Pegasus Radio

It is undeniable that we have a worsening skills shortage in the industry; we have an aging demographic that will see a quarter of the industry retire in the next decade. What does this mean for the industry and for you?

In this episode, I discuss my thoughts on flexible working. For sure still, an emotive subject that remains a hotly debated issue! I give my views on how there are pros and cons to flexible working, how we are mixing up terminology and how it may affect your career.

In this episode, I discuss the main key points to consider when moving to the USA including the visa process.

In this episode, I discuss the topic of moving jobs in 2023 and if its safe to do so with the current economy.

In this episode, Matthew Easton joins me to discuss 'are you in danger of burnout?' Does the skills shortage mean everyone is working so much harder that they are in danger of work related exhaustion?

In this episode, I discuss the possibilities of a two tier salary band in 2023. and what you can do to avoid this.

Have you looked at your employer's client base? Are they well funded? Do they have a secure future workload? How strong a relationship does your employer have with your key clients? With a degree of uncertainty ahead, this episode discusses some key questions you need to be asking.

Today myself and Helen Chilvers discuss an important topic. Mental health in the construction industry. Some of the statistics are shocking and we are talking about some of the problems both the industry and employers/employees are facing. Whilst awareness is greater than it's ever been, there is still a lot to be done.

In this episode I look at question on everyones' mind; are we heading for a recession? I give you my thoughts on this and some practical advise of what you can do about it. You may also find this previous episode a useful listen; How to make yourself recession proof.

https://www.pegasussearch.com/htmyrp

Once again I am joined by Matthew Easton, in this episode, we discuss toxic workplaces, are you in one? What do we call a toxic workplace and what you should do if you are in one. 

OK, not the most enthralling of subjects, but something I feel is worth you thinking about.

Have a listen and hear my thoughts!

In this episode I talk about the Key questions you should be asking your employer or any respective employers in 2022.

In the latest meet the boss episode I was delighted to be joined by Ian Simmonds; Managing Director of Infraco Consulting; a niche utility consultancy currently working on some of the largest projects and programmes in the UK. In this wide-ranging discussion, we talk about;

This is a great listen; one I think you'll all enjoy.

Here is the next in the mini-series about key advice and questions dependent on the size of the business you are employed by; this one being businesses with a headcount of 2000+.

In this episode, I discuss a question that I often get asked about both whether and how easy it is to change profession.

Here is the next in the mini-series about key advice and questions dependent on the size of the business you are employed by; this one being businesses with a headcount of 200 - 1000.

In this episode, I give my advice on how to make yourself recession-proof.

Having been recruiting in my field for 23 years, I've lived through a few recessions/dips in the market; 2001, 2008/9, 2016 and most recently 2020. I've witnessed first hand those who were made redundant, those who kept their jobs, and also critically of those who were made redundant, which ones were snapped back up the quickest.

So whilst of course not foolproof, I give you my top tips on how to make yourself as recession proof as possible; both in terms of keeping your job, but if you do get made redundant, how to quickly bounce back.

Here is the next in the mini-series about key advice and questions dependent on the size of the business you are employed by; this one being businesses with a headcount of 100 - 200.

This is the first in a mini-series with specific advice and questions to consider for people in different sized consultancy businesses. The first is for those in small consultancies - sub 20 staff. 

As the end of the year is rapidly approaching; the festive break is a great time for reflection about your career. In this short episode, I give you five key questions you should be asking yourself about your current employer and dependent on the answers, whether you should consider moving jobs in the New Year.

Should this episode create any questions, please do reach out to me; paul@pegasussearch.com - happy to give advice.

I am delighted to be joined once again my Matthew Easton, Leadership coach. In this episode, we both give our views of how you can accelerate your career.

Having both spent many years speaking to and advising construction professionals about their careers, we are hopefully both very well placed to give advice on this subject!

In this episode, I am joined by Greg Brownlee of Blake Newport, a specialist commercial management and dispute resolution consultancy.

We have an extensive chat, covering;

For anyone interested in the dispute market, this is a must listen.

In this episode I hope to give some of you a wake up call! The leading consultancies in construction and hugely investing in technology to make their people more efficient and able to give more value to clients. Listen to this episode and decide which business you want to be in going forward.

Myth Busters is a new mini-series from Pegasus Radio and in it we highlight the myths about jobs and the industry.

