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The beauty of it
On site at Oxford University where traditional skills
and modern construction methods have come
together to deliver a stunning building

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 VISIT M
BS.CO
CIOBJO E THE
WHE R
ATES
ANDID
BEST C HE BEST
FIND T ES
ROL

Agenda Nov/Dec 16
News and views
05 Product manufacturers digital map
CPA report sets out how sector can
integrate digitally with
construction and design.
06 UKAS tasked with BIM scheme
Body asked to form new Level 2
certification programme.
09 CIOB launches new academy
Training establishment will deliver
practical training.
10 CIOB launches toolkit to tackle
modern slavery
Guide follows July report.
12 Feedback
Letters, comments and
readers views on the

US Presidential election.
14 Housing policy goes pragmatic
Shelagh Grant says we should
welcome more funding and new
housing initiatives.
Features
18 A very modern makeover
How a small-scale barn conversion
project in Cambridge has become
an exemplar for building using
todays high-tech tools.
26 Halting the quality decline
Amid more attention-grabbing
issues, the quality of construction
output has been overlooked
18
Construction professional
36 Think youre recruiting fairly?
Unconscious bias still means
men are recruited over women,
says Paul Fox.
37 BIM bytes
The JCT Design & Build
contract and BIM.
38 Fighting it out on adjudication
Two Acts of Parliament appear to
offer contradictory positions on

and it needs addressing.
30 Technical talking
Six months after the government
BIM mandate was introduced CM
gathered industry experts and
30
who pays an adjudicators costs.
40 Need to know: Apprenticeship Levy
How does the governments new
Apprenticeship Levy fit into the
industry training puzzle?

36
stakeholders to discuss its impact.
42 Outstanding natural beauty + Contact
52-63
High level skills and modern
All the latest news
construction techniques will deliver
and reports from CIOB
a stunning building in Oxford. members and branches
48 CPD: Quality management
How quality management can help
deliver projects on time, budget
and with exemplary safety records.
66 Project of the month
Magdalen College library,
Oxford University. NASC 2017 Yearbook
free with this issue

Take the test on this issues CPD topic

on quality management and additional topics at
www.constructionmanagermagazine.com/cpd
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 3

03_CMNOV16_AGENDA.indd 3 24/10/2016 16:46

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CPA report sets out digital roadmap for
construction product manufacturers
New digital template for products will also make BIM easier.
A blueprint for the future of the
construction product manufacturing
sector spells out how it must integrate
digitally with the design and construction
process if it is to achieve growth of 30bn
a year and halve the trade gap by 2025.
Commissioned and published by the
Construction Products Association,
The Future of Construction Product
Manufacturing report is being seen as
one of the final pieces in the jigsaw for
Product
creating a Digital Built Britain.
manufacturers
As part of the drive to integrate
are the DNA of
manufacturing digitally with construction
construction
and design the CPA is drawing up a new
digital template, called LEXiCON, which
and it makes
allows all products to represented digitally
sense for them
in a consistent way through the BIM
to have a clear
(Building Information Modelling) process.
strategy.
The inoperability of product information is
Peter Caplehorn,
currently a major industry frustration.
CPA
05_06_NEWS.CMNov16.indd 5
The report illustrates how the vision
can be delivered by linking BIM, Industry
4.0 (smart factories) and intelligent assets
through optimised supply chains and a
circular UK construction economy and help
the government tackle the trade gap.
With current forecast growth in UK
construction output, the construction
product sector is likely to reach a capacity
pinch-point as soon as 2019. At the same
time, the trade gap for products and
materials is increasing, with 7.9 billion and enables manufacturers and other
more imports than exports in 2015,
says the report.
Through a combination of
digitalisation, automation and optimised
manufacturing-led supply chains, the
sector can grow by over 30bn by 2025,
assets can be delivered over 30% cheaper
and 40% quicker, and the trade gap
can be reduced to 50% by 2025 whilst
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 5
News
Dome improvement
Specialist construction workers from
building firm Robertson Construction have
completed the first major stage in the
restoration of the Grade II-listed Spanish
City Dome at Whitley Bay, Northumberland.
The 10m project is part of North
Tyneside Councils 36m Seafront Master
Plan to reinvigorate the coastline between
Cullercoats Bay and St Marys Island.
The first floor ceiling, which was
installed shortly after the dome was built
in 1910, has now been removed, opening
up double-height space from the bottom
to the top of the building and returning the
rotunda area to its original splendour.
The operation involved erecting
scaffolding inside on the ground floor
before experts removed sections of the
wooden flooring above piece by piece to
open the entire space.
Enabling works are also underway, which
will involve demolishing parts of the domes
west wing. Some sections of the walls will
remain to preserve as many original
features as possible. Two extensions will
also be demolished as part of this first
phase of works taking the facade back
to how it looked around the 1920s.
supporting employment growth in the
sector and wider economy.
A by-product, says the report, will be
better building performance, eliminating
the gap between as-designed and as-built
performance of buildings and providing
more energy-efficient assets.
The CPA represents 87% of the UKs
construction products manufacturers, a
50bn per annum sector in its own right.
The CPAs LEXiCON is a world first,
users to define information requirements
easily, for free.
The governments BIM Level 2
programme has enabled manufacturers
to share product information in more
accessible forms than has previously
been achievable, says the report. The
awareness of data and the possibilities
that effective use can bring have been >
25/10/2016 09:15
 News
UKAS tasked with new BIM certification scheme
Body asked by Department for Business to establish common way of achieving Level 2 accreditation.
The Department for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy has tasked the
UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) with
establishing a new certification scheme
to show that companies comply with
Level 2 BIM.
Currently there are a number of
certification schemes for BIM Level 2
CPA continued >
widespread. As a result many manufacturers
are using data and information modelling to
change the way they operate internally, as
well as sharing information with others in
the construction supply chain.
However, there are a number of formats
in which product information can be
provided, in many different templates, which
can cause confusion for all concerned.
LEXiCON has been developed by the
construction product sector with the
governments BIM Task Group.
The tool will be freely available through
the Construction Products Associations
website and is governed by recognised
industry bodies known as Relevant
Authorities, to ensure the language being
used is correct and consistent.
Whilst data dictionaries and product
templates exist elsewhere, never before
has there been such broad industry
engagement and governance, with
over 70% of UK trade associations
signing up to become Relevant
Authorities and managing how their
products are defined, says the report.
Peter Caplehorn, deputy chief executive
of the CPA, said of the report: Weve heard
6 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
05_06_NEWS.CMNov16.indd 6
available in the market, such as one
drawn up by the BRE.
UKAS says it has been asked by BEIS and
the Centre for the Protection of National
Infrastructure (CPNI) to investigate a way
to form a common, as yet undecided way
of achieving BIM certification which will
hopefully help deliver the Construction
Strategy and avoid confusion for those
seeking accredited certification for their
BIM Level 2 activities.
Once a common approach has been
agreed by BEIS and CPNI, it is anticipated
that a pilot assessment programme will
be undertaken to develop the necessary
assessment and accreditation capability
for this activity in accordance with
international conformity assessment
standards.
Mark Bew (pictured left), chairman of
the governments BIM Task Group,
announced the plan for new certification
as he officially launched Digital Built
a lot from consultants and designers and
Tier 1s. But product manufacturers are
the DNA of construction and it makes
sense for them to have a clear strategy
and direction.
Talking of the new LEXiCON template
he added: Were providing a new fabric
of doing things all products represented
with common data and a common way
of expressing their performance. It
makes collaboration across industry
more straightforward. Designers will
be able to take products in and out of
the BIM model and be able to compare
costs and performance. Join this up with
the manufacturers own manufacturing
process and construction teams will
be able to be more efficient and more
productive and genuinely operate with
just-in-time delivery.
The reports author, Steve Thompson,
chair of BIM4M2 (BIM for Manufacturers
and Manufacturing), says the report
provides an analysis of how product
manufacturers have changed in the past
five years and shows how more automated
supply chains can provide greater
efficiency in delivery of assets.
Britain at a conference in London in October.
Digital Built Britain is the latest stage Anything new
of the UKs BIM Task Group programme in helping
and brings together a number of digital people get BIM
and innovation programmes under one certified is
funding umbrella. Originally announced good. What
in the 2016 Budget, Digital Built Britain we need is
aims to deliver reductions in whole- some overall
life costs and carbon emissions, while direction and
improving productivity and capacity by structure.
using intelligent building information
John Adams,
models, sensing technology and secure
BIM Strategy
data and information infrastructure.
Digital Built Britain will also continue
the work of the BIM Task Group
programme, set up in 2011 to deliver up
to 20% savings on costs of major projects.
John Adams, head of BIM services at
BIM Strategy said he thought a new
scheme could be good: Anything new in
helping people get BIM certified is good.
What we need is some overall direction
and structure.
And once something has been built we
will be able to track where products are and
what they do to deliver smarter assets and
promote the circular economy, he said.
Weinerberger shows the way
Weinerberger, a manufacturer of
bricks, blocks and roof tiles,
among other products, has
developed a housing concept
called the e4 house. Weinerberger
has set up a consortium to provide
products and systems that it does
not produce to deliver a whole
house solution, and has
supported this with digital capability to support delivery and
operation of the home. Occupants are provided with a digital
model of their home and apps that enable them to track building
performance and organise predictive maintenance.
25/10/2016 09:15
00_ad.CM.Jul.Aug.Teklaresize.indd 2 16/06/2016 14:15
ADS.template.indd 2 24/10/2016 11:56

