From Drummer to Director: Building Dream Homes | Dave Lawry (Fidus) - Growing Consultancies Ep14
Welcome to Episode 14 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing the real stories of leaders building successful consultancies across the UK.
In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Dave Lawry, founder of Fidus, a highly specialised consultancy focused on the high-end residential market, building and refurbishing dream homes for high-net-worth individuals.
It’s a fascinating space, and Dave’s story is even more extraordinary. Originally from New Zealand, he started out as a drummer in a band, came to the UK, and through opportunity, hard work, and sheer determination built his way to running a small, high-impact consultancy with a big reputation.
We talk about:
Dave is a genuinely inspiring and down-to-earth guy, and this conversation is full of lessons about passion, opportunity, and creating your own path in business.
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #HighEndResidential #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #ConsultancyLife #Fidus #LuxuryHomes #ProjectManagement #Inspiration
Forget Fast Promotions - Grow at Your Own Pace | Frank Liguoro - Growing Consultancies Ep13
Welcome to Episode 13 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing honest stories from the leaders shaping construction consultancies across the UK.
Today, Paul Micallef is joined by Frank Liguoro of Strata, a PM and cost consultancy primarily focused in the residential, life sciences, and healthcare sectors.
This episode is a refreshing and grounded conversation about career growth, leadership, and perspective. Frank is wonderfully down-to-earth, and what stands out most is his belief that you don’t have to do everything overnight.
We talk about:
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #ProjectManagement #QuantitySurveying #CareerGrowth #Strata #ResidentialConstruction #LifeSciences #HealthcareConstruction #ConsultancyLife #HonestLeadership #BusinessGrowth
Welcome to Episode 12 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from leaders shaping the consultancy world across the UK and beyond.
Today, Paul Micallef is joined by Kara Thompson of Faction. Faction are a relatively new player in the UK market, an Australian-founded consultancy where Kara has been leading the charge to establish their UK operation.
Kara’s story is fascinating: she grew up in the UK, built most of her career here, and is now balancing two huge challenges, growing a business and becoming a mum. When we filmed this episode, Kara was seven months pregnant, offering an honest insight into the realities of leadership, growth, and motherhood.
We discuss:
This episode isn’t just about running a business, it’s a powerful and important conversation about people, perception, and progress in our industry.
🎧 Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WomenInConstruction #MaternityLeave #PaternityLeave #WorkLifeBalance #DiversityInConstruction #Faction #ConsultancyLife
From Gary Neville to Community Legacy: Zerum’s Journey | Andrew Duffy - Growing Consultancies Episode 11
Welcome to Episode 11 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing the real stories of leaders building consultancies with purpose and people at the heart.Today I’m joined by Andrew Duffy, of Zerum, a small but impactful PM and Cost Management consultancy based in Manchester, with a second office in Leeds.
Zerum have carved out a clear niche specialising in hotels, student accommodation, and Build-to-Rent (BTR) - essentially, anything to do with “beds”!Andy is a grounded and values-driven leader.
His philosophy is simple:
We talk about his work with major clients like Gary Neville’s Relentless Group, the importance of community-focused development, and why keeping things simple is often the best path to long-term success.
This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about people, purpose, and legacy in consultancy.
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ProjectManagement #CostManagement #QuantitySurveying #ManchesterBusiness #LeedsBusiness #Hotels #StudentAccommodation #BTR #Community #Leadership #PeopleFirst #Legacy
Doing Things Differently: The Blue Iris Partnership Story | Beth Revell - Growing Consultancies
Welcome to Episode 10 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from leaders building consultancies that dare to do things differently.
In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Beth Revell, co-founder of The Blue Iris Partnership, a consultancy that breaks the mould in all the best ways.
Beth and her business (and life) partner, Stephen, have built a consultancy that’s anything but traditional. They approach their work with creativity, authenticity, and a fresh perspective that challenges the “stuffy” norms of the industry.
This episode is all about:
Beth is an inspiring and down-to-earth character full of energy, warmth, and brilliant insight. You’ll come away from this one feeling motivated to carve your own path and create a consultancy that’s truly you.
🎧 Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ConsultancyLife #TheBlueIrisPartnership #BusinessGrowth #Authenticity #Partnership #WorkWithPurpose #DoItDifferently
Why Being Niche Works: Motion Project Management’s Success | Tristan Evans
Welcome to Episode of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from leaders building consultancies across the UK.
In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Tristan Evans, founder of Motion Project Management, a small but highly specialised consultancy working in the arena, industrial, and DNO sectors - a fascinating and fast-evolving part of the construction industry.
What’s remarkable about Motion is that, despite being just 4 and a half years old, they’ve already become the go-to consultancy in the arena space. Tristan’s story is one of passion, focus, and smart evolution.
We discuss:
It’s a fascinating insight into how niche expertise, strong leadership, and passion can build a consultancy that truly stands out.
🎧 Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ProjectManagement #MotionProjectManagement #ArenaProjects #IndustrialProjects #DNO #ConstructionManagement #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #ConsultancyLife
From Junior to Senior: Developing Leaders in Consultancy | Matthew Easton Growing Consultancies Ep7
Welcome to Episode 7 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories, lessons, and insights from leaders shaping consultancies across the UK.
Today I’m joined by Matthew Easton, owner of a specialist leadership consultancy, MJ Easton Coaching and Consulting LLP. Unlike my other guests, Matthew doesn’t run a QS or PM consultancy - instead, he helps consultancies build and develop their senior leaders and emerging junior leaders.