In this episode, we discuss two common issues employers tell their staff they have challenges with and we dispel the myths around these; 

1. Difficulty Recruiting

2. Sticking to Salary Bands

In this episode, I talk with our own Helen Chilvers - North West consultant. As well as discussing the North West construction consultancy market, we also discuss; 

In this short career's advice episode, I address what skill sets a Manager should utilise to keep on top over the next ten years.

In this episode, I look at the difference between project management and programme management and what the considerations are from switching from project to programme management.

In this episode, I discuss the hotly talked about subject of the great resignation - many commentators think we will be a number of people quit their jobs in the coming months - I give my thoughts on this.

In this episode, I talk through some of the research I have been doing in what most consultancies; large and small, offer in terms of maternity and paternity; spoiler; it varies! Take a listen ahead of me releasing the full guide soon. 

In this episode, I am joined once again by Matthew Easton and in this episode, we talk about how to manage people well.

I see so many people joining poor employers, or certainly joining employers without understanding the reality of who they are joining. In this episode I run through a list of questions you should be asking a prospective employer to ensure you are not making a mistake.

I have spent over 20 years advising people about handing in their notice and dealing with clauses (mainly restrictive covenants) in their employment contract; so I thought I would give you my thoughts on the reality of most of them!

*****Disclaimer; I am not a legal or HR professional; if in doubt seek professional advice*****

In this episode I discuss where I think salaries are now and where they are heading in 2021 and beyond. 

In this episode, I discus the subject of flexible working and my thoughts on it's future.

In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by Gary Fisher of Mode Consult; a small but growing consultancy offering QS and PM services based out of Bristol. In this episode;

Gary would recommend reading Alex Ferguson's book on management

In this episode I look at what to do if you feel your employer has stopped growing; both in the terms of headcount but also capability.

In this short episode, I discuss an age old problem man people have where they enjoy working for their employer but have an issue with their direct line manager - I give advice on how to tackle this.

In this episode I discuss t he subject of hard work; a subject I am conflicted on to be honest! Take a listen to hear my views on this.

In this episode I discuss how the compound effect can influence your career; both positively and negatively; this is a really valuable short episode to listen to to help you in your career.

In this episode I am joined by Stephanie Marshall of Turner & Townsend. in this great discussion, we talk about;

This is a must listen episode for those who want to get a feel for where the industry is heading and for those who want to advance their career.

In this episode I discuss one of the best tools to decide whether you are advancing at the right pace; teh two year test!

 In this epsiode I am delighted to be joined again by Matthew Easton; leadership coach to the construction industry. In this chat, we discuss;

In this episode I discuss making a move internationally in 2021 and whether it is even possible given the current global Covid-19 restrictions.

In this episode I chat with David Shaw of Torridon -  a small but growing consultancy based in Edinburgh. David is also the Chairman of the RICS Matrics. In this episode we discuss;

In this episode i speak about Hours Worked and about the course and effect in a consultancy agency and how its been effected with covid-19, thoughts have been estimated within the industry are that there will be a 14% growth. 

I discuss the standards of hours being worked currently and the hours that are being worked in the industry such as estimated hours that some major company's are saying should be worked.

The industry is bouncing back with more work however some are not focusing on spacing out these hours as there is more opportunity's popping up. 

Are you being forced to work more hours? or can it be contained within your time constraints.  

In this episode, I discuss the pros and cons in taking a career break.

In this episode, I give my advice on how to most quickly advance your career to reach a Director/Partner role. 

In this episode I discuss how to handle the subject of being made redundant when in job interviews. There is unfortunately a stigma attached to this subject and I hope this short episode goes someway to easing the concerns of those who have been made redundant.

In another one of my short episodes, I look at the lessons I learnt from 2020 and how this will guide my business going forward.

In this short ten minute episode I tackle the two major concerns people have of moving right now and also about knowing when it is time to move jobs.

Hi, I'm back with my under 10 minute career episodes with more to follow!

In this episode; Are you being honest with yourself? Now I will be the first to say that you need to be in the right organisation to enable your progression, however I would also say, more importantly, you need to be driven to to progress your own career. So in this short episode, I give some frank advice that will hopefully spur some of you into action!

In this episode I was delighted to be joined by Sharon Slinger of Construction Rainbows; a Diversity and Inclusion Consultancy focused in the Construction industry. In this episode;

In this episode, I meet Sunny Johal of Detail; a relatively new Developer, but with big ambitions, based in Birmingham. In this episode;

This is a great listen; you see why it is clear Sunny and his business will be the future of the industry; a must listen!