New Academy delivers practical courses
The CIOB is set to significantly ramp up
its training provision with the launch of a
new Academy on 1 November.
The new Academy will deliver real
world practical courses for the industry,
developed to a high standard as befits
the CIOB brand.
The courses will mainly be aimed at
getting people chartered, but will also be
offered to improve overall skills and help
people move up through the industry
irrespective of their current role.
Courses and expertise being offered
cover a wide range to suit different
roles and levels from a certified specialist
in low-carbon and green construction, BIM
and big data, to those for a future leader in
management and business strategy.
CIOB and ITN to produce second show
For a second year running, the CIOB is
teaming up with ITN Productions to
produce a news and current affairs-style
programme to showcase construction
management.
Anchored by Natasha Kaplinsky,
the programme, titled Masterminds of
Construction, will look at the diverse roles of
construction managers and the work they
do. It will also explore the many different
pathways to working in the industry.
The programme follows last years
Building Tomorrow programme which
championed construction managers,
celebrated innovation and encouraged
the exchange of ideas.
The new programme will combine
key industry interviews and reports
with editorial profiles featuring leading
09_CM.NOV16.CIOB news.indd 9
The Academy will be based at the
CIOBs London headquarters in Holborn,
but there will also be partner training
providers based throughout the UK.
It is being headed up by Holly Walton,
an engineer by background and who
helped in the startup of BRE Academy.
She says the new CIOB Academy
will differ from other similar
organisations in that it is very much
in line with the charitable principles
of the CIOB and will address areas after
The Academy will be the courses are finished such as
launched at the Gerkin
securing employment.
in London
There will be mentoring, mock
interviews and support throughout.
The Academy is something members
have asked for over a number of years
construction organisations. It will aim to
show how transformative and demanding
construction management is, and how
unforeseen events that have brought risk
to projects have been overcome.
It will also look at the importance of
professionalism and why ethics is integral
to successful working practices.
Bridget Bartlett, CIOB deputy
chief executive, said: Our continued
partnership with ITN Productions is
all about telling the story of this great
industry, the careers that can be had
within it, and its importance to our
Were excited everyday lives.
to embark on ITN Productions UK director of
a programme programming, Simon Shelley, said: Were
that explores excited to embark on a programme that
the enthralling explores the enthralling and demanding
role of role of construction managers and engage
construction
with professionals throughout the sector
managers. to tell that story.
Simon Shelley,
ITN Productions Masterminds of Construction will
premiere at the launch of the new CIOB
Academy on 13 December 2016, at 30
St Mary Axe in central London.
For more information, or to participate
in the programme, contact Jonathan
Baer, programming director at ITN
Productions, on 020 7430 4680 or
jonathan.baer@itn.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 9
CIOB News
and we hope will actually meet the
needs of the industry, said Walton.
She added: Were hoping to reach
everyone, whether youre new to the
industry or already management and
looking to upskill. We hope it will also
address the gap in the middle ie
professionals moving from middle
management to higher level.
The first courses to be offered in
November will be a construction conversion
course for those from other industries
interested in entering the construction
world, there will also be a course offered
on conservation and heritage.
The official launch of the Academy
will take place at a reception at the
Gherkin in London on 13 December.
Entries sought for Global
Student Challenge 2017
Registrations are now open for the
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2017.
The competition is an online
interactive game, in which each team
of four students runs a virtual
construction company in a simulated
environment using MERIT software,
which stands for Management
Enterprise Risk Innovation and
Teamwork.
Each team is required to make
strategic and operational decisions
about marketing, estimating,
tendering, finance and personnel
management. Universities can submit
up to five teams.
There are six weekly rounds as part
of the main game, and eight further
rounds will be played at the finals. Each
round represents a trading quarter,
and each companys performance is
rated against KPIs and compared with
the other teams.
Regional finalists are taken to Hong
Kong to participate in the finals
head-to-head with five other teams
from across the world.
The winners will receive 2,000 and
mentoring from industry leaders.
Register for a free trial at
http://gsc.ciob.org/
25/10/2016 09:30
 CIOB News
CIOB to launch toolkit to tackle slavery
Toolkit provides framework to ensure firms have robust governance in
place to deal with modern slavery and builds on report published in July.
A comprehensive and practical toolkit to
help consultants, contractors and supply
chains deal with issues around modern
slavery is being launched by the CIOB at
the end of November.
The Modern Slavery Toolkit provides
a framework to ensure construction
firms have good governance in place to
tackle issues raised around the slavery
debate. The project has been driven by
Eddie Tuttle, principal public affairs and
policy manager at the CIOB. It follows
the publication of its report Building a
Fairer System: Tackling Modern Slavery in
Construction Supply Chains in July.
Building on this work the new toolkit
will provide training and support for those
at the coalface of the industry, said Tuttle.
Guidance contained within the toolkit
includes what to do if you spot early signs
of illegal working and an explanation of
the legislative framework.
The toolkit is a joint publication by the
CIOB and Stronger Together a business-
led, multi-stakeholder collaborative
initiative whose purpose is to support
organisations to tackle modern slavery
within their businesses and supply chains.
Stronger Together has worked with the
retail industry amongst others to help
tackle modern slavery.
We hope the toolkit will bring together
Tier 1 contractors who will sign up to
its principles. It doesnt provide all the
10 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
10_CM.NOV16.CIOB news.indd 10
solutions, but it is certainly part of the
solution, said Tuttle.
The toolkit will be available in both
print and online. It has received the
backing and support of Kevin Hyland, the
UK anti-slavery commissioner.
In the summer, prime minister Theresa
May vowed to make it her mission to help
rid the world of what she referred to as
the barbaric evil and the great human
rights issue of our time and announced a
new Cabinet taskforce to tackle the issue
Home Office estimates suggest there
are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims
of modern slavery in the UK, with 45
million estimated victims worldwide.
Construction is seen to be particularly
susceptible to cases of forced labour as
the use of migrant workers has become
a key element for many companies,
particularly when bidding to work on
large infrastructure projects abroad.
Since its introduction in March 2015, the
Modern Slavery Act has been galvanising
the industry and making companies more
aware of the need for better practice and
monitoring of their supply chain.
A recent survey by the Supply Chain
Management School revealed that 75%
of respondents said that they knew what
the Act covered, but more than half said
they did not know what steps to take
if they found modern slavery in their
business or supply chain.
Chris Blythe
We need a dynamic
industry, not
another report
It was Warren Buffett who said in a
chronically leaking boat, energy
devoted to changing vessels is likely
to be more productive than energy
devoted to patching leaks.
That is where I disagree with the
Farmer report and its conclusions
regarding the Construction Industry
Training Board (CITB).
It recommends that the CITB should
be comprehensively reviewed and a
reform programme instituted. If ever
there was a leaking boat its the CITB.
Rather than waste time trying to reform
what has proved unreformable in the
past, its better to start again from fresh.
Overall though, there is not a lot in
the Farmer report which comes as news
to readers of CM. It concludes that the
industry suffers from poor productivity,
an ageing workforce, a dependence on
migrant labour and a lack of genuine
collaboration. This has been caused by a
lack of investment in training and
research and development.
With the decision about a third runway
for London imminent, the hot money is
on Heathrow. Whatever the decision it
could be a year before Parliament votes
on it, six years before work would get
We hope underway and another six before the
the toolkit first aircraft takes off. I can imagine the
will bring courts being filled with litigants claiming
together Tier the scheme will be falling foul of various
EU laws. Its a barmy way to develop vital
1 contractors
infrastructure.
who will sign What infrastructure we do though
up to its seems quite dull and hard work. A
principles. recent trip to southern Spain had me
Eddie Tuttle, travelling over many kilometres of
CIOB viaducts and many more though
tunnels. The landscape was
spectacular and the civil engineering
complemented it.
Compare that with the Hindhead
Tunnel. At 1,830m, it is the longest
non-estuarial road tunnel in the UK,
but its dull and has no mystery about
it. Not when you compare it to Spain
where the approach to a 2,000m-long
tunnel is a 500m viaduct with a similar
viaduct on exit. It just begs the
question how did they do that? not
once or twice but five or six times.
Somehow or other we need to bring
back into our industry some spectacle
in the buildings or the civil engineering
that we create. Having creations that
take the breath away and stimulate the
curiosity is what will help bring bright
people into the industry, not just
putting down more asphalt or adding
a few quirky buildings.
Worthy words in another report
are no substitute for an industry that
looks dynamic, innovative and is
creating wonder.
25/10/2016 10:07
 The CIOB Academy is built around the needs,
challengesand desired results of the construction
industry. Werehere to future-proof your companys
assets: yourpeople, delivering training, the right
knowledge andreal world skills, at all levels.

Support your employees on their development paths

andmake sure your company meets industry demands
now and in the future.

