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What does it take to grow a 185-person consultancy while keeping your people genuinely engaged?In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul sits down with James Morgan of Heyne Tillett Steel (HTS), a structural engineering consultancy known for its strong growth and even stronger culture.From daily team lunches to company-wide trips, HTS has built a business that puts people first and sees the results in retention, performance and long-term success.James shares the story behind the growth of the business, the realities of scaling a consultancy in the construction industry, and why culture isn’t a “nice to have” but a critical part of building a successful firm.The conversation also explores structural engineering in the commercial sector, the growing focus on retrofit and reuse, and how technology and AI are beginning to shape the future of the built environment.If you work in construction, consultancy or engineering, there’s plenty here to take away.James MorganHeyne Tillott Steel

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul sits down with Mike Lally, founder of Cadence Projects, to discuss what it really takes to grow a construction consultancy.From launching during COVID to scaling a team across Birmingham, Manchester and London, Mike shares honest lessons on cash flow, decision-making, hiring and building a business that doesn’t rely on one person.A practical conversation for anyone in project management, quantity surveying or the wider construction industry.Mike LallyCadence Projects

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Dan Whittingham, founder of Opera, a specialist project management consultancy delivering major commercial projects across London.Dan shares his views on what makes a great project manager, how Opera has grown into a high-performing construction consultancy, and why leadership, culture and standards are so important when building a successful business.A valuable listen for those in construction consultancies, quantity surveying, project management, commercial real estate, and construction companies looking to grow, hire well and maintain quality.Dan Whittingham Opera

Welcome back to Growing ConsultanciesIn this episode, I sit down with Annie Buckley, Co-Founder of Fourth Wall Building Consultancy, a growing building surveying practice operating across the UK.What makes this conversation different is Annie’s journey.She did not come from a building surveying background. Instead, she started her career in PR and corporate affairs before stepping into the construction world to co-build a consultancy alongside her partner.And that is where it gets interesting.While the technical team focuses on delivery, Annie has built the engine behind the business through marketing, business development, systems, and strategy.In this episode, we cover:- How Fourth Wall was built from scratch during COVID- The role of non-technical leadership in construction consultancies- Why marketing and business development are often overlooked in the built environment- Building systems, processes, and using AI to gain an edge- The realities of starting a consultancy at a young age- Navigating the indus

In this special episode of Growing Consultancies, we’re joined by Melanie King of ADP Consulting.Mel’s career has taken an interesting path across recruitment, business ownership, and now into a unique business development role within a global engineering consultancy.She shares her journey from starting out in recruitment to running her own business for nearly eight years, before making a deliberate move into something new. From navigating COVID, to stepping into HR, and now helping drive growth at ADP, this is a conversation full of honest reflections and practical insight.We also explore the growing overlap between recruitment and business development, the power of personal branding, especially on LinkedIn, and why more consultancies should be thinking differently about how they win work and attract talent.This is a great episode for anyone building a consultancy, considering a career pivot, or looking to better understand how relationships and reputation drive long-term success in the built environment.In

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul sits down with Rianne Scott from Atlas Facilities.This one’s a little different.Recorded in Cannes at MIPIM, this episode focuses on something that many people in the industry think about, but don’t always feel confident tackling… how to actually make the most of events.Rianne brings over 20 years of experience across the built environment, from running her own asbestos consultancy to now helping grow Atlas Facilities. But what really stands out is her reputation in the industry, particularly around events like MIPIM and UKREiiF.If you’ve ever felt unsure about attending industry events, struggled to know where to start, or wondered whether they’re really worth it, this is a conversation worth listening to.We discuss:How to approach MIPIM and similar events with confidenceWhy networking events are a marathon, not a sprintThe importance of leaving space for organic conversationsBuilding visibility and relationships through LinkedInWhether you need a ticket or can

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul sits down with Matthew Jones, co-founder of Jones Hargreaves. Starting a business in 2009, right in the aftermath of the financial crash, wasn’t exactly perfect timing. But nearly 15 years on, Jones Hargreaves has grown into a 56-person, multi-disciplinary consultancy with seven offices across the UK.Matthew shares the journey from those uncertain early days, where cashflow was tight and the future unclear, through to building a stable, respected business grounded in good people, strong client relationships, and consistently doing the basics well.What stands out in this conversation is the approach. No hype, no aggressive growth targets, just a clear focus on delivering quality work, building trust, and evolving the business in line with what clients actually need.We also explore how the firm has expanded beyond traditional building surveying into M&E and energy, why that shift matters, and how it positions them for the future of the built environment.Along t