In today’s episode, I am joined by Stephen Gibson.

Steve is a Director of Turner & Townsend, but in this episode, we are talking about where Steve’s career as a Quantity Surveyor has taken him around the world working in eight different countries! This will hopefully show you there is no limits if working internationally appeals to you. In this episode;

Don’t confuse what you see on holiday – working in a country is very different.

The fundamentals of the job of a quantity surveyor doesn’t change from one country to another.

Experiencing the rapid growth in Dubai and lessons learnt.

The cultural challenges when you move to countries that doesn’t have a large Ex-Pat community.

Why the most challenging country to work in as a QS was the United States, but also the growth of cost management in the US.

The need to really do your homework before choosing another country to move and work in.

The need of a supportive company when moving internationally

Steve’s life and career lessons from his experience of working internationally

Timing of when you choose to move internationally in your career

In this episode I am joined by Richard Julian; who heads a small but rapidly growing consultancy; RJA Consultants, based in Leicester. In this episode;

How they have grown significantly in recent years.

The value of choosing recession proof sectors.

The need for businesses to invest in apprentices and the widening skills gap in the industry.

The pros and cons of targeting public sector work.

The reality of the slow take up on BIM by the industry.

The necessity and growth of the Clerk of Works role and how tech has improved the efficiency of the role.

The time benefits of modular build.

The value of the maxim of give a busy man a job

The value to your career of not chasing the money

Why you are never to old to change direction in your career or adapt in your career

A key piece of advice for business owners from Warren Buffett

In this episode, I speak with Will Savage; Partner at Project Focused Consulting LLP; a small QS and PM consultancy based in West Malling. In this episode;

How working on country estates gives a glimpse of what will come into the mainstream residential and commercial sectors in the future

Use of deeds of variation to help the client, consultants and contractors to get through these challenging times and live to all fight another day!

The power of good working relationships for the whole industry.

Why it’s the middle of the commercial office market that will be worst effected going forward

Will’s hopes of Brexit being a positive catalyst for the UK Construction market; both workforce and the supply chain.

We discuss the need to help junior talent in the industry; both for them and the industry as a whole

The need for the industry to embrace green technology

The need for both long term and short term career planning

Why books about human endeavor and endurance feats influences Will’s business mindset

In this episode, I am joined by John Brennan, Director of BTP Group, a 30 strong QS/PM/EA consultancy located in London. In this episode;

Why they only employ QSs even though they provide PM and EA services – as this gives more flexibility.

John’s thoughts on how BTP will work in the future.

John’s view of the natural regeneration of clients and the need to do a great job.

Why John feels the design process is failing.

John’s view on the future of quantity surveying.

Why contractors are not the enemy!

In this episode I speak with Duncan Hughes-Phillips, CEO of Base Quantum; an 80 strong consultancy providing cost consultancy, commercial management and dispute resolution services to contractor and client organisations. In this episode;

More than anything, this episode is a real shot in the arm; Duncan has a great attitude and is incredibly confident about future work opportunities in the market. A must listen.

For full show notes;

https://www.pegasussearch.com/pr/mtb/dhp

In this episode, I speak with Alison Woodley, Senior Account Manager of Plowman Craven who have been instrumental in some of the largest London regeneration schemes such as at Kings Cross. In the is episode; We discuss future sectors that are likely to be busy Why there aren't more female leaders What the industry must do to improve diversity and inclusion.

For full details and show notes, visit;

https://www.pegasussearch.com/pr/mtb/aw

In the this episode of Meet the Boss, I am joined by Ian Higgs; Managing Director of Buro Four. This was a very candid and honest interview.. In this episode;  

By far my , longest chat yet, but with lots of fascinating points; definitely one not to miss listening to.

For full details of episode, go to;

https://www.pegasussearch.com/pr/mtb/ih

In this episode, I chat with Steve Allcoat, five months into his journey as Managing Director of Callidus, a Leeds based multi-discipline consultancy; originally founded as a Health & Safety consultancy, but now much more diverse in it's offering. In this episode you will hear about; How Callidus have actually been operating with a remote team well before Covid and the benefits it has brought How and why Steve was given the MD role in his early 30s and importantly why his previous roles had made him ready to take it on Why Steve believes technology is going to change the industry for the better His career lessons and what he would advise others to do to advance their careers.