For more information call the CIOB Academy on

+44 (0)1344 630810, email academy@ciob.org.uk
or visit ciobacademy.org

CIOB Academy_Magazine Ad.indd 1 18/10/2016 11:51

 Views
It's within our power to
change the industry
AS ITS TITLE WOULD suggest, Mark Farmers a wider adoption of quality systems in the
report, Modernise or die, makes for grim ISO 9000 standards, but given the
reading. His government-commissioned growing evidence of workmanship and
analysis of the industry is that long-term quality issues one has to wonder if this is
demographic changes mean the problems a little more than a box-ticking exercise.
of low productivity, low investment and The industry would argue that the
adversarial relationships that have boom and bust nature of the sector has
dogged construction for decades pose a sown the seeds of its decline. Although
truly existential threat. there is some truth in that, there has been
Whats more, says the report, the for far too long the notion that training is
industry is fragmented, with low margins, someone elses problem.
financial fragility, poor investment in But there are glimmers of hope, a few
innovation, poor predictability for clients of them in this issue. Look, for example, at
and no coherent leadership. our report on a house builders pioneering
Theyre criticisms were painfully use of digital construction at a barn
familiar with. Whats different this time conversion in Cambridgeshire (p18).
around is that the industry is facing an Thousands of pounds have been saved by
unprecedented skills crisis and could see a clash detection and automatic deduction
20-25% decline in the available labour of bills of quantities. New technology has
force within a decade. This is chiefly due even meant there has been no need for a
to retiring older workers leaving a skills setting out engineer.
gap that, thanks to Brexit, may no longer But can this beacon of innovation be
be plugged by Eastern European labourers replicated in the way the Farmer report so
and skilled tradespeople. urgently advocates? Will the industry, as
Small wonder that the report describes Construction Leadership Council chair
the need to find a home-grown solution as Andrew Wolstenholme demands, make
crucial. Part of the solution is greater use this the moment when the recognition
of modern methods of construction and a that we cannot go on as we are has
radical reform of the CITB. If there isnt reached its tipping point?
change Farmer is convinced we wont be The pace of change might not be as fast
able to deliver critical social and physical or as widespread as it needs to be. Yes,
infrastructure. If we do not address in government intervention to encourage
short order how the construction industry more modern methods would help. And
operates and delivers, we will see a long- yes, lets take a long hard look at whether
term and inexorable decline in its the CITB needs more reform. But if a house
fortunes, he warns. builder converting barns can revolutionise
As we report on page 26, even if we are the process and set a benchmark for
still managing to get by in terms of quality, whats stopping everyone else?
workload, the lack of skills is increasingly
hitting quality levels. As an aside, there is Denise Chevin, editor
More Construction Manager
online and on Twitter
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12_13.CM.NOV16_VIEWS.indd 12
Feedback
Garden Bridge is a waste of cash
Raymond Sheller, via website
Why does London get away with wasting
so much money when viable schemes in
the north are abandoned because they
(the government) say they cost too much
(Garden Bridge to cost taxpayers 50m,
letter reveals, online).
This is outrageous and someone needs
to be held accountable. What we don't
need is more money being spent on a
public enquiry because no one trusts the
government to tell the true story on the
whole saga.
Industry review long overdue
Jonathan O'Callaghan, via website
In Ireland we are facing a similar future. As
a former carpenter who left the profession
and entered into higher education, I can
see that without providing a future for
people in the construction sector it is
impossible to create a sustainable
workforce (Farmer review: An honest
appraisal of industry's problems, online).
Nobody wants to work in an industry
that can't provide certainty into the future.
And as said previously, it is a hard place to
work,with little or no thanks at the end.
Denis Lawler, via website
Good, not before time the CITB was looked
in to in some depth. Well done.
Andy Chambers, via website
I have been involved in the construction
industry for 34 years this year, and we
have seen a very sudden decline in
apprentices, which in my opinion is down to
two things: overzealous safety compliance
with CSCS cards and H&S tests; and NVQ
qualifications are completely valueless,
they are at best poor, and so easily gained
they have no value whatsoever.
So how do we fix it?
1. Make it easier to get young people
involved in the industry.
2. Pay them a skill-related level of pay, to
keep them in the industry.
3. Become more innovative the methods
we use have not changed in 30 years.
25/10/2016 10:21
 Vox pop
With the upcoming US Presidential election,
what are your main concerns?
Anthony Brown
Director of sales and
marketing at BW:
Workplace Experts
This October 2016 marks
three decades since the Big Bang, the
dramatic deregulation of financial
markets in 1986 which prompted the
sudden arrival in the City of London of US
banks. This event also heralded the birth
of the British office fit-out market, so
there has always been a direct link.
Today, approximately 30% of the fit-out
turnover is from US clients. My view is that
if Clinton wins it's "business as usual", in
the highly unlikely event that Trump gets
the gig, then everything changes. He is
incredibly pro-business and the predicted
cuts in corporate tax, for example, could
create a mini short-term boom.
What is far more interesting, however, is
the potential for a Clinton/May dynamic,
two hawkish women in charge of the
world's leading economies. Dont think for
one moment that these women represent
a soft option!
Alex MacLaren
Architect at Wyatt MacLaren
and member of the BIM
2050 Group
The US election highlights
the enormous power of social media. Vast
swathes of voters are being won over on
spun images attached to 140-character
30-day payments what's new?
Alex Croll, via website
While the days of the local authority-
specific JCT form of contract are long gone,
both JCT and NEC publish public sector
amendments which implement 30-day
payment limits, freedom of information,
transparency etc (Government clarifies
30-day payment rules, online).
The real issue is not the contract terms,
but the fact that surveyors and project
managers within client organisations (1)
often lack sufficient delegated authorities,
and (2) cannot exercise professional
commercial judgement for matters within
their delegated limits.
Where costs fall within their limits,
professionals should be able to exercise
judgement, requiring a degree of evidence
suited to the value of the change. Instead,
fearing audit, they feel they must
12_13.CM.NOV16_VIEWS.indd 13
slogans, without recourse to more
complex arguments. That's scary. The
potential implication and ramifications for
the whole planet are utterly horrifying.
Do we see similar trends, at a more
regional scale, in our own construction
industry in the UK? Some might suggest
that, until recently at least, the swift and
sweeping success of London's Garden
Bridge proposal (a convincing photogenic
one-liner) over the turgid progress of
infrastructural and housing reform (really
boring but very earnest and extremely
important to us all) tells a similar story.
And then there's Brexit...
Monika Slowikowska
Founder, Golden Houses
Developments
My first thought is that
neither candidate will
satisfy the US public.
The UK construction industry will be
watching the election closely. I believe
the US could turn very ugly very quickly.
I dont believe anyone is expecting good
news following the result of this election.
Investors expect things in the US to be
bad or, at best, theyll be able to just
scrape by. The UK has strong business
links with the US and the election will
have a huge impact on investors
confidence: how they think, the risks
they are willing to take, whether they
look at short-term gains or long-term
demonstrably verify every detail. Apart
from the time cost and misdirection of
effort, the monetary cost of this detailed
administrative effort outweighs the value
of a minor change.
Mike Smith, via website
I note that this is "Statutory Guidance" and
nothing else. We have experience of the
NHS taking eight months to pay us on a
JCTMW contract and other local authorities
changing contract terms to monthly. So the
question is why introduce "guidance" when
the Construction Act doesn't work and JCT
contracts have never been rewritten to
reflect changes since 1963. The clause
numbers change but the practices go on.
Until there is a unity on revision of contracts
with a lead by subs and MCs rather than
the RICS which dominates JCT we'll still be
seeing this for years to come.
investment. A general strategy of risk
"What is reduction will be undertaken by most.
far more I suspect commercial property activity
interesting is will slow down even further in terms of
the potential building, buying and selling. People are
for a Clinton/ already putting some high-end projects in
May dynamic, London on hold and only average priced
two hawkish property will continue to be built.
women in
charge of the Sarah Fox
world's leading Author of How to Write
economies." Simple and Effective Letters
Anthony Brown, of Intent in Just 500 Words.
BW: Workplace It's been an interesting
Experts process following the US election. From my
view neither of the candidates are seen as
trustworthy and that's a huge issue.
If we don't trust them, how can we trust
their leadership, direction, agenda and
choices? Trust has to be at the core of
politics, as their actions will impact
everyone from the lowest person right up
to the most wealthy and big businesses.
This lack of trust will not sit well with
the public and could be an issue in the
future of whoever wins.
Royal Engineers back as builders
Bob Brooker, via website
Great news that the Sappers can run
their own show "again" after so long,
now all that is needed is for the powers
that be to reinstate the legendary
Apprentice Schools those institutions
produced far more competent tradesmen
than any civilian organisation (Royal
Engineers become D&B contractor for MoD,
CM October).
Contact us Mark Lindahl, via website
Do you have an Well done the Corps, good to see this
opinion on any happening again outside of Afghanistan.
of this months
articles? Email: Dennis Carter, via website
construction- As an ex RE this is about time. We tried
manager@atom explaining this approach to people when
publishing.co.uk the PSA was formed, but it fell on deaf
ears. Ubique.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 13
25/10/2016 10:23
 Comment Shelagh Grant
Housing policy takes a pragmatic turn
With new initiatives and a big financial commitment the
government has set a clear agenda on housing. The Housing
Forums Shelagh Grant unpicks the key proposals.
AT THE END OF THE POLITICAL conference
season we now know where the parties
stand on housing. Labour has firmly
nailed its colours to the mast of public
sector intervention with a proposal for
a massive increase in council house
building, which echoes of the glory days
of the post-war house building era.
Many will agree that local authorities
should be given the resources they
need to deliver more homes appropriate
for their areas.
Meanwhile, at its conference in
Birmingham the Conservative Party
confirmed its commitment to keep
housing centre stage with
announcements that suggest a markedly
different approach from the previous
government and new funds to support it.
The Home Building Fund has been
announced after months of trailing the
idea of a single funding pot. It is an
amalgamation of funds totalling 3bn,
comprising 1.15bn of new long- and
short-term loans, 525m Builders Finance
Fund, the 1bn Large Sites Infrastructure
Programme and Build to Rent. 1bn of the
fund has been earmarked for small and
custom builders to generate 25,500 new
homes and the balance will provide long-
term funding for infrastructure.
Increased funding
The good news is an increase in quantum
of funding and the inherent simplicity for
the Homes and Communities Agency to
administer it. Were keen to hear further
details of what will be delivered in terms
of housing tenures, particularly sub-
market rent or intermediate products and
how the Starter Homes policy will feature
in the new programme.
The 2bn Accelerated Construction
Fund, an ambitious programme to build on
public sector brownfield land, was also
launched. A rebrand of the previous
14 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
14_CM.NOV16.COMMENT.indd 14
governments Direct Commissioning
initiative, it is intending to use land
differently, such as derisking sites by
early investment in infrastructure and
receiving equity from developers after
the sale of homes instead of an upfront
payment. The fund will be specifically
aimed at smaller builders, custom builders
and offsite manufacturers to stimulate
the much-needed diversity of supply in
the market.
The proposal is to deliver up to 15,000
homes on surplus public sector land by
2020. To deliver on this, a concerted cross
departmental effort will be required to
deliver sufficient consented land to the
market in the timescale.
A new White Paper that cements the
governments commitment to increase
and speed up housing supply is expected
later this year. The detail is scant, but
expect to see more emphasis on small
sites, more efficient use of land and
increases in density.
There is likely to be further steamlining
of the planning system, claimed by some
commentators as the cause of constrained
supply (the reality is that planning
approvals have sped up and a better way
of resolving sticky planning processes is
to better resource planning departments).
The housing minister has made some
encouraging announcements about
improving quality as well to sustain
community support for new homes.
We should be pleased that increasing
housing supply remains at the centre of
national policy and that we are seeing
a return to pragmatism rather than
ideology from the current government.
Devolution appears to remain a priority
for the government so that combined
authorities and new mayors take full
control of local housing supply and
infrastructure investment, enabling cities
like London, Birmingham and Manchester
to decide their priorities rather than have
them dictated by inflexible national
requirements.
One of the most reassuring statements
from the housing minister is the
recognition that each area has a different
housing needs, whether an increase in
sub-market and intermediate rent or an
increase in home ownership. This is
particularly the case in many forgotten
areas of the country which have fared
badly and are yet to recover. In those
cases an industrial strategy to generate
employment and opportunity is needed to
sit alongside a tailored approach to
addressing affordable housing needs.
Return to pragmatism
So we should be pleased that increasing
housing supply remains at the centre of
national policy for both political parties
and that we are seeing a return to
pragmatism rather than ideology from the
current government. There is undoubtedly
a need to increase home ownership, yet it
is imperative that we address the needs
of a wide group of society through a
mixed-tenure solution.
The private rented sector must be
improved and regulated, a wide band of
housing types and tenures is required in
different areas, and young and old must
be better provided for in the context of
significant demographic change.
We hope the government is not only
listening but will provide further detail of
recent announcements in the Autumn
Statement.
Shelagh Grant is chief executive of
The Housing Forum
25/10/2016 10:24
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15.08.16 18:35
 Feature Digital construction

A VERY
PHOTOS: HILL GROUP/BRENDAN BELL

Above: Onsite staff were equipped
with iPads so they could refer to the
3D model on site
MODERN
MAKEOVER
Point cloud scans, BIM, iPads, digital setting out... this is
the story of how an unlikely small-scale project in Cambridge
became an exemplar for building using todays high-tech tools.
Denise Chevin reports.