In this episode, I sit down with Ross Hamilton of Dome PM.Dome are a growing small business in the Northeast, led by Ross and his business partner Andy, specialising in project management and cost management. This is a really honest conversation about building a consultancy the right way, learning as you go, and staying grounded through the ups and downs of growth.We discuss:- The early growth of Dome PM and how the business has evolved since launching in 2022- Why 2025 was a more challenging year, and how that has helped sharpen their focus for 2026 and beyond- The importance of recruitment, timing, and getting the right people into a growing business- Building a five-year plan to 2030 and what sustainable success looks like for a small consultancy- How Ross and Andy are thinking about systems, technology, and the future shape of the businessRoss is thoughtful, honest, and refreshingly open about what it really takes to grow a small consultancy. If you are building a business of your own, or thinking about i

In this episode, I sit down with Peter Adeleye, Co-Founder of Vidos Solutions a consultancy building with real intention from the ground up.This one’s a proper “pause and think” conversation: tech, AI, the future of consultancies, and what happens when one brilliant person can do the work of five. Agree or disagree with Peter’s predictions, you’ll finish this episode with a few new questions rattling around your brain (in a good way).We discuss:Why now might actually be the best time to start a consultancy, not the worstThe “sleepwalking into disruption” problem in construction and consultancyWhy micro consultancies may outmanoeuvre big, traditional firms (speedboat vs oil tanker)How the classic “bums on seats” model could be heading for a reckoningPeter’s view on the future: AI-enabled QSs and planners (and what that might mean for jobs)The trust gap: why governance, standards and validation matter before AI scalesBuilding a consultancy with intention, not just headcount and turnoverSkill shortages, producti

In this episode of the Growing Consultancies podcast, I speak to Shaun Harris of Harris Associates. Shaun is a proper “been there, done it” business owner, there are plenty of pearls of wisdom in this conversation. We talk about doing things the traditional way for a long time, then recognising when it’s time to modernise. We also get into leadership, wearing multiple hats as a business owner, and why compliance and building safety is one of the biggest opportunities in the market right now.It’s also a refreshing one for the podcast, because we’ve not had many guests so far from the building surveying and compliance space, and Shaun brings a really grounded, practical perspective.We discuss:• What Harris Associates actually does and how the business is structured (multi-disciplinary, multi-office)• Why compliance is a huge growth area and where the real opportunity sits (especially with existing buildings)• Growing headcount from the low 30s towards 40 and the challenge of finding quality people• How PI insur

In this episode, I speak to Colin Wood, founder of EthosEQ, a growing Quantity Surveying business just over a year old, focused primarily within the commercial space.Colin shares his journey from corporate consultancy life to launching his own partner-led business, and what he’s learned in the first year.We discuss:• The difference between working in a large corporate organisation versus a small, agile consultancy• Why Colin decided to leave a secure senior role and start from scratch• The story behind the name EthosEQ and the importance of emotional intelligence in modern consultancy• Building a distinctive brand in a crowded London market• The evolution of the QS profession and where it’s heading• AI, automation, and whether tech will really replace the traditional QS• The importance of fundamentals, cost certainty, and avoiding “buying a problem” at tender stage• Growing intentionally versus chasing growth for growth’s sake• Referrals, pipeline building, and winning work in the early days of a startupIf yo

In this week’s episode of Growing Consultancies, I sit down with David Watts, Managing Director of Childerstone Project Management.David shares his view on how a modern consultancy should be built and led. Childerstone have grown quickly, and it is not by accident. It comes down to leadership, culture and doing the simple things properly.We discuss:Developing people properly and investing in future leadersWhy it is healthy to be comfortable with people moving onBuilding a senior leadership team you genuinely trustCreating a consultancy culture that attracts high-quality professionals Why hiring good people and looking after them still winsDelivering consistently for clients in a competitive construction marketWhat stands out in this conversation is David’s calm confidence. He understands that not everyone will stay with a business forever, and he is comfortable with that. Instead of trying to hold people back, he focuses on creating an environment where his talented team can thrive while they are there.Childe

