In episode 36 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin provides a detailed overview of the stringent requirements subcontractors must meet to collaborate with main contractors. He delves into the expectations around social value, apprenticeships, training, and legal compliance, among others. Austin sheds light on the challenges these demands pose, their effect on costs, and the importance of understanding the full scope of contractual obligations. His insights aim to guide SMEs in the construction industry through the intricate subcontracting environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Requirements for subcontractors to work for main contracting partners * Social value, apprenticeships, accredited training, employability support, local supply chain spend, and compliance with anti-slavery and anti-bribery legislation * Challenges and practicality of meeting these requirements * Importance of understanding and assessing the implications of these demands * Contractual obligations and requirements for subcontractors * The key to Subcontractors protecting themselves is understanding terms and conditions BEST MOMENTS: "But at the same time, are any of these things practical? Maybe two and three men sharing a van heading to and from work might be, but any more than that is a potential logistical nightmare." "So then you go back around to the client organisation, going back to competitive tendering to try and lessen the cost that they're paying out. And what that basically tells you is they don't want to pay the price for all of the things that they're trying to burden you with. So why do it in the first place?" "Now all of these things I'm saying to you, they sound like a rant perhaps, but I'm saying it because I want you to be aware. I want you to know what you're getting into, and that's got to start with reading the documents you get sent." 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