18 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

18_22.CMOCT16.BimBarn.indd 18 25/10/2016 10:53


A RURAL HOUSING development on the
outskirts of Cambridge is the unlikely
setting for an exemplar in digital
construction. But the Hill project in
Trumpington, Cambridge, really does have
it all. Point cloud laser technology is used
to create a scan of existing buildings on
the site and the BIM model produced from
it is used to take off bills of quantities
without the need for an external quantity
surveyor. Setting out is also done digitally,
so reducing the cost of site engineers.
What makes this scheme even more
18_22.CMOCT16.BimBarn.indd 19
Feature Digital construction
We wanted to demonstrate that
complex technology can apply to
pretty much any project.
David Miller, DMA
beneficial to reduce waste and cut costs,
even on small conservation projects, says
David Miller of David Miller Architects
(DMA). The clients approach has been to
look at digital technology to unlock the
viability of the site, he says.
The digital approach potentially saved
tens of thousands of pounds by allowing
the team to get things right and reduce
the risks that often dog complicated
historic conversions.
DMA has worked on a number of
collaborative BIM projects, which was one
of the reasons the practice was selected.
We wanted to demonstrate that
complex technology can apply to pretty
much any project, says Miller. This was
very much the ambition of the client too.
The driving force behind harnessing
the new technology was Mike Beckett
MCIOB, managing director of Hill Bespoke,
a subsidiary of Hill Group, the ultimate
client for the 7.6m project.
The project comprises the conservation
and refurbishment of a group of historic
barns and other agricultural buildings
dating to the 18th century. When its
complete in March 2017, Hill will have
converted seven barns into eight homes
and built another four houses in two Left: The historic barns
blocks from scratch. The development is were of a rare type in
in the grounds of a former stately home, Cambridge and were
monitored closely by
now a hotel, and is aimed at the high-end conservation officers
market with prices starting at 1.25m. Below: When complete
Some of the barns have complex the project will deliver
12 homes from seven
timber structures and are Grade II listed, converted barns and
while the remainder have single- > four new builds
remarkable is that it is a relatively
small project and involves the restoration
of complex and dilapidated Grade II-
listed barns.
Add in the use of cross-laminated
timber panels manufactured in factories
and craned into place on site and what
you have is a microcosm of cutting-edge
construction within the confines of a
12-home development.
This is not so much a trailblazer for
BIM as an example of how a fully digitised
approach is viable, achievable and
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 19
25/10/2016 10:53
 Feature Digital construction

Offsite CLT improves buildability

Another innovative aspect of the project was the use of
offsite-manufactured cross-laminated timber panels.
The main reasons for using the CLT panels were to improve
buildability as the internal walls reach up to 9m high in
some locations and provide a more open-plan layout.
The steel frame that was initially proposed was deemed to
add too many constraints to the design.
The structural support for the walls and roof was formed
by a new steel table, which sits on the ground floor. The
panels were manufactured in Austria and delivered to site
and craned into place. This meant no temporary works were
required and the job was completed in 10 days.
Using the information from point cloud laser scans, the
architects were able to provide the CLT manufacturer with
details of the precise heights and outline of the gable end
walls, allowing the panels to be cut to precise dimensions.

Our vision is
to be the
leading, most
trusted
provider of
distinctive,
quality homes
and the BIM
strategy is line
with that
vision.
Mike Beckett
MCIOB,
Hill Bespoke

Client Hill Group

Architect
David Miller Architects
Contractor
Hill Bespoke
Structural engineer
Gemma Design
M&E engineer
Phillips Page Associates
CLT subcontractor
KLH UK

20 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

18_22.CMOCT16.BimBarn.indd 20 25/10/2016 10:53


>
skin masonry walls. To turn them
into modern homes the team reached
for different construction techniques,
including slotting steel frames into the
carcass of the timber barns to support the
new upper floors and the roof. They were
also enlarged with glass, or extended with
masonry construction with timber cladding
and zinc roofs (like the new-build units).
The semi-detached new-build houses
have masonry construction with structural
insulated panels on the roofs, which
are then clad in zinc. Their facade is
stack-bonded brickwork and green oak
rainscreen cladding, which draws on the
18_22.CMOCT16.BimBarn.indd 21
The scheme is an local vernacular. Throughout the process
example of how a fully a great deal of masonry was recycled from
digitised approach is
viable, achievable and the existing buildings and redeployed.
beneficial on a small Miller says of the barns: They are
conservation project irregular and dilapidated and fairly rare
in Cambridge and therefore of particular
interest to the conservation officer and
English Heritage. We had to develop
robust techniques so conservation
officers were happy with what we were
doing. This included kitting out specialist
conservation carpenters with iPads so
they could work to the 3D model and
make a photographic record of the work
that has been carried out.
What technology was employed for the project?
Even before the architect was brought in
in August 2015, Hills Mike Beckett had
decided that it would be a digital project
and rather than surveying the barns in the
traditional way he employed point cloud
laser scanning to capture an accurate
picture of the existing barn structures.
With this technology 3D scanners
measure a large number of points on
an object's surface, and often output
a point cloud as a data file. The point
cloud represents the set of points the
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 21
Feature Digital construction
The technological approach helped make
the project viable. Beckett has written a
BIM strategy for the entire group, but its
the first time they have taken the digital
approach for a conservation project.
Its a challenging project and we decided
just to grab hold of it. If we can engage
with BIM technology for historic fabrics we
can it do for anything, he says. Our vision
is to be the leading, most trusted provider
of distinctive, quality homes and the BIM
strategy is line with that vision.
Beckett says that one of the key drivers
for harnessing BIM across the group is
that Hill does a great deal of work with
registered social landlords and wanted to
ensure that in future partners would not
miss out on funding because they were
working in a joint venture where they were
not meeting any mandate requiring Level
2 BIM. Unlike other government agencies
the HCA does not yet stipulate this, but
Beckett is convinced it wont be long in
coming. People who want to stick with
spades, picks and shovels will no longer be
in business, he says.
For this scheme Beckett says one of the
main goals was to capture the condition
of the existing buildings accurately, so
the team could marry up this information
with the new design, prevent clashes
and increase productivity. An estimated
25,000 was saved due to the prevention
of steel clashes.
In terms of lessons learned, Beckett
says that next time they would spend
more time on clash detection and review
in a more formal way. And also lower their
expectations a little: Just because you
can model it, doesnt mean its right.
The 3D model needs to be rigorously
reviewed and the time needed to do that
should be understood. CM
device has measured. The technology is
becoming more commonplace and costs
have fallen. Beckett says that some of
the technology suppliers were keen to be
involved on more of trial basis with the
hope of getting more work in the future,
which also brought the costs down.
Architect David Miller Architects
then used Autodesk Revit to create a
section through the point cloud and
build a 3D model, which the new designs
were layered on to. We worked closely >
25/10/2016 10:54
 Feature Digital construction
> with structural and M&E engineers
in common data formats to share the
model, says Beckett. Software packages
included (Autodesk) BIM 360 Field,
Glue and Docs to share information for
both design and construction. Glue, for
example, allows the client to view in 3D,
mark in comments and send back, rather
than sending Requests for Information.
The client was much more willing to
take the common data environment
further than most, says project architect
Katie van der Schaar-Wood from David
Miller Architects. For example, the
carpenters had iPads and had access to
the 3D model. They used them to verify
the works to the existing listed structure
of Barn 1 by photographing the condition
before, during and after the work directly
into the model. This technique is being
developed for snagging, but used here in
an unusual way.
It provides a clear audit trail for the
client and also satisfied the planners. The
team has estimated that it could have
saved as much as 20,000 by shaving
off three weeks of time that it would
have taken to write up the report in the
traditional way, she adds.
The BIM model was created in a way
that meant bills of quantities could be
22 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
18_22.CMOCT16.BimBarn.indd 22
taken off directly, eliminating the double
handling of information, saving 25,000
in fees and halving procurement time.
Normally a project like this involves
a huge amount of risk and contingency,
with historic building youre discovering
new things all the time, says van der
Schaar-Wood. Its a refreshing approach
by a client keen to try out new ideas. And
forced everyone to be really collaborative
in a no blame environment.
The biggest challenge? Quantity take-
off. Before we started the project we had
a more theoretical view of quantity take-
off (QTO), says David Miller. As a team
we have developed a detailed knowledge
of the process, which has involved
adapting our modelling techniques and
how to organise and present information.
We have also enhanced our internal
procedures for reviewing information in
3D. These are being rolled out to benefit
all our projects, particularly the new ones
where we are working with Hill Bespoke.
For Hills Beckett, being able to
generate quantities from the model
was a huge advantage because it shaved
three months off the procurement
process. He says that providing
subcontractors with more information
rather than the usual taking off drawings
Left: Point cloud scans garnered more tenders, which were
were carried out and
DMA used Autodesk
returned more quickly.
Revit to build a 3D A final plank of the digital strategy on
model from them. the project was using (Autodesk) Point
Below right: BIM 360
Field was used to
Layout to set out the position of the
document and verify new buildings, roads, drainage and new
works and saved elements within the existing buildings.
around 20,000 in
specialist reporting.
This process has speeded up the project
and improved accuracy. Furthermore,
the technology also supported the
verification of existing construction
after partial demolition so that the CLT
structure fitted within the confines of
historical masonry, says Beckett.
He adds: To ensure the models were
an accurate representation of the existing
condition (and due to discrepancies we
discovered between the topographical
survey and point cloud scan) we also
used it to validate the size and location of
the existing barns. This was key for the
digital QTO process. The design team have
since been able to provide setting out
information to the site team based on live,
federated models.
Using this model-based setting out
has saved time for both design and site
teams. Our structural engineer, Gemma
Its a Design, has estimated a 75% time saving
refreshing through not having to produce setting out
approach by a drawings, says Beckett. The site team
client keen to have found that its saves on downtime
try out new as trades are not waiting for a setting out
ideas. It forced engineer. Overall it is also more accurate
everyone to be as we are using a federated model to set
collaborative in out using a shared coordinate system.
a no blame So much so that on future projects Hill
environment. will lessen their allowances for risk and
contingency. CM
Katie van der
Schaar-Wood,
DMA
25/10/2016 10:54
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24_25.NatTrustadvertorial.CM.Nov.16.indd 24 25/10/2016 14:44

