In episode 79 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is talking about aiming to secure work in a competitive market. Jacob tackles common bidding challenges, stressing the importance of crafting compelling bids that emphasise unique value propositions. He covers key topics such as writing effective bids by tailoring them to client needs and showcasing competitive advantages. Additionally, he discusses identifying and pricing risks through thorough risk assessments to prevent underbidding. Jacob also highlights the significance of tracking material prices and labor rates to stay updated on market conditions for accurate pricing. Furthermore, he advises using past experiences by leveraging data from previous projects to inform future bids and emphasises leveraging niche expertise to highlight specialised skills for a competitive edge.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Challenges faced by subcontractors when bidding for projects
• Importance of writing effective and tailored bids
• Utilising niche expertise to gain a competitive edge
• Leveraging past project experiences to improve bid accuracy
• The significance of showcasing unique value propositions in bids
• Identifying and accurately pricing project risks

BEST MOMENTS:

"Winning a project isn't just about one job; it's about building relationships with main contractors and their project managers."

"Consider how each project can build your reputation, bring you more expertise, and help you strengthen your market position."

"Develop a standard tender checklist that should cover everything from reviewing the main contract conditions to the spec, the scope, and the program."

"Using past experience to inform your bids is vital; if you're not analysing that to refine your future bids, you're missing out on a huge learning opportunity."

"Bidding isn't about winning at any cost; it's about winning profitably and sustainably."

Link to the Cost Reporting Episode Mentioned in this Episode

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 78 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is speaks about the rising importance of sustainability clauses and environmental requirements in the construction industry. Jacob highlights the necessity for subcontractors to adapt their business models to meet these evolving demands while maintaining profitability. He discusses the implications of sustainability obligations in contracts, the benefits and challenges of implementing eco-friendly practices, and proactive strategies for subcontractors to address sustainability. By embracing sustainable practices, subcontractors can enhance their marketability, build stronger client relationships, and contribute to a more sustainable future in construction.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Importance of sustainability in the construction industry
• Transition from optional to essential sustainability practices
• Compliance requirements for subcontractors regarding eco-friendly materials
• Proactive strategies for subcontractors to implement sustainability
• Challenges associated with adopting eco-friendly materials
• Opportunities for subcontractors to innovate and differentiate in a competitive market

BEST MOMENTS:

"If you want to keep winning lucrative contracts, particularly for government or large commercial organisations, then you need to tackle and address these green obligations head on."

"The tricky part is ensuring the cost for complying with those requirements is in your price. If not, you could face unexpected expenses."

"Implementing green measures often forces you to optimise your own processes, be that reducing materials or thinking about lean construction techniques which can boost your internal efficiency."

"Sometimes eco friendly materials have longer lead. In times, maybe they're not manufactured as often, or they come from smaller, more specialised suppliers."

"You might look at sustainability as a burden, but if you approach it in a strategic fashion, it can be a powerful tool for you to differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 77 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is talking about the pivotal role of effective communication in the construction industry. Clear communication is essential for subcontractors, impacting relationships, project success, and the ability to secure repeat work. He discusses key communication tools such as RFIs, site instructions, and daily diaries, highlighting their importance in managing risks and ensuring clarity. Jacob also offers practical advice on maintaining professionalism, fostering a collaborative environment, and addressing issues proactively. This episode aims to equip subcontractors with strategies to enhance their communication skills, ultimately leading to better project outcomes and stronger contractor relationships.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Importance of effective communication in the construction industry.
• Tools and practices for effective communication.
• Strategies for maintaining professionalism in communication.
• Fostering a culture of openness and respect within project teams.
• Proactive communication and planning to anticipate project needs.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Communicating effectively can save you more time, money, and stress than most pieces of plant and equipment on site."

"Being the organised subcontractor who always communicates clearly goes a long way to help you secure repeat work."

"A well-structured communication system will reduce confusion and potentially friction between you and other trades or the main contractor."

"Nothing can kill your time and morale on a project like a well-toned paper war or chain of email tennis."

"The defects liability or the rectification period can be the point that makes or breaks the client's perception of a contractor."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 76 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is talking about Contra Charges in the construction industry. Jacob explains that contra charges are common law mechanisms to address damage or breaches of contract, not punitive measures. He covers key points such as the definition and context of contra charges, common reasons they occur, and the burden of proof required for disputes. Jacob also provides practical advice on handling contra charges, including maintaining detailed records, requesting evidence, and negotiating settlements. The episode emphasises proactive risk management and collaborative solutions to mitigate the impact of contra charges on subcontractors.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Definition and context of contra charges in the construction industry.
• The burden of proof required for main contractors to justify contra charges.
• Practical advice for subcontractors on managing contra charges effectively.
• Emphasis on thorough documentation and communication throughout projects.
• Encouragement for subcontractors to be proactive in resolving issues to avoid formal contra charges.

BEST MOMENTS:

"If there's a charge, the chances are they've had to arrange for corrective works, or they've incurred some costs due to a problem that you have caused."

"The JCT forms, for example, literally don't say the word contra charge."

"The contractor has got to establish that there has been something that you've done that's contrary to the contract, or perhaps you failed to do something that you are obliged to do."

"Consider a pragmatic settlement. If the amount seems fair, or if you know that your team was at fault, dragging out the dispute probably isn't going to help."