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, I’m joined by Jamie Hanson of CODA Studios.CODA are a small architectural practice headquartered in Sheffield, with a growing presence in Manchester, and this turned into a really honest and insightful conversation.Jamie and the team completed a management buyout, buying out the original founder just as Covid hit, which meant taking over the business during a period of real turmoil. We also talk openly about how tough 2024 and 2025 have been, including the difficult reality of having to make redundancies and the impact that has on a small consultancy.In this episode, we discuss:Completing a management buyout during Covid- Taking over a business in uncertain and high-pressure conditionsNavigating difficult years and making tough decisionsThe reality of redundancies and their impact on a consultancyManaging cash flow and profitability in a small practiceRebuilding confidence and momentum after a downturnLaying the foundations for future growthJamie is a genuinely great

Twenty five episodesCountless storiesOne simple idea. That growing a consultancy is about people first.In this special episode of Growing Consultancies, we take a moment to look back on the first 25 conversations. From brave beginnings and bold decisions to hard lessons, people problems, and the steady work of building something that lasts.These episodes were never about perfection or polished soundbites. They were about honesty. The moments where things nearly did not work, the risks that paid off, and the values that kept businesses moving forward when the road got bumpy.If you are building, scaling, starting over, or simply curious about what really goes on behind the scenes of a consultancy, this episode is for you.Thank you to every guest who shared their story, and to everyone watching who is quietly building something of their own.

This week we have a special edition video with Paul, sharing his honest predictions for 2026 across the construction and infrastructure sector.After what has been a challenging 2025 for many businesses, with redundancies across consultancies and the loss of contractors, Paul gives a grounded view on what is likely to repeat, what will recover, and where the real opportunities lie in 2026.This video is based on real conversations with clients across the UK focused on the consultancy market.In this video, Paul talks about:Why parts of the consultancy market still need to right sizeWhy some businesses struggled post-Covid while others continue to grow Which construction sectors are likely to be busy in 2026, including data centresThe expected return of high-rise residential and Gateway approvalsCommercial, retail and leisure market activityEnergy, utilities and grid investmentDefence spending and geopolitical pressureWhy rail may continue to struggleThe worsening skills shortage across constructionAn ageing work

In this episode of Growing Consultancies, I’m joined by David Green of Churchill Cost Consultants.Churchill is a consultancy originally formed in the US, and in 2022 David was approached by the founders to set up and grow their UK and European operations from scratch. Just a few years later, the business has already grown to 36 people, with ambitious plans for continued growth across the UK and Europe.This is a fascinating story of backing yourself and taking a calculated risk. David made the decision to leave one of the highest-performing teams in the consultancy world to join a smaller start-up and move into the data centre sector for the first time. Today, both his role and his team are entirely focused on data centres, an area of construction that continues to attract huge interest and investment.We discuss:- Setting up a consultancy from scratch in the UK- Scaling a business quickly while maintaining quality- Making the move from a large consultancy to a start-up- Breaking into the data centre market- Le

Today I’m joined by James Hallworth of Workman LLP. James is a Partner at Workman and also leads their Building Technology offering. He is also the driving force behind IBOS, a specialist building technology division focused on helping property and asset owners better manage their buildings.This turned into a genuinely fascinating and educational conversation around what many people call PropTech (a phrase James himself isn’t particularly fond of). At its heart, this episode is about how technology can transform the way buildings are operated, managed, and optimised.We discuss:What “PropTech” really means in practiceHow building technology is changing asset and property managementImproving building efficiency and reducing energy intensityHow data and smart systems can revolutionise the way buildings performWhat the future looks like for building management and ownersI’ll be honest, this is an area I didn’t know enough about going into the conversation, and I learned a huge amount from James. If you work in co

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:Why the fundamentals of Quantity Surveying still matter more than everThe risk of becoming over-reliant on models and digital outputs without understanding the basicsThe importance of strong Learning & Development in construction consultancyHow to ensure people coming into the industry truly understand constructionThe growth of Core 5 and where the busine

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:What separates a modern QS consultancy from a traditional cost consultancyWhy investment in digital and data is no longer optionalHow forward-thinking consultancies are better positioned for the futureThe risks of standing still in an evolving construction ind

Inside the Growth of a Fast-Scaling Engineering Consultancy | Dan Bradley - Ep 18Welcome 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 te