Question Time: Commercially Astute or Commercially Difficult? Let’s Discuss…

Question Time is back for 2026! 🎉

In this episode, Paul is joined once again by regular co-host Chris Barber for a lively and candid discussion driven entirely by listener questions. Together, they cover a broad range of topics—from fantasy fixes for the construction industry, to spotting the next generation of commercial leaders, and the fine line between being “commercially astute” and just plain difficult.

Expect strong opinions, industry war stories, and the usual dose of friendly disagreement.

🧠 Topics Discussed:

• If you had a government mandate, how would you fix construction?
• Are we being held back by planning delays and building safety bottlenecks?
• The role of project bank accounts and retention reform in creating a fairer supply chain.
• How to spot future leaders in your commercial team — and how to retain them.
• The hidden career value of being on-site early in your QS career.
• What makes a QS commercially difficult versus commercially sharp?
• Industry phrases we’d happily never hear again (yes, “progressing well” made the list…).

📣 Listener shoutouts include:

• James (Commercial Manager)
• Darren (Surveying Director)
• Alexandra (Commercial Lead)
• Alan (Senior QS)

💬 Got a question for the next Question Time? Email Paul directly at paul@c-link.com

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📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:

Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success

For our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.

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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.

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