Paul Heming

"Construction planning momentum faltered in November" - the headline of an article for Construction Drive, reporting on the month's spending analysis. This is talking about the overall construction market, yet when you look at it YOY the commercial construction market is up 57% compared to 2024. Where does most of this come from? 21% of that growth comes purely from Data Center construction builds. It is propping up the construction market. According to the Dodge Momentum Index, last month alone we saw 3x new data center builds enter planning stages across the US, in Arizona, Illinois, and Texas. Clearly there is a big focus - construction is flying in some areas, and slowing down in others. Yet so many of the customers I am speaking to right now, that are really struggling to find and retain the right talent, are looking for (pre)construction individuals for their projects, but are requiring them to have explicit Data Center construction experience. Don't get me wrong, these people do exist. But as with any market where demand outweighs supply, prices are starting to go up! I spoke with one VP at a major GC that talked about this challenge explicitly. They were being priced out the market for individuals that had that Data Center experience. So what are they deciding to do? They are talking with us about bringing in candidates that have years of experience in construction management. Whether they have been superintendents on a strip mall, a high rise, a major distribution warehouse. They have the construction skills to manage a project and likely have been doing it for years. However they have not yet been given their opportunity to work in the Data Center field. Though they know they will have to train them up on the specifics around this area, it is a real opportunity for them to tap into a talent pool that are not so hotly contested right now given the general construction slow down. It also allows them to be competitive on their rates! My question to my network - why are more companies not doing this? Are the time pressures of these data center constructions so critical that they need people ready to hit the ground running immediately? Or are they open to considering these transferable skills? I would love to hear what you think! #Staffing #Recruitment #DataCenters #Construction #ConstructionManagers #ConstructionSuperintendent #MissionCritical Spencer Ogden Josh Fobair Nick Johnson David M. Edward Zayas

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𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 “𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫” 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠. 🎤 The road map 📌 🛣️ I’m super excited to release the first episode of the new season of The Take Off Podcast; featuring Alan Bertram Director of Quantity Surveying at TTPP Construction Consultants, London. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 30 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳, 𝘈𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘥𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩-𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴. This episode is absolutely packed with value for any Quantity Surveyor; particularly those in the PQS space; looking for advice, inspiration, and education on how to navigate their career and take it to the next level. Alan is one of the true gentlemen of the industry, and it really shows in this conversation. He’s knowledgeable, well-connected, articulate, and consultative — the perfect example of what a modern PQS should be. If you’re in the industry and passionate about the QS profession, this one’s a must-listen. Available now on all platforms — just search The Take Off Podcast. 🎙️

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🚨 New Webinar Series: Rapid Build 🧱 5 weeks. 5 episodes. Focused on real issues, real solutions—and a smarter way to build. Launching Thursday 17th July at 12:30PM, we’re bringing together leading voices from construction and legal to tackle the most pressing commercial challenges head-on. Here’s what’s coming up: 1️⃣ Supply Chain Shake-Up Why chaos reigns—and how smart contractors are winning with transparency and better tools. 2️⃣ Beyond Margin A straight-talking conversation about risk, resilience and profitability beyond the bottom line. 3️⃣ Ink to C-Link We’re joined by none other than Sarah Fox, legal legend and contracts ninja, to unpack how you can use standard forms without tripping over them. 4️⃣ Battle of the QSs Two Quantity Surveyors. Two strategies. One question: Who’s setting the pace for modern commercial leadership? 5️⃣ The Building Safety Act Forget tick-box compliance—this one’s about leading with clarity and confidence through regulatory complexity. 💬 Every session is live and interactive, with practical takeaways and Q&A. Join us for one or stick with us for the series—you’ll get value either way. 🎟️ Ready to change the way you build? Join via the link below 👇 #Construction #Webinar #QuantitySurveying #CommercialLeadership #Procurement #ConstructionTech #BuildingSafety C-Link

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The biggest risk for any construction project? Losses from an out-of-control budget.🏗️👍 That’s why Risk Assessment by Quantity Surveyors is critical. ✅ Quality Checks ✅ Performance Checks ✅ Financial Checks ✅ Schedule Monitoring 🔎 Third-party BOQ & QS Audits by experts ensure accurate budgeting, better vendor selection, and a strong project plan — saving time, money, and resources. #ConstructionManagement #QuantitySurveying #RiskAssessment #ConstructionProjects #BOQ #CostControl #ConstructionQuality #ProjectManagement #VendorManagement #CQRA