For full details, please visit the podcast main page;

https://www.pegasussearch.com/pr/mtb/sa

This meet the boss episode is a special one for me; Simon Light was one of the first ten placements that I made when I started my career recruiting in the Construction Consultancy market, and he has arguably gone on to be one of my my most successful hires of all time in terms of his achievements! In this episode you will learn about how Simon's hunger for challenge and adventure so him move from Edinburgh to Leeds to Dubai in the space of 18 months. How he was part of the senior management team that grew EC Harris's Dubai operation from 10 to over 600 people in six years. His lessons of what makes a successful merger / acquisition within consultancy (he has truly been there and got the t-shirt!). His thoughts on the exponential change in technology that is going to effect the construction industry. Why after 18 years, mostly as a Partner, at EC Harris and then Arcadis, did he leave to join GHD. Lastly some of his core career lessons that people should embrace. This is a great episode packed full on insights; a must listen for young professionals to show you what is capable, but also for anyone in a business undergoing rapid growth and change.

In this episode, I speak with Chris Blackburn; MD of Blackburn & Co; a niche PM consultancy exclusively focused in the London Office market; both new build and fit out. The business has been going 11 years and has a current headcount of 20.

This is a great chat where amongst other things, we discuss why Chris feels this is the right size business, the need to look after people's mental health, the need for people to be in the office and the future of construction.

It is a great listen that you will hopefully get a lot from.

In this episode I talk to Simon Marshall; founder and one of three owners of BIM UK Limited; a Leeds based Construction and Digital Consultancy. Things you will get from this episode: How BIM UK are a new age consultancy mixing construction consultancy with developing digital assets and software. How and why BIM UK broke into a market typically reserved for the bigger consultancies and acquired the Cost Assurance role for Yorkshire Water. Their adoption of the Agile methodology and how it helped them grow from 10 to 55 staff in two years. A must listen for those in small consultancies. 

For full show notes including link to Simon's book recommendation, please visit;

https://www.pegasussearch.com/pr/mtb/sm

This will be the first of a two-part mini series; this one is dedicated to what actions candidates should take to get the best from a recruiter.

For all links mentioned in the episode, please go to;

https://www.pegasussearch.com/pr74

In the latest Meet the Boss series, I speak with Mark Lacey, Equity and Founding Partner at Alinea Consulting.

Alinea are a London based pure Cost Consultancy with a headcount of around 100.

This is a wide ranging discussion, including why Mark and Alinea are so passionate about BIM and the wider impact of technology, why Alinea will be very measured about future growth and why the sustainability and carbon agenda are so important.

As a business, Alinea is synonymous with the London Office sector; currently acting as QS on most of the tall office towers currently under construction in London, so we of course delve into Mark's view of the office sector.

This is a great discussion that I am sure you will all find interesting.

For full show notes, including the link to Mark's book recommendation, go to;

https://www.pegasussearch.com/pr/mtb/ml

In the latest episode of the meet the boss series, I am joined by Yusoff Ghaznavi, the Managing Director of MAC Consulting. I have worked with MAC since their inception. Their business was set up in 2009; a brave time in the middle the Global Financial Crisis, but they have gone from strength to strength. Originally focused entirely in Retail, they have now diversified their business across multiple sectors; both public and private and now with 60 fee earners across UK 6 offices. Whenever I describe them to a candidate, I always describe them as an ambitious business that doesn't take itself too seriously - hopefully this comes across. In this episode Yusoff talks about how they diversified their sector and service offering; something many similar businesses with an similar original sector focus to MAC have failed to do. We also have a fairly detailed chat about how technology will change the industry, but also how we need to embrace this change including learning from the young talent entering the industry who are to an extent native users of such technology. This is a great chat that I hope you get a lot out of.

For full details, visit the episode page;

https://www.pegasussearch.com/pr/mtb/yg

In the latest meet the boss series, I am joined by Beth Revell, co owner of the recently established (January 2020!) The Blue Iris Partnership. This is a great chat where amongst other things we discuss why there are a lack of female leaders in the industry, how collaborating with other small consultancies is enabling their business to work in the public sector, which is traditionally dominated by the larger consultancies. Lastly we discuss Beth's views on the future of the industry. I really enjoyed this chat; You can instantly feel Beth's passion to changing the industry for the better and I think this episode will serve as a real inspiration for any women in the industry keen to progress to management.