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24_25.NatTrustadvertorial.CM.Nov.16.indd 25 25/10/2016 14:45

 Feature Quality
Where
is quality
going?
Has quality control fallen off constructions radar? And as the
skills crisis worsens and with EU labour restrictions on the
horizon, what is to be done about it? James Kenny reports.
WHILE IMAGE, productivity and skills are
often touted as crucial challenges facing
the construction industry, a little less in
the spotlight is the issue of quality.
As the government pushes house
builders to produce more homes amid
rising costs and labour shortages, there
is increasing evidence that quality
standards across the industry have
begun to decline, which is becoming a
real concern among contractors, clients,
industry bodies and the public alike.
The issue could become more pressing
as Brexit looms, with the spectre of
restricted labour movement across
Europe at a time when there is a huge
pipeline of infrastructure projects and a
determination to ramp up house building.
As Mark Farmer, founder of Cast
Consultancy and the author of the skills
report, Modernise or die, published
in October, put it: The industry must
modernise or face inexorable decline.
26 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
26_28.CMNOV16.quality.indd 26
Evidence that quality is suffering
already comes from a number of sources.
In July the All-Party Parliamentary Group
for Excellence in the Built Environment
(APPGEBE) looked into the quality and
workmanship of new-build housing
in England.
It found that there is an increasing
disparity between customer demands and
industry delivery when it comes to new
homes and said house builders should be
upping their game and putting consumers
at the heart of their business model.
Alongside this, it said, government should
use its influence to promote quality at
every opportunity.
Chairman of the group, Oliver Colvile
MP, said: It is clear to us that there is a
quality gap between customer demands
and industry delivery. Closing this gap
will only come about, we believe, if house
builders make a concerted effort to create
a more consumer-focused culture.
25/10/2016 12:13

Problems with roofs, surface finishes and
services are common issues that consumers
and house builders have reported.
So what is the cost of poor quality
construction? Not only is safety a major
issue as well as reputational, but the
monetary costs of having to go back and
fix defects can cost contractors large
amounts.
Research from the Chartered Quality
Institute Construction Special Interest
Group suggests that better quality
management could save the industry
between 7bn and 12bn, as we report
on page 48.
Don Ward, chief executive of
Constructing Excellence, says: With
the issues of defects, when we spoke
to clients last year, they said putting
the defects right was costing anywhere
between 1% and 5% of the project. The
amount of rework having to be done in
the sector is quite frightening, its a big
problem. Contractors should be dealing
with these issues from the outset and
save themselves some money.
Another construction body head,
who did not want to be named, says:
A pal of mine is currently working on
a project where hes been called in to
try and get it finished off and fix some
mistakes, and hes been so horrified with
the quality, what he thought was a month
or two job looks like a six-month job. And
that isnt unusual.
A lack of skills is also seen as a
concern. Evidence of this was seen
in a report in August by public sector
procurement organisation Scape, which
found that nearly 85% of public sector
construction managers and 58% of
private sector contractors and suppliers
believe that the current skills shortage is
negatively impacting the quality of their
workmanship.
The Sustainability in the Supply Chain
report surveyed more than 150 senior
managers at public organisations as well
26_28.CMNOV16.quality.indd 27
as a range of suppliers and subcontractors
delivering built environment services.
One in 10 contractors and suppliers said
that skills shortages were impeding their
ability to meet budgets.
Mark Robinson, chief executive at
Scape, says: There is a skills shortage
throughout construction, this has a
direct influence on costs, decisions and
ultimately influences quality.
It's not just about onsite, however,
and getting skills on the ground to
deliver projects, there is also an issue
with getting the right people into
management and professional disciplines.
If that quality reduces then the end result
is a poorer quality job.
Issues such as the performance gaps
between as designed and as delivered
energy efficiency of buildings are
also well documented, with quality of
workmanship an underlying problem.
Tough market conditions
The latest Glenigan key performance
indicators (KPIs) survey, released last
month, highlighted how tough market
conditions have begun to impact the
bottom line and employers are reducing
their workforce to minimise risk. The
2016 UK Industry Performance Report,
produced by Glenigan alongside the CITB,
surveyed 1,000 key people on projects
completed in 2015.
While overall it revealed a broadly
positive picture with most key indicators
on the rise, it did find that only 41% of
projects came in on time and increasing
labour and material costs meant that
industry profitability took a hit, dropping
from 2.8% to 2.5%
Certainly, skills shortages are cited
across the board as being at the root of the
quality issue. Stephen Wielebski FCIOB,
who gave evidence to the APPGEBE, is one
of those pointing to the lack of a properly
trained workforce as one of the key
reasons why quality is suffering. >
Feature Quality
Willmott Dixon ups standards
Contractor introduces quality managers
Residential developer and contractor Willmott Dixon has put in
place measures to monitor and maintain quality across the group.
According to Martin Adie, operations director, the issue of
quality is something that was recognised a few years ago, and
since then a crack squad has been put in place to monitor and
maintain standards across the whole company.
He explains: We recognised this was an issue a few years
ago and after consulting with clients, the feedback was that
the quality of the product wasn't good enough.
So we opted to take a more engineered approach to quality
management. Over the last three years this has seen a team
of two grow to about 15 today. Each of the companys nine
businesses have appointed a quality delivery manager.
Some have two.
Among the main problems he says they identified were
leaking roofs, poor-quality surface finishes, doors not fitting
and also various of M&E issues.
Adie says: The biggest cause of complaints was often M&E
related and was because the end users weren't trained to
install and use complex M&E systems and buildings in general
haven't moved on that much in 20 years but M&E systems have.
To address such issues Willmott Dixon introduced an onsite
checklist, along with further training and it also started
to engage meaningfully with its manufacturers.
We took a step beyond our supply chain and started to
engage manufacturers, says Adie. The typical example would
be the flat roofs scenario. We began to say to them, how fed up
are you with getting tarnished with this problem? Your product
leaves in perfect condition but on site there was the problem.
So we've been working with various companies such as
British Gypsum on metal stud partitions, these are the issues
that we are looking at as well as what we can do to work
together to make sure the supply chain is capable.
We're also in communication with our supply chain to get
them involved earlier and get them to understand we all want
a quality product. Longer term we're looking at the cost value
debate with our consultants, and eventually with our clients.
Quite frankly you get what you pay for, but you need everyone
understanding and working towards the same standard.
There is also an issue with
getting the right people into
management and professional
disciplines. If that quality
reduces then the end result is a
poorer quality job.
Mark Robinson, Scape
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 27
25/10/2016 12:10
 Feature Quality
> Wielebski says: Its a simple
fact there is a skills shortage,
there arent enough people coming
into the industry at all levels, and
the standards of training need to
be consistent. Due to time and cost
restraints, companies often have no
choice but to spread out their workforce
and the right people are not always
working on the right jobs.
Mark Wakeford, managing director of
midlands contractor Stepnell, agrees.
We are seeing a shortage of skills on site,
the same companies are still there but
just fewer people in those companies,
he says. Good people are being spread a
lot thinner and on every job it is taking
longer to achieve the quality needed
and expected.
With your supply chain you
have to be more explicit about
what you need and want and
quality you expect, as if you
dont standards can fall. We've
got clients who demand certain
site managers of us. We expect the
same from our supply chain, but it's
proving a challenge to find competent
quality people.
But while skills shortages are clearly
beginning to bite, there's also a more
deep-rooted issue. Poor quality could
be a result of constructions low-margin
climate or, at a more basic level, quality
is seen as secondary to getting the job
done, with snagging picking up the
problems later.
Poor quality is not necessarily a new
issue. The problems with PFI schools
and hospitals has shone an unwelcome
spotlight on quality. For example, 17 PFI
schools in Edinburgh built a decade ago
were forced to close because of defects. A
report from the council's corporate policy
and strategy committee had said early
indications pointed to a construction
quality matter as opposed to a design
defect or operating model. The full report
is expected in November.
Fire safety and protection and finishes
have also come under scrutiny with a
number of faults in workmanship and the
28 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
26_28.CMNOV16.quality.indd 28
quality of fire protection being
When we uncovered recently in four high-
spoke to profile PFI hospitals across the UK.
clients last Problems have been uncovered
year they said at University Hospital Coventry, Royal
putting the Derby Hospital, Walsall Manor Hospital
defects right and King's Mill Hospital in Mansfield,
was costing Nottinghamshire.
between 1% The hospitals were found to be not
and 5% of the robust enough with breaches in the
project. fire compartmentalisation walls being
Don Ward, at the heart of the problem. Contractors
Constructing are now being brought back to carry out
remedial measures in the hospitals.
Excellence
We've seen what's happened with
the legacy issues of the PFI building
investigations and it is clear that the
quality just isn't being done in the first
place, says Wilf Butcher, chief executive
of the Association for Specialist Fire
Protection.
Butcher says the problems are often
technically linked to fire containment walls
and says the cause can be linked back to
the original workmanship.
You have the follow-on trades doing
these jobs and they're just not trained for
it. They shouldn't be assigned to it, but
subcontractors and other follow-on trades
are often the ones finishing off the fire
protection work and it then comes back as
being unsafe.
He adds: Often, as well, even if
repairs are done there is the issue of the
appropriate material not being used for
the job, flame retardant foam to fix a gap
in the ceiling, for example, is often used.
Apart from more training and recruiting
more skilled people, what else can the
industry do about the quality issue?
Clerk of works
Bringing back a clerk of works on projects
is held up as one answer. The clerk of
works, once a regular figure on sites, has
become rarer and rarer in the last few
years, and many believe this has led to
faltering standards.
As one industry veteran puts it: I've
been in the industry for 30 years starting
off on site and up through management,
you once always had a clerk of works on
site and staff were more closely monitored,
it just isn't as tight these days.
The Institute of Clerks of Works and
Construction Inspectorate of Great Britain
(ICWCI), in its submission to the APPGEBE
on the quality and workmanship of new
housing, acknowledged that contractors
are increasingly facing a quality/cost/time
dilemma, which is exacerbated by the fall in
skills and resource levels, knowledge gaps
and general poor standards of workmanship.
The ICWCI recommends that a higher
degree of regular quality monitoring via
a qualified clerk of works should take
place, but as builders continue to have
targets and costs are squeezed then the
likelihood is the situation will remain the
same, or get worse.
Companies are responding to the
challenge of upping quality, however.
Crossrail, for example, insisted that all
construction firms tendering for business
on the project have a Chartered Quality
Institute-qualified quality professional or
equivalent in the ranks.
And house builder and contractor
Willmott Dixon has introduced a raft of
new quality control procedures (see box
previous page).
There are also moves to
professionalise quality by the adoption
of systems such as the ISO 9000 quality
management standard.
And one area that many feel could be
raise quality standards across the industry
is greater use of new technology and the
engagement of offsite manufacturing.
By using offsite many think that
a certain high-quality finish will be
maintained throughout.
Ward says: When you start talking
about skills and lack of labour and falling
quality in construction, then the use of
offsite, digital technology and BIM are the
solutions.
Using new technology and having a
highly efficient process in a controlled
environment, such as offsite factories,
should ensure the end product is of a
consistent high quality. CM
CPD: Quality management, page 48
25/10/2016 12:15
21.ad.MAY16.Bluebeam.indd 2 18/04/2016 14:00
 Feature BIM round table
Technical
talking
Six months on from the watershed that was the
government mandate on use of Level 2 BIM for
centrally procured projects, CM gathered experts
and stakeholders from the industry to discuss its
impact. Tom Ravenscroft reports.
30 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
30_34.CMNOV.roundtable.indd 30
FOR MANY YEARS the BIM mandate has
been one of the most discussed pieces
of legislation within the built environment,
and its date of implementation, 4 April
2016, is seen as the most important
milestone in construction's transformation
from an analogue to a digital industry. From
this date all central government-procured
projects must be designed and constructed
using Level 2 BIM, ushering in a new era of
digitally enabled projects that benefit from
increased efficiency of time and materials.
Six months have now passed since
PHOTOGRAPHY: GEORGE ARCHER
the industry-defining mandate came
into effect, so Construction Manager,
supported by software developer
Bluebeam, gathered some of the
industry's most influential BIM advocates
for a lively debate to discover whether the
mandate has been successful and what
25/10/2016 14:57