In this conversation, we dive into:
This episode is particularly useful for consultancies considering how to introduce an L&D function or bring in additional HR support to build for long-term growth.
Links;
MJ Easton Coaching and Consulting website
#GrowingConsultancies #LeadershipDevelopment #HR #LearningAndDevelopment #ConsultancyLife #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipConsultancy #Entrepreneurship #ConstructionConsultancy #PeopleFirst
The Power of Partnership in Consultancy | Patrick Hickey (Make NW) – Growing Consultancies Episode 7
Welcome to Episode 7 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from the leaders building consultancies across the UK.
In this episode, Paul Micallef sits down with Pat Hickey of Make (NW), a small but ambitious consultancy based in the North West.
Pat joined Make NW just a year ago, when his fellow business partner Matt invited him to take an equity stake in the business straight away, a bold move that united them as a partnership from day one.We dive into:
This is a fascinating conversation about partnership, risk, and the power of building something together rather than alone.
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Leadership #Partnership #NorthWestBusiness #ConsultancyLife #Make
Building a Business with Purpose & a Plan | Yusoff Ghaznavi of TTPCC (To The Point)
Welcome to Episode 6 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing the real stories of leaders shaping consultancies across the UK.
In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Yusoff Ghaznavi, founder of To The Point and one of the early Directors of MAC Consulting.
This is a truly fascinating and open conversation about planning for the future and how Yusoff and the two founding Directors at MAC Consulting successfully built a business with an exit strategy in mind as early as 2017.
We talk about:
If you’re in the early stages of building your consultancy, this episode is essential listening. It’s a powerful lesson in strategy, alignment, and long-term thinking.
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #ExitPlanning #ConsultancyGrowth #Resilience #ConsultancyLife #ToThePoint #MACConsulting
Personal Brand & Niche Focus - Midollo | Chris Marrow - Growing Consultancies Episode 5
Welcome to Episode 5 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from the leaders building successful consultancies across the UK.
In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Chris Marrow, founder of Midollo, a small but ambitious PM and QS consultancy based in the North West.
Midollo has carved out success by focusing on two key sectors - the PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) market and the Healthcare sector.
What you’ll take away from this conversation:
This is an inspiring and practical discussion about the power of personal branding and the strength of being niche in a competitive industry. Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ProjectManagement #QuantitySurveying #PBSA #HealthcareConstruction #ConsultancyLife #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #PersonalBranding #NicheBusiness
Welcome to Episode 4 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing the real stories of leaders shaping construction consultancies across the UK.
In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Jordan Relfe, co-founder of LifeProven, an innovative consultancy based in Canary Wharf with a team of 18.
Six years ago, Jordan and his co-owner Adam were ahead of the curve combining ESG consultancy with traditional project and cost management. Fast forward to today, and LifeProven has hit the sweet spot with the market’s drive around retrofit, net zero, and ESG.
We explore:
It’s a fascinating conversation about the future of consultancy, innovation, and building a business that challenges the traditional model. Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #ESG #NetZero #Retrofit #ProjectManagement #CostManagement #Leadership #Innovation #LifeProven #CanaryWharfBusiness
Professional poker player to business owner | Sean Eden - Growing Consultancies - Episode 3
Welcome to Episode 3 of Growing Consultancies, the podcast sharing real stories from the leaders of building consultancies across the UK.
In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Sean Eden, founder of SE3, a QS consultancy based in the North West.
Sean’s journey is remarkable: just three years into business, with a team of only two, SE3 has already generated over £600k in fees in a single year, an incredible achievement in the QS world.
In our conversation we cover:
His next big hire and plans for growth
The story of almost leaving the industry to become a professional poker player
The lessons he’s carried from great managers and mentors
How these experiences are shaping SE3 to grow year on year
This is an honest, inspiring story of ambition, resilience, and learning from those around you.
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #QuantitySurveying #QSConsultancy #NorthWestBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #ConsultancyLife #SE3
In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Tes Adamou, founder of EEDN, a small PM consultancy based in London and soon to be expanding into Cyprus.
This is a truly open and genuine conversation about the realities of running your own business. While many assume it’s easy, Tes shares with honesty the pressures, challenges, and sheer hard work that comes with building and sustaining a consultancy.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business or want reassurance that you’re not alone in the journey, this episode is packed with truth, insight, and encouragement.
Watch now, subscribe, and join us on the journey of growing consultancies.
Links;
Welcome to the very first episode of our new podcast, Growing Consultancies!In this episode, Paul Micallef is joined by Rick Bellis, founder of Rihbell, a PM/QS and soon-to-be building surveying consultancy based in Manchester.
Rick brings an incredible energy and shares his journey just one year into business, already growing to a six-person team with huge ambitions for the future.We dive into:
Rick has this process really dialled in and his insights are invaluable for anyone looking to grow their own consultancy.
Tune in, take notes, and get inspired to take your business to the next level!
Links;
#GrowingConsultancies #ConstructionConsultancy #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #QuantitySurveying #ProjectManagement #BuildingSurveying #ManchesterBusiness
In this quick-fire episode, Paul advises why you should not accept a counter offer.
In this quick-fire episode, Paul advises on cost management salary levels in London.
In this quick-fire episode, Paul advises on what to do if you are thinking of looking for a job overseas.
In this episode, Paul discusses what a salaried director/partner should be earning in the market.
In this quick-fire episode Paul advises the best way to ask for a pay rise.
In this episode, I reflect on the performance of Q1 and offer my perspective on what lies ahead for the remainder of 2024.