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🧠 Contract Management Isn’t Just About Clauses — It’s About People. 🤝 In construction, we spend so much time focused on what's in the contract... 📜 The clauses. 📆 The time bars. 💷 The payments. But what about how we talk to clients? How do we read red flags? How do we balance being firm with being fair? In this episode of Own the Build, I sit down with Jamie Mills, MD at Signature Build, to explore the softer side of contract management — the one that doesn’t always make it into training manuals but defines project outcomes. 🔹 Why the “bank of goodwill” is a myth — and what to do instead 🔹 How to maintain strong relationships without getting walked over 🔹 Spotting early warning signs and protecting your team with empathy 🔹 What great communication really looks like in high-stress situations 🔹 Why your post-project reputation matters more than your final account 💡 Key takeaway: Emotional intelligence is the unsung superpower of contract management. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eNJWbAp9 #OwnTheBuild #Construction #Tendering #QuantitySurveying #Podcast

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During my MCIOB training today with Dawn Parias FCIOB, we have been reflecting on the pros and cons of different procurement methods in construction, particularly Traditional vs Design & Build. Each approach has its place: 🏗️ Traditional Procurement - Clear separation of design and construction - Greater client control over design details - Competitive tendering after design completion But… it can lead to longer programmes and potential cost uncertainty if design changes arise. 💡 Design & Build - Single point of responsibility - Faster delivery with overlapping design & construction - More cost certainty from the outset However, clients may feel they have less influence over the design once contracts are signed. Thankfully, at Thornwood Design & Build, we’re not limited to just one approach, unlike many other contractors. We frequently work on both traditional and design and build contracts, and have a strong track record of delivering high-quality projects under each method of procurement. It’s all about choosing what’s right for the client, the project, and the outcome 🤝 #Construction #Procurement #DesignAndBuild #TraditionalProcurement #MCIOB #DesignBuildDeliver

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Contractor QS vs Client-Side QS – What’s the Difference? This is a common question I get from Quantity Surveyors exploring their next move. Here’s a quick comparison: Contractor QS Focused on delivery, procurement, and subcontractor management Fast-paced, site-based, commercially driven Clear path to SQS, Commercial Manager and beyond Client-Side QS (Consultancy / PQS) Involved in cost planning, tenders, and project reporting Works across multiple projects, often office-based Progression into Senior QS, Employers Agent, or Project Management Both offer solid long-term careers, just with different demands and working styles. #QuantitySurveyor #ConstructionJobs #ContractorQS #ClientSideQS #PQS #CostConsultant #EmployersAgent #ConstructionRecruitment

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Winners confirmed on £37bn hospital framework The ten winning contractors have been confirmed for the £37bn Hospital 2.0 Alliance framework. The winners are: Bovis Dragados Integrated Health Projects (IHP) (Sir Robert McAlpine/VINCI) John Graham Kier Laing O’Rourke Morgan Sindall Sacyr Skanska Willmott Dixon The bid race opened 12 months ago and last summer a shortlist of 16 firms was announced. The firms missing out are BAM, Bouyges, FCC, McLaren, Multiplex and Sisk. Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer at the New Hospital Programme, commented: “This is a defining moment for the New Hospital Programme and for healthcare construction in England. “The Hospital 2.0 Alliance is about more than building hospitals – it is about transforming how we deliver them. By bringing together DHSC, NHS England, Trusts, and industry partners under a true alliance model, we are creating the conditions for faster delivery, better value, and consistent quality at scale. “The appointment of these construction partners is critical to our capacity and capability, and reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and long-term investment in skills and social value. Together, we are building a sustainable model that will support the NHS for decades to come.” Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/eu9H84YW