"Documentation is your best friend. Firstly, knowing what your order documents say. But then those site documents, the photos, the diaries, the email trails, your program and progress monitoring."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 75 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin discusses the crucial topic of extensions of time clauses in construction contracts. He explains how these clauses protect subcontractors from liquidated damages and help manage project delays. Jacob provides practical advice on the procedures for applying for extensions, identifying relevant events, and understanding the implications of concurrency and time at large. He emphasises the importance of timely notifications, comprehensive record-keeping, and effective communication. This episode aims to equip subcontractors with the knowledge to enhance profitability, improve cash flow, and ensure business growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Importance of extensions of time (EOT) clauses in construction contracts for subcontractors.
• Protection against liquidated damages due to project delays.
• Necessity of timely notification to contractors regarding potential delays.
• Importance of maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of delays.
• Procedures for applying for extensions of time and relevant events that justify them.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Liquidated damages are actually quite useful because it puts a finite answer on what that cost is, so that you can manage the risk accordingly."

"The extension of time procedure and the liquidated damages themselves are there to avoid that messy process and help all parties manage the risk and understand where they stand."

"If the delay is a natural event, as in something like the weather or something that is in nobody's control, then you would be entitled to more time, but you wouldn't be paid for the time."

"When you realise a delay is occurring or likely to occur, you have to give a notice."

"The notice serves a valuable purpose; it allows everyone to investigate and take records whilst memories are fresh."

"Concurrency is really difficult to prove, and it is also genuinely quite rare for there to be two overlapping events with equal effects that run genuinely concurrently."

Link to episode 14 referred to in this episode: Episode 14

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 74 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin kicks off 2025 by guiding subcontractors through the intricacies of the JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) standard building contract. Jacob raises key topics including notices, handling provisional sums, and the timing of variation quotations. Jacob also stresses the critical nature of prompt notifications and meticulous record-keeping. By fostering clear communication and collaboration, subcontractors can navigate contractual complexities and achieve successful project outcomes. This episode is a must-listen for construction business owners aiming to enhance their financial success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Overview of payment structures under the JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) standard building contract.
• Handling of provisional sums and variations in contracts.
• Importance of proper documentation and communication.
• Valuing variations and establishing fair rates for new work.
• Emphasis on collaboration between subcontractors and contractors for successful project outcomes.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Reading clauses on payment can feel about as fun as a trip to the dentist. But this is about the most important part of the subcontract."

"From a subcontractor's perspective, having a good site record and keeping a watchful eye on your productivity is essential as well as a detailed remeasure of the finished job."

"For defined provisional sums, the tender documentation must provide enough detail about the nature, location, and the requirements of the item."

"If you are being delayed or disrupted, you have to notify the contractor promptly. This is a warning to tell them, look, something's going wrong."

"A collaborative approach is the best way when it comes to construction. We're all usually trying to build something in challenging situations."

"The subcontract entitlements that we've discussed today are a framework to underpin that collaboration rather than work against it."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 73 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin addresses the topic of amending standard forms of contract in the construction industry. Jacob explains why these amendments are often necessary, such as adapting to new regulations or project-specific needs, but also highlights the potential risks and misunderstandings they can cause. He provides practical strategies for subcontractors, including early review of amendments, proactive negotiation, thorough documentation, and seeking professional advice. Jacob aims to empower subcontractors with the knowledge and tools to navigate contract modifications confidently, ensuring their interests are protected.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Reasons for contract amendments and their necessity.
• Potential pitfalls and risks associated with contract modifications.
• Importance of understanding the implications of amendments.
• Real-world examples illustrating the consequences of poorly drafted amendments.
• Importance of documentation and record-keeping during negotiations.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Amendments can be double-edged swords; on one side, well-drafted revisions help ensure compliance with new regulations, but on the other, they can be misused to push maximum risk onto someone else's shoulders."

"Nobody likes doing extra paperwork, but getting things defined at the start of the job and setting clear expectations is the best way to procure a job."

"I want you as a subcontractor to be able to enter into agreements with your eyes open to what goes on."

"You don't want a situation where you started work and now the contract is saying, "Hold on, I can't pay you because you haven't signed my contract."

"Understanding what amendments are intended to do and how they can be misused gives you the ability to push back where it's appropriate and approach amendments with cautious optimism."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 72 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin provides an in-depth analysis of the JCT Standard Building Subcontract 2016. Aimed at construction business owners, the episode educates subcontractors on the critical components of contract documents. Jacob emphasises the importance of understanding these documents to minimise the risk you take on as a subcontractor. He covers key elements such as contract structure, clauses, and requirements, while also addressing the significance of accurate contract drawings and specifications. By demystifying these aspects, Jacob equips subcontractors with the knowledge to avoid disputes and ensure successful project execution.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Importance of understanding contract documents for subcontractors.
• The significance of accurate contract drawings and specifications.
• Role of contractor design portions and alignment with subcontractor proposals.
• Importance of health and safety documents in construction contracts.
• Strategies for interpreting contract terms and addressing discrepancies.

BEST MOMENTS:

"It's like having a map in a maze. You still have to do the walking, but at least you won't bang your head into the same wall ten times before finding the exit."

"Get the contract right, get it signed, and get everyone clear before any heavy lifting begins."

"Clarity is key. And if you don't know what something means, get your RFI schedule going and ask questions about it."

"Clear documentation equals fewer disputes when everyone knows what they're supposed to do, when to do it, and how they get paid."

"Contracts shouldn't be something to fear. Think of them as a framework that, if used correctly, they protect all parties involved."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links