In the next episode of the meet the boss series, I am joined by Drew Vince of Pillar Consulting. Pillar are a project management and development management consultancy focused in the Hotel, Residential and Commercial sectors. Trading for just under two years, but really ramping up in the last 8 months when Drew and others joined the existing management team. This is an honest and frank discussion about how Drew sees their business having to navigate the future market and one I think you will get a lot from.

A regular post I am seeing repeated on Linkedin lately goes something like: "I've applied to 150 jobs and had no response"

In this short episode I talk through what I think you are doing wrong.

In this episode, I am joined by Jonathan Smith of Alinea Consulting. Jonathan has been a QS for over 40 years, and in our chat he talks about the early days as a QS, through to when he first used a computer, and the ongoing evolution of the quantity surveying discipline. We look to the future and discuss the challenges the discipline has to stay relevant and continue to develop in an ever changing technological landscape. This is a must listen for young QSs, but also for anyone interested in the development of the profession. Here is Jonathan's original post on Linkedin that prompted me to organise our chat; https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6679296191722725376/

In this episode I am joined by Niall Aitken of Exigere, a pure cost consultancy, just under 50 heads and London based.

80% of their work is in the office sector and Niall gives some unique insights into the sector, that I think you will find both interesting and encouraging.

We also talk about looking after staff and developing young talent.

Lastly we discuss how tech is changing the industry and the importance of embracing and sharing data.

This is a great chat that you will no doubt get a lot from

In this episode I am joined by Ian Brazier; founder and MD of Adeo. 

Adeo are a small but growing consultancy who primarily provide commercial management to tier 1, 2 and 3 contractors.

This is a great chat where, amongst other things,  we discuss the implications of the delayed but still coming changes to IR35 and how adaptation to the changes in technology will still be some way off to the contracting world.

Today I am joined by Matt Summerhill,Managing Partner of the Yorkshire and Humberside region of Rider Levett Bucknall.

Matt has been "Man and Boy" at RLB as they say including working under the late great David Bucknall.

This is a great discussion where Matt gives his views about work going forward and how hopefully we will see more investment in the North.

In this episode I answer the questions I am getting asked most often currently;

Links to other episodes discussed:

How long should I stay in my current role? - https://bit.ly/2TRjBoL

Should you be a specialist or a generalist in terms of sector? - https://bit.ly/36GmPkh

My Linkedin post about days in office: https://bit.ly/2zKRroL

In this Episode I am joined by Tom Donkin who is based in Los Angeles and is the Co-Owner of a small but growing PM and Cost Consultancy with offices in Los Angeles and New York. This is a great chat and interesting to hear the difference in how both of their offices are fairing currently due to the Coronavirus.

In this episode we tackle a concern of many professionals who reach their 50s and worry they have no where to go with their career.

As mentioned in this podcast; I referenced episode 9: Don't get stuck in the middle; here is the link;

https://anchor.fm/pegasusradio/episodes/Episode-9-Dont-get-stuck-in-the-middle-e3vpke

We are once again in a very candidate driven market. In such markets companies have limited options when trying to grow headcount, I look at the three levers companies have.

If you are a company needing support with recruitment, or an individual thinking about looking at their options (and want a confidential, no hard sell chat), then please do drop me a line:

paul@pegasussearch.com

or

Book a slot in my diary - http://bit.ly/3asf9n3

So you are being looked after, great, but what about the wider team and recruitment strategy? This episode really asks some questions around this - worth a listen

Want a call with me - follow this link;

https://info.pegasussearch.com/meetings/paul547

This episode is the first of a series about working Internationally. They won't be consecutive episodes, but do keep an eye out for future ones.

This first episode is for those in the UK who have never worked internationally but are strongly considering doing so. It takes you through some of the initial questions you need to ask yourself and what process you should go though.

This episode is directed mainly towards three groups of listeners; Those about to have a review Those about to hand in their notice (or considering doing) Those considering returning to a past employer Why? Because individuals in all three groups are likely to be told by a current or past employer that the business has or is changing to accommodate that individual.

  I’ve counselled literally hundreds of people through handing in their notice.

There is definitely an easy way and a hard way to go about this! This article will hopefully help you choose the easy way! This episode dives in to this.

Want a full transcript of this episode? Drop me an email - paul@pegasussearch.com.