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📢 Major Development News in London Arada has just acquired an 80% stake in the Thameside West project - one of the most significant regeneration schemes in East London, with a projected value of £2.7bn. 📍 What the project includes: • Transformation of a 47-acre former industrial site • Over 5,000 new homes planned • About half the land dedicated to public green space • A full kilometre of activated waterfront • Masterplan designed by Foster + Partners • Construction expected to begin in 2027 🏗️ Why this matters: This marks another major move for Arada as they expand their UK development pipeline to 15,000 homes, with ambitions to reach 30,000 over the next few years. Thameside West is set to become a landmark mixed-use neighbourhood and one of London’s most exciting long-term projects. 💡 Industry takeaways: • Significant future opportunities for contractors, consultants, and specialist trades • Strong demand ahead for PMs, Supers, Estimators, and leadership talent with large-scale residential and mixed-use experience • Another signal that large capital is still confidently flowing into London regeneration #Construction #LondonDevelopment #RealEstate #MixedUse #Regeneration #ProjectManagement #ConstructionCareers

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Construction Management (CM) is gaining traction in the UK construction industry as a strategic approach to navigate the challenges posed by the current volatile landscape. The conventional reliance on Tier 1 contractors has often led to project disruptions, cost escalations, and client uncertainties. Here's why more developers and clients are embracing Construction Management: ✅ **Reduced Risk**: CM mitigates risks by engaging trade contractors directly, avoiding dependency on a single Tier 1 entity. This approach ensures project continuity even if a specific package encounters issues. ✅ **Greater Transparency**: Clients benefit from enhanced visibility into costs, timelines, and procurement decisions, fostering trust and informed decision-making. ✅ **Flexibility**: CM allows for mid-project adjustments without the need to renegotiate extensive contracts, enabling adaptability to evolving project requirements. ✅ **Faster Mobilisation**: Initiating early works before finalizing the entire design accelerates project progress, keeping the momentum going. ✅ **Stronger Collaboration**: CM emphasises teamwork and open communication among integrated project teams, leading to improved project outcomes. Amidst challenges like inflation, insolvencies, and labour shortages in the UK construction market, Construction Management stands out for its resilience, adaptability, and effective risk management strategies. The question arises: Is it time to reconsider the traditional approaches to delivering major projects in light of these evolving dynamics? #ConstructionManagement #UKConstruction #ProjectDelivery #ConstructionRisk #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionLeadership #RealEstateDevelopment #ProcomConstructionManagement

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Visa risk is one of the most overestimated risks in hiring. And it’s quietly costing projects money. In construction we don’t eliminate risk — we assess it, price it, and control it. Yet when it comes to candidates on visas, too many hiring decisions default to fear: “what if it’s complicated?”, “what if it delays mobilisation?”, “what if we get burned?” Here’s the part that doesn’t get said out loud: the perceived visa risk is often higher than the real risk — and the opportunity cost is massive. Because the candidates being filtered out are frequently the ones who: • have delivered Tier 1 / complex interfaces before, • can stabilise teams and lift capability fast, • reduce rework, improve quality, and tighten programme outcomes. A more rational approach looks exactly like a project risk workflow: • Define the risk clearly (start date, work rights, transfer pathway, sponsorship timeline if needed) • Confirm controls (documentation, conditions, mobilisation plan, contingency) • Assign an owner (HR + hiring manager + migration advisor) • Decide on facts, not “buyer anxiety” If we can run risk workshops for packages worth $50M+ without panic, we can surely hire one high-performing engineer/PM without treating visas like a black swan event. The industry doesn’t have a “visa problem”. It has a risk literacy problem — and it’s leaving value on the table. #construction #infrastructure #projectmanagement #leadership #hiring #riskmanagement #australia

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McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as principal contractor by Wellcome Trust to deliver a £52m office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. Work will transform a previously under-utilised site into a high-quality five-storey office building, totalling approximately 114,000 sq ft. Enabling works are underway, with McAleer & Rushe delivering the main contract through to completion in October 2027. Darragh Greenan, #Director at McAleer & Rushe, said: “We are proud to be chosen to deliver this exceptional new office development that combines outstanding design, sustainable practices, and community-oriented spaces. 80 Pelham Street, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, is a prime example of our expertise in delivering modern, efficient workplaces that enhance the local environment and support the wellbeing of occupants" https://lnkd.in/eUV79xb5

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