Own The Build
Own the Build is the podcast for Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Directors who want to sharpen their commercial edge and lead with confidence.
Hosted by Paul Heming, former Commercial leader and now co-founder of C-Link, each week’s conversation dives into the realities of modern commercial management — from procurement and contracts to digital transformation and leadership in construction.
Through honest discussions with industry leaders, forensic planners, and forward-thinking QSs, Paul explores how the best commercial teams deliver profit, performance, and project certainty in a changing industry.
If you’re serious about mastering the commercial side of construction — this is where you build your advantage.
Own The Build
Breaking the ‘Cycle of Doom’: How Subcontractors Can Take Back Control of Their Business (EP 219)
Register your interest for the Strategy Summit Event at the Churchill War Rooms on June 26th here - https://c-link.com/C-Link-Churchill-War-Rooms-Event
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Today, Paul’s guest is Cian Brennan, Founder of Quantum Contract Solutions and now the author of his new book, The Subcontractor's Edge. Cian’s first appearance on the show was a real listener favourite — and today, he’s back with an even bigger mission: helping subcontractors escape what he calls "The Cycle of Doom."
In today’s conversation, Cian explains:
- What the "Cycle of Doom" is and why it traps so many subcontractors.
- How to negotiate from a position of strength — and have the confidence to say "no" to bad deals.
- Practical steps subcontractors can take to stabilise cash flow, protect profit margins, and grow sustainably.
- Real-world success stories from subcontractors who changed their fortunes by applying simple strategies.
- Why building long-term client relationships is about more than price — and how to shift the conversation.
We wrap up the conversation with key takeaways from The Subcontractor's Edge and advice for subcontractors who want to take back control of their business and build for the long-term.
To join the Waiting List for The Subcontractor’s Edge click hee - https://www.thesubcontractorsedge.com/waitlist.
If you haven’t already done so, head to the show notes right now — I’ve written two books for you based on 200 episodes of conversation:
📚 Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying: Expert Strategies for Recruitment, Leadership, and Building a Career
📚 The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying: Practical Insights for the Future of QS
Access your free copies today here - Free eBook Downloads.
Want to connect with Paul?
Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link.
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.
