Construction Risks & Conflict Avoidance with Len Bunton

In this episode host Gavin Coyle welcomes back Len Bunton of Bunton Consulting, an expert in construction risk management. With insolvencies rising in 2025, Len shares critical insights on protecting businesses, avoiding disputes, and strengthening collaboration in the industry. They discuss the current challenges facing the construction industry, including financial instability, insolvencies, and contract risks. Len explains the importance of conflict avoidance, the role of procurement in construction failures, and how businesses can protect themselves from legal and financial pitfalls. He also highlights the growing mental health concerns in the industry and the urgent need for collaboration between contractors, clients, and regulators. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction & welcoming back guest Len Bunton 02:30 – Why construction companies are struggling in 2025 05:45 – The alarming rise in contractor insolvencies 09:15 – How financial mismanagement is pushing firms into crisis 12:10 – The mental health impact of financial stress in construction 16:30 – Why contract disputes and legal battles are increasing 21:20 – Understanding the role of procurement in project failures 25:40 – How to avoid costly legal conflicts before signing contracts 30:15 – The disconnect between design and operational teams 35:05 – Common construction contract pitfalls and how to fix them 38:45 – Why quality control issues are damaging projects 42:10 – Strategies to protect your business from financial collapse 45:50 – The future of conflict avoidance and industry collaboration CICV BEST PRACTICE GUIDE :https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VO4y2RWrbfREA4mLsgpNRMigQVwRX3t8/view?usp=drive_link For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/ I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry. As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge. I’m The Gaffer, available on: Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@gavincoylesafety #ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast #construction #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast #podcastclips