needs to happen to drive greater
adoption of BIM and technology in the
construction industry. The debate fell into
a number of key themes:
Don't believe the hype
The session kicked off with the group
trying to get a grasp on the current state
of the industry's level of BIM adoption.
While companies are adopting BIM
at different rates, there was general
agreement that the mandate has not only Evolve Consultancy, added: The best
increased the rate of adoption, but also
PHOTOGRAPHY: GEORGE ARCHER
controlled some of the hype around BIM.
Shaun Farrell, associate director at Turner all you would hear is BIM this, BIM that.
& Townsend kicked off the discussion by
drawing on the Gartner Hype curve a
graphical trajectory for the progression of
new technologies. It starts with a steep
rise to reach the peak of expectations
30_34.CMNOV.roundtable.indd 31
before falling sharply to the trough of
disillusionment then rising again more
slowly to a plateau of productivity.
What most of us here are trying to
do is cut the top of the hype curve off
so that you never go into the trough of
disillusionment, but rather the industry
steadily realises the benefits of BIM.
You don't bother following the hype,
explained Farrell.
Nigel Davies, director of US-based
thing that the mandate has done is take
the hype curve out of play. Beforehand
Isn't it wonderful? You can save 500%
of your budget. What it [the mandate]
has done is created a level playing field
for everyone, rather than listening to
all the nonsense. It's given a practical
Feature BIM round table
approach to what it is possible to achieve.
The best Farrell agreed, however he was quick
thing that the to point out that while the government
mandate has has clearly stated what it wanted, there
done is take could have been more guidance on how
the hype curve to achieve it: They took the approach of:
out of play. We want this at the end, we just don't
care how you do it, he stated. They
Nigel Davies,
have been really good deciding to be an
Evolve
intelligent client and saying 'we'll lead'. >
Bluebeams innovative desktop, mobile and cloud
solutions push the limits of digital collaboration
to enable professionals, who work in the most document-intensive industries,
to do what they do, better. Bluebeam's award-winning PDF and collaboration
solutions are used by some of the top architectural, engineering and construction
companies, manufacturers, government agencies and municipalities to reduce
paper usage, increase productivity and be an easy bridge to BIM that the
industry needs. Learn more at www.bluebeam.com/uk
Bluebeam also aims to connect and inspire professionals by fostering debates
and publishing influential articles on StrXur.com and BreakgroundMedia.com
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 31
25/10/2016 14:57
 Feature BIM round table

People feel the need to use

the word BIM, as its the answer
they need to give to get into
tenders or to get onto projects.
Fred Mills, The B1M

honesty about what they can and can't do.

If they were honest from the start we'd be
more than happy to help them along. At
least we'd know where we stand.
Although more transparency and
honesty is undoubtedly required across
construction, Fred Mills, founder of web
and social media specialist The B1M,
asserted that this tendency to exaggerate
skills comes directly from heightened
expectations surrounding BIM: It's a
manifestation of the hype, people feel
the need to use the word BIM, as its the
answer they need to give to get into
tenders or to get onto projects.
Mills believes that part of this problem
is a lack of a broad understanding. I get
the feeling that there is a real issue with
knowledge inequality around BIM, he
continued. There are people who are
advanced with it and are pushing ahead,
but the vast majority are a little bit left
behind. We've done very well in the UK,
both from a government perspective and
an expertise perspective, of developing
processes and nailing the theory. What
we have failed to do is translate it into a
Who was there are misinterpreting their own capabilities. consumable format for the masses. That's
Top row (l-r): Mark Norton, head of BIM, fit-out, engineering and There are companies that say they are where the traction needs to come from.
construction, ISG; Nick Leach, head of BIM, Multiplex Construction Europe; [BIM enabled] to win work. But once they
Garry Fannon, project BIM manager, Willmott Dixon; Fred Mills, director,
get on that work, they definitely prove Clients need greater involvement
The B1M; Shaun Farrell, associate director, Turner & Townsend
that they are not, which then kills the Garry Fannon, project BIM manager at
Bottom row (l-r): James Chambers, senior account services manager,
Bluebeam; Sasha Reed, vice president of strategic development, whole thing and increases disillusionment. Willmott Dixon, believes understanding
Bluebeam; Nathan Wood, chief enabling officer, SpectrumAEC; Rather than being practical and saying needs to begin with the client. The start
Nigel Davies, director, Evolve Consultancy on the hype curve you're asking us to do of the journey for me is our client or
Not pictured: Denise Chevin, discussion chair, editor CM; this and we can only do this, they customer not getting the quality advice
Tom Ravenscroft, editor BIM+ are promising the top of the curve. they really need to understand their own
Nick Leach, head of BIM at Multiplex part in this journey, he said. Time and
> Be honest about your capabilities Construction, agreed, saying this is a time again we see contracts with those
Although most around the table agreed real problem for the industry. However, three horrible words BIM Level 2. All of a
the mandate has had a huge impact on this was not seen as a problem sudden we have to unpick the process, as
the profession transforming the hype exclusively related to BIM capabilities. they have been poorly advised and their
surrounding BIM into actual targets It was viewed as being ingrained within expectations are wrong.
and processes that the industry can the construction industry, where often Fannon sees the solution as clients
aim for they also agreed that it has companies do not give honest answers, seeking out and getting better advice
also led to confusion and a great deal of due to the pressure of satisfying at the start of the process, while Turner
misinterpretation of people's abilities. sometimes unreasonable clients. & Townsend's Farrell sees clients
Farrell noted that it is extremely hard Leach continued: As contractors you misunderstanding as being born out of
to understand the degree to which BIM try to take others on the journey with you, how successful we have been integrating
has been adopted, as many companies but there is this cloak-and-dagger lack of BIM as an industry up until now. Clients >
32 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

