Pegasus Radio

Paul Micallef

Welcome to Pegasus Radio; the podcast channel dedicated to construction and property professionals. Helping you navigate your career and keep aware of the latest insights in the industry

  1. Building a Construction Consultancy During COVID | Ben Elsey of Macen Ep 41

    Jun 3

    Building a Construction Consultancy During COVID | Ben Elsey of Macen Ep 41

    In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Ben Elsey, founder of Macen, to discuss his journey from Chartered Quantity Surveyor to consultancy owner. Ben shares how he made the leap into self-employment in 2020, building Macen from a one-man operation into a growing consultancy supporting both clients and contractors across the construction industry. The conversation explores the benefits of working on both sides of the fence, the opportunities presented by construction management delivery models, and why developing the next generation of Quantity Surveyors is so important for the future of the profession. Paul and Ben also discuss leadership, company culture, technology, AI, recruitment, and the challenges facing construction consultancies in an increasingly complex market. Whether you're a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, construction professional, or consultancy leader, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest reflections on growing a business in the built environment. Topics covered:• Building a consultancy during COVID• Growing Mason from freelancer to employer• Construction management vs traditional contracting• Training and mentoring future Chartered Surveyors• AI and technology in construction consultancy• Leadership, culture and flexible working• The future of the construction industry Ben Elsey Macen Group Subscribe to Growing Consultancies for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of construction.

    49 min
  2. Will AI Replace Quantity Surveyors? | The Future of Construction Consultancies - Sunny Ahonsi of FiveThirds Construction Consultancy Ep39

    May 20

    Will AI Replace Quantity Surveyors? | The Future of Construction Consultancies - Sunny Ahonsi of FiveThirds Construction Consultancy Ep39

    What does the future of Quantity Surveying and construction consultancy really look like? In this thought provoking episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef sits down with Sunny Ahonsi, founder of FiveThirds Construction Consultancy and Five Thirds Living, for one of the most fascinating conversations yet on the future of the construction industry, AI, consultancy growth and modern business leadership. Sunny shares his journey from trainee QS to building a rapidly growing consultancy serving Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors, alongside a £6m+ Build-to-Rent property portfolio all before the age of 33. But this episode goes far deeper than business growth. Paul and Sunny explore:• How AI could reshape Quantity Surveying and consultancy businesses• Why smaller, AI-enabled firms may outperform larger consultancies• The future of Commercial Management roles• LinkedIn, personal branding and winning clients in construction• The mindset shift from technician to business owner• Why traditional consultancy models may need to evolve• Recruitment, leadership and scaling a construction business• The future of careers in the built environment Sunny also gives a very honest view on whether he would still recommend Quantity Surveying as a career for young people entering the industry today. A brilliant episode for anyone working in: Construction Consultancy Quantity Surveying Project Management Commercial Management Property Development Recruitment The Built Environment Whether you find this episode exciting or slightly terrifying… it’s a conversation the construction industry needs to be having. Connect with Sunny here FiveThirds Construction Consultants

    46 min
  3. Nathan Spencer: The Growth Story Behind UKREiiF | Growing Consultancies - Ep 38

    May 13

    Nathan Spencer: The Growth Story Behind UKREiiF | Growing Consultancies - Ep 38

    In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul Micallef is joined by Nathan Spencer, Managing Director of UKREiiF, the UK’s largest real estate, investment and infrastructure event. What started as an ambitious idea during COVID has grown into one of the most influential events in the UK built environment, bringing together investors, developers, councils, government, consultants, contractors and the wider construction supply chain. Nathan shares the story behind UKREiiF’s incredible rise from around 4,000 attendees in 2022 to approximately 16,000 today, and explains how the event has become a major hub for investment, regeneration, networking and economic growth across the UK. This conversation goes far beyond the event itself. Nathan talks openly about scaling a business, building a strong personal brand, leadership, succession planning, AI, continuous improvement and what it takes to grow an organisation at pace. Topics covered include: • The origins and growth of UKREiiF • How the event disrupted the market • Leadership and scaling a fast-growing business • Why personal brand matters in construction • The future of UKREiiF and international expansion • AI, automation and continuous improvement • How to get the most value from UKREiiF Whether you work in construction, real estate, infrastructure, quantity surveying, project management, consultancy or development, this episode is packed with valuable insight and practical takeaways. Subscribe to Growing Consultancies for more conversations with the people shaping the future of the built environment. Follow Nathan Spencer UKREiiF

    53 min
  4. How to Improve Your Bid Win Rate and Grow Your Consultancy | Jeremy Brim - Ep36

    Apr 29

    How to Improve Your Bid Win Rate and Grow Your Consultancy | Jeremy Brim - Ep36

    Want to win more work in construction? This episode breaks down how to improve your bid success rate, win better clients, and grow a profitable construction consultancy.Most consultancies don’t have a bidding problem. They have a focus problem. In this episode of Growing Consultancies, Paul sits down with Jeremy Brim, founder of Growth Ignition, to unpack what actually drives growth in a consultancy business and why so many firms are stuck chasing the wrong work. Drawing on experience across EC Harris, Mace, and advising consultancies from 10 to 1,000+ people, Jeremy shares a clear, practical view of how to win better clients, improve your win rate, and build a more profitable, sustainable business. This isn’t theory. It’s a grounded look at what’s really happening inside the industry and what the best firms are doing differently. Why your bid win rate is low (and it’s not what you think)The truth behind the 80/20 rule in consultancy profitWhy most firms are bidding for work they’ll never winHow to identify and target your ideal clientsThe concept of “capture” and winning work before it goes to tenderWhy you should bid less but win moreThe hidden cost of “one-hit wonder” clientsHow to build a pipeline that actually convertsThe role of relationships vs bids in winning workWhat smaller consultancies can do to compete with larger firmsConsultancy owners and directorsQuantity Surveyors & Project ManagersBusiness development and bid leadersAnyone looking to grow a consultancy the right way If you’re constantly bidding, chasing, and not winning enough… you’re probably solving the wrong problem. Connect with Jeremy Brim at Growth Ignition

    1h 16m

About

Welcome to Pegasus Radio; the podcast channel dedicated to construction and property professionals. Helping you navigate your career and keep aware of the latest insights in the industry

You Might Also Like