’s incredible rise from around 4,000 attendees in 2022 to approximately 16,000 today, and explains how the event has become a major hub for investment, regeneration, networking and economic growth across the UK.This conversation goes far beyond the event itself. Nathan talks openly about scaling a business, building a strong personal brand, leadership, succession planning, AI, continuous improvement and what it takes to grow an organisation at pace.Topics covered include:• The origins and growth of UKREiiF• How the event disrupted the market• Leadership and scaling a fast-growing business• Why personal brand matters in construction• The future of UKREiiF and international expansion• AI, automation and continuous improvement• How to get the most value from UKREiiFWhether you work in construction, real estate, infrastructure, quantity surveying, project management, consultancy or development, this episode is packed with valuable insight and practical takeaways.Subscribe to Growing Consultancies for more conversations with the people shaping the future of the built environment.Follow Nathan SpencerUKREiiF