30_34.CMNOV.roundtable.indd 32 25/10/2016 15:04

35.ad.macmillan.CMOCT16.indd 2 19/09/2016 15:48
 Feature BIM round table
> think that since BIM has been mandated,
you can go out to Tesco and buy it. It's
fully defined and that is essentially what
they think they can go out and buy from
the industry, Fannon said.
However, Farrell suggested that this
was not the case: All Level 2 has really
done is introduced data into an industry
that has never used data before.
Hearing this, James Chambers, senior
account services manager at Bluebeam,
asked if clients really understood what
Level 2 is. The general response seemed
to be that traditionally clients have been
indifferent to harnessing information in
the past. As Fannon pointed out: History
tells us they sit back, say give me a
building', employ someone to manage it for
me, employ a contractor to deliver it. In the
new world of BIM that doesn't work. We
need to spend more time understanding
their requirements so we can respond to it
and deliver what they want.
This, of course, means that clients need
to spend more time understanding their
own requirements. Although they may
be willing to pay for additional services,
they may not be willing to spend time
understanding what they actually need
the building to do.
Clients need to be aware that they
have to change their behaviour, said
Nathan Wood, chief enabling officer at
SpectrumAEC. Owners don't understand
what they need to give up to get the
benefits of BIM you can't have your
cake and eat it.
But Mark Norton, head of BIM, fit-
out, engineering and construction at
ISG, pointed out that clients are also
progressing on their own BIM journey:
There has been a shift in client
awareness and it [understanding of BIM]
has improved. There has been a phase-
shift in the past year where they have
become more knowledgeable.
Are contracts creating a barrier to BIM?
The conversation turned towards the sticky
subject of contracts. The B1Ms Fred Mills
outlined the problem, stating that current
contracts are creating a huge barrier.
However, BIM consultant Nigel Davies
was adamant that contracts are being
used as an excuse not to engage with
BIM: Its not just about the contracts, its
about putting barriers up as an excuse for
not breaking them down. We can
34 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
30_34.CMNOV.roundtable.indd 34
work under the contracts we have now
if we work openly and objectively.
Wood agreed, adding: Even if we had
better contracts, it is easier to sling mud
than it is to have crucial conversations
that need to be had because of different
personalities. Because at the end of
the day, design and construction are
polar opposites.
Although Mills accepted that there
were cultural issues, he said: I don't
think that the ultimate value proposition,
where we are all working digitally and
collaboratively, can be achieved in 10
or 20 years using a 2011 JCT design
and build contract.
Wood agreed that updating contracts
should be one of the highest priorities:
Until we change contracts nothing else
matters as people follow the money.
Ultimately the players in the room are not
incentivised to do what we should do.
Ending on a positive note, Farrell
pointed out that many companies are very
successful in their use of BIM. There are
people out there who are going to do it as
it is the right thing to do, he said.
Clients think that since BIM
has been mandated, you can go
out to Tesco and buy it. Its fully
defined and that is essentially
what they think they can buy.
Garry Fannon, Willmott Dixon
Technologys role in construction?
Asked about the role of technology in
constructions current thinking, Farrell
dispelled some of the hype that is leading
some to believe that technology will solve
all the industrys problems. We did an
analysis and concluded that technology is
only 10% of the challenge , he stated. If
you fix the technology, and don't address
the culture with technology, then you are
only going to solve 10% of the problem.
While all present agreed that technology
is not a silver bullet, everyone also
accepted that it has an important role to
play in improving construction methods
and communication. A key stumbling block
that was identified was companies and,
essentially, decision makers attitudes to
technology.
Willmott Dixon's Fannon explained:
There is a cultural issue in many
businesses. There is a hierarchy of
technology, where more senior people
get given better technology. We are at
a position in the industry where we, as
main contractors, need to reflect on the
new generation coming through and start
seeing technology's value, not cost.
He continued: There is a cultural issue.
For decision makers in our industry, this is
not their core skill. They are builders. They
trust money and they know how to build.
The rest of it is peripheral.
All the contractors around the table
had examples of where technology
whether smart phones, tablets or apps
had improved processes, however, it
was far from fully ingrained within their
businesses.
Sasha Reed, vice president of strategic
development at Bluebeam, concluded that
full integration of technology will only
happen once decision makers realise the
financial benefits or feel the pinch from
Continue the debate failing to retain staff: Until it hits the
by participating in executives pockets then it [technological
the Bluebeam round
adoption] will not happen. It's a fuse that
table this November.
Details coming soon has been lit but we have yet to feel the
via the CM website full impacts. CM
25/10/2016 14:58
 Connecting Global Competence

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35.ads.CMNOV16.indd 2 25/10/2016 14:11

 Construction Professional
ALAMY
Think youre recruiting
fairly? Well think again
David Hancock, head of construction at the Cabinet Office, said he
was mooting quotas to boost womens presence in construction.
Paul Fox, founder of Constructive Coaching, is all in favour.
QUOTAS, TARGET SETTING and positive action The problem is the incumbent male
need to be on the table to shift our majority genuinely believe that they are Imagine what
industrys woeful female board level choosing the best person for the job, it just a 15% uplift in
representation. so happens that that person is the grey- women senior
Both men and women tell me positive haired, middle-aged white guy again. construction
discrimination is bad because selection Our prejudices are so ingrained that it is positions
should only be based on objective criteria tough to see outside of them, so when would do for
the best person for the job should the right female candidate rocks up we recruitment
always be hired, whether that person is men (and women, studies show) just cant and retention
male or female. In an ideal world see or hear how fit for purpose she is. it would be a
meritocracies are it. We honestly, with good heart and virtuous cycle.
36 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
36_37.CM.Nov16_CONPROF.indd 36
intent, believe we have chosen fairly and
chosen the best person for the job
and the status quo is maintained.
In the world of a potentially diverse
workforce, at the top end, nothings
going to change as long as that belief
system and inherent bias is influencing
the choice.
Dr David Hancock, head of construction
at the Cabinet Office, is considering
endorsing gender quotas for women on
government-funded construction
projects.
He said: I was never one for quotas
in the industry or using it but Im
moving towards that thinking.
I dont exactly know why he is moving
towards that thinking, but Id like to think
it is something Ive learned from the
military called inevitability management.
Recently Ive been engaging with senior
officers implementing the introduction
of women into the Royal Marines, a
mandate ordered by the government this
summer. An educated guess would say
that 90% of serving Royal Marines and
probably more retired Marines are against
this. This is a big deal.
Inevitability planning
However, policy officers in the Royal Navy
and Marines saw this inevitability a
while back and have been planning how
to make it work on the ground, how to
turn this into an opportunity, sending
conditioning messages, organising
themselves and now actively recruiting
into the small talent pool.
It was inevitable and when things are
inevitable, resistance is a waste of energy
and opportunities are overlooked.
It is inevitable that we are going to
experience a greater shortfall of
engineers in this country and possibly its
going to get worse once Brexit is under
way with immigration changes.
The UK has the lowest percentage of
female engineering professionals in
Europe, at less than 10%, while Latvia,
Bulgaria and Cyprus lead with nearly 30%.
Are my detractors going to tell me we
cant learn from Cyprus or Bulgaria and
set a +20% target benchmarked against a
precedent that already exists?
Over the past few decades, the
orchestral music world has undergone
a revolution. Many musicians thought
that male conductors were abusing
25/10/2016 15:10

their power and playing favourites
to male selection.
Now, after robust action and strategy
change in the orchestra selection process,
potential musicians are identified not by
name but by number. Screens are erected
between the interviewing committee and
the auditioner. Selection is made on
technical merit and the possibility of
unconscious bias has been removed.
As these affirmative new rules were
put in place around the world, an
extraordinary thing happened: orchestras
began to hire women (from 5% to 25%
since the 1970s).
Imagine what a 15% uplift in women
senior construction positions would do for
recruitment and retention it would be a
virtuous cycle.
I believe we wont see big equality
gains in the construction sector anytime
soon, until we establish quotas or take
affirmative action and set targets for
women on boards.
Someone famously said: I will know
that we have reached equality when a
mediocre woman is put in charge of a
company.
My male colleagues talk as if we
industry men have reached astounding
levels of competence and effectiveness.
They go on about meritocracy like its
going to be actually that difficult to
better current results produced mostly
by men or that women will screw things
up. Its not as if the construction sector is
a beacon of productivity and innovation
is it gents?
The slow embrace of technology,
adversarial cultures, fragmentation and
low productivity have all been maintained
pretty exclusively under the male watch.
Most of us believe that we are ethical
and unbiased. We believe we are balanced
decision makers, able to fairly size up a job
candidate and reach a rational conclusion
thats in our organisations best interests.
Two decades of unconscious bias
research confirms that, in reality, most of
us fall woefully short of our inflated self-
perception.
Some adopt the attitude of Ill not
cast the first stone. Im grateful that I
notice the unconscious bias pretty quick
these days.
But consider the following scenario:
Last week in a major contractors office
I was asked if Id like to meet Sam the
36_37.CM.Nov16_CONPROF.indd 37
My male colleagues
go on about
meritocracy like its
going to be actually
that difficult to
better current results
produced mostly by men.
head of engineering. Sam walks in
and Im momentarily surprised to note
he is wearing a dress. Oh yes, Sam is
also a womens name my shame quickly
kicks in.
At least these days it might take me
0.05 of a second to catch those kind of
thoughts and make a mental note that Im
a human work in progress.
Is that pleasant or easy to admit? No,
but its the truth and those males who are
honest enough to enter into this
conversation will also admit to stubborn
bias that they would rather not have.
The case for quotas
Most western nations are now dictating
quotas for female board representation
and there is nothing stopping boards
setting targets for diversity right now
hence Lord Davies setting a target of 33%
of women on FTSE 350 boards by 2020.
Board diversity enhances board
performance. There is now an
overwhelmingly strong business case.
Quotas and targets are just a mechanism, a
tool to achieve the outcome we all want to
see. So lets get over it and get on with it.
Let me conclude by asking the
following questions:
l Who in their business has experienced
or initiated unconscious bias training?
l When interviewing, do you ask male
and female candidates the exact same
questions? (Our Police discovered that
gender biases in choosing between a
male and female candidate for a senior
officer role were reduced when specific
criteria were set up before reviewing
applicants).
There are very valid reasons why it
will be difficult to create gender equality
but none that cant be overcome
with strength of will and leadership.
I suspect my male friends out there
absolutely believe that strength of will
overcomes all obstacles and practice that
on a daily basis. We either find a way, or
we find an excuse.
BIM bytes: The JCT
Design & Build
contract and BIM
On 22 September 2016, the
Joint Contracts Tribunal issued
its 2016 edition of the JCT
Design and Build Contract.
As with the Public Sector
Supplement issued in 2011
and the JCTs practice note
published in January 2016,
entitled Building Information
Modelling (BIM) Collaborative
and Integrated Team Working,
the new JCT DB 2016 contract
continues to have light- design has been completed.
touch drafting for BIM. It will be important to ensure
The amendments accept
the BIM Protocol as a contract
document. The guide that has
been published with the JCT
DB 2016 states that the JCT
considers that its contracts
give sufficient latitude to BIM
Protocols so that a conflict
should not arise; in any event,
it also considers that
unqualified overriding
provisions are not appropriate
in such protocols.
Consistent obligations
I agree that a provision which
states that the BIM Protocol
overrides the terms of the
contract is not appropriate,
because it should be ensured
that terms are consistent.
However, it is worth noting
the reason why the CIC BIM
Protocol suggests that it
should prevail: so that each of
the consultants and the
contractor can understand and
rely on the consistency of
obligations of the other
members of the project team.
The upshot is that any
intended BIM Protocol should
be reviewed for consistency
with the general JCT DB 2016
terms and consistency should
Read new case studies
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 37
also be sought with the terms
in appointing other members
of the project team.
The JCT DB 2016 makes a
new amendment such that
supply of the contractors
design documents is to be in
accordance with the
provisions of the BIM Protocol.
JCT Design & Build contracts
have always been signed
when most, if not all, of the
that any design submission
procedure is consistent with
the work that has gone on in
the pre-construction phase,
as the pre-construction phase
is not catered for by the JCT
DB 2016.
It is worth reviewing the
JCTs BIM practice note from
January and again noting the
emphasis on collaborative
working being a key to
successful implementation of
BIM. The practice note cites
other forms in the JCT suite
that might be more suitable
for such collaborative working
than the JCT Design & Build
contract.
Overall, the BIM
amendments are, like the
other amendments that the
JCT has made in this 2016
update, underwhelming in
their substance. Most of
the update has been small
tweaks to wording, relatively
few of which (such as the
process to claim loss and
expense) will have any
substantial effect.
Assad Maqbool is a partner at
Trowers & Hamlins specialising
in projects and construction.
BIM best practice
from around the country
demonstrating BIM best practice
from Balfour Beatty, BAM,
Galliford Try, Kier, Costain and
many more. Go to the award-
winning BIM+ website:
www.bimplus.co.uk
25/10/2016 15:10
 Construction Professional
Fighting it out on adjudication costs
Two Acts of Parliament appear to offer contradictory positions on who pays an adjudicators
costs. Jonathan Parker attempts to find out if there can be an overall winner.
THIS COLUMN CONSIDERS the often confusing
and much-debated position for recovering
costs in adjudication. Thankfully, it is
all perfectly clear and easy to grasp
because Section 108A of the Housing
Grants and Construction Regeneration Act
says unequivocally that parties cannot
include provisions in their contract for
the allocation of the other sides costs in
adjudication. And, coming from the lofty
echelons of an Act of Parliament, nobody
is going to question the effects of that
provision right?
Well, that is until we run into another
Act of Parliament that arguably provides
the contrary. The legislation fighting
out of the blue corner in this instance is
the Late Payment of Commercial Debts
(Interest) Act 1998. Lets just call them
the Construction Act and the Commercial
Debts Act for now.
What are the two Acts fighting about?
Section 5A of the Commercial Debts
Act conveys a right to the costs of
recovering a debt, which could extend
to a partys costs in adjudication. The
Commercial Debts Act came into force
in 2013, and although there has been
some consideration over the potential
clash between these Acts before,
this debate has raised its head most
recently following the judgment in Lulu
Construction Ltd v Mulalley & Co Ltd. Here
the High Court enforced an adjudicators
decision which included an award under
the Commercial Debts Act of almost
48,000 for what it described as debt
recovery costs.
In the red corner there is section
108A of the Construction Act. This limits
the recovery of costs subject to two
exceptions. The first exception is that a
contract can state that the adjudicator
decides who pays their fees and expenses
that is the easy part. What is being
fought over between the two Acts is a
partys costs for instructing lawyers to
represent them in an adjudication. The
second exception is for agreements
between the parties to allocate costs
38 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
38.CM.NOV16.conprof.indd 38
after the adjudication has begun. In all my
years of working in construction law,
I have only seen this once.
So what is the legal position on the
awarding of costs following the Lulu
judgment? The short answer is nobody
can be certain at this stage, and it
will remain uncertain until we have
a High Court judgement on precisely
this question. But doesnt the Lulu
There have judgment answer the question as to
been good recovery of a partys costs? I hear you
fights put up ask Unfortunately it does not. Lulu was
from both merely concerned with the enforcement
camps the of an adjudicators decision, and as we
truth is that have seen before, enforcement can only
the victor can be defeated on narrow grounds, such as
only land the the adjudicator being biased or lacking
knockout blow jurisdiction.
with the courts The courts will enforce an adjudicators
or legislative decision even if they think it is wrong,
intervention.
and as bizarre as that may sound, I
believe it is how things should be.
Adjudication is supposed to provide quick
access to a temporarily binding decision
and if those decisions can be as quickly
unpicked it would undermine the value of
the process. And the parties will still have
access to court or arbitration to have the
decision reheard.
So we are left with the two positions
slugging it out and a very real conflict
between the two Acts. The Construction
Act prohibits clauses in a contract that
allocate payment of costs; whereas the
Commercial Debts Act implies terms in
contracts for the payment of interest and
with a costs size hole in their bank balance
compensation arising out of late payment.
The Commercial Debts Act also provides
that If the reasonable costs of the supplier
in recovering the fixed debt are not met
by the fixed sum (of 100), the supplier
shall also be entitled to a sum equivalent
to the difference between the fixed sum
and those costs. The argument goes
that it is reasonable to engage a lawyer
in seeking to recover monies due through
adjudication, especially if you are not
familiar with the adjudication process, and
so the above provision imposes a right to
recover your costs.
Lawyer Rachel Gwilliam has written a
superb Society of Construction Law paper
on this topic and argues that there is no
conflict between the two Acts because
the Commercial Debts Act doesnt award
costs, but instead awards compensation,
if the fixed amount of up to 100 is
insufficient. If it is compensation that is
being awarded, it cannot then be barred
by the Construction Act provision that is
concerned with costs.
Some see that as a fair and balanced
position, since without it a paying party
suffers little consequences for failing to
pay, whereas the payee, whose cash flow
has suffered, can end up out of pocket
for costs of simply trying to get what was
owed to them.
My view? I have sympathy for costs
being awarded because I have always seen
adjudication as being there to help the little
firm get paid and reduce subbie bashing,
and that works better if they are not left
for the privilege of obtaining their money.
There have been good fights put up
from both camps on this issue, but the
truth is that the victor can only land
the knockout blow with the courts or
legislative intervention. Until then well
be wandering in to adjudications unsure
about whether costs will be awarded or
not. This is extremely significant when
you look at the unexpected award of
48,000 of costs in the Lulu case.
Jonathan Parker is director of Quigg
Golden Solicitors
25/10/2016 15:13
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 Construction Professional
Need to know: Apprenticeship Levy
Understanding the funding mechanism for training can be a complex affair so how does
the governments new Apprenticeship Levy fit into the equation?
What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The Apprenticeship Levy is a new levy
introduced by the government on all
employers with a wage bill of more than
3m a year. It is intended to encourage
employers to invest in apprenticeships,
to increase the quality and quantity of
apprenticeships across the whole of
the economy.
The levy was announced in the 2015
summer Budget and will come into force
in April 2017 at a rate of 0.5% of an
employers wage bill, paid through PAYE. It
is expected to raise 3bn a year by 2020.
How many construction firms will need
to pay the Apprenticeship Levy?
Based on current data, about 1% of
employers registered with CITB, about
600 companies, will need to pay. However,
the apprenticeship reforms will impact on
construction employers of all sizes.
What will employers get back from
the levy?
Employers in England will be able to reclaim
their contributions as digital vouchers to
pay for apprenticeship training.
This voucher system will not apply in
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The devolved governments in those
countries will receive additional funds
in proportion to the amount spent on
training in England.
Employers that pay the Apprenticeship
Levy will also receive a 10% top-up
from the government towards their
total monthly contributions in England.
So, for every 1 an employer pays in,
they can draw down 1.10 to spend on
apprenticeship training.
How will the proposed funding bands
work? Will they work for construction?
The governments proposed funding
bands for framework apprenticeships
raise real concerns for the construction
industry.
Even with the sector-beneficial
increases to funding for STEM subjects
the CITB has warned that governments
40 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
40.CM.NOV16.conprof.indd 40
proposed funding bands will cut funding
CITB has for construction apprenticeships by
warned that between 20% and 30%.
governments We are concerned that training
proposed providers could stop training in the higher
funding bands cost sectors, such as construction, or
will cut they could ask employers to make up the
funding for shortfall in cost, which might deter firms
construction from taking apprentices on. Weve voiced
apprentice- these concerns to the Department of
ships by Education and contributed to the recent
between 20% consultations on apprenticeship funding,
and 30%. the organisation says.
The new standards for apprenticeships
currently being drawn up by employers
will be funded at a higher rate, because
they are considered to be of a higher
standard than their corresponding
framework. But at this stage again there
is another major unknown we dont
know what the standards will look like.
Only two standards have been approved
for construction trades.
The CITB says it supports the
new employer-designed standards,
believing they will improve the quality
of apprenticeships. But it says it is
concerned, however, at the slow rate
that the transition from construction
frameworks to standards is taking: At
this rate we will still be working under
the existing frameworks system and will
continue to beyond 2017.
Whats the co-investment rate?
All employers need to know about
something called the co-investment rate.
This rate is applied to employers that do
not pay the Apprenticeship Levy, or those
that do but have used all the funds in
their Digital Accounts. In these instances
firms will need to pay 10% of training
costs, with the government paying the
remaining 90%.
However, smaller firms will be
exempted from co-investment if they
take on a 16-18-year-old apprentice.
Companies of all sizes will also receive
a 1,000 incentive for taking on one of
these younger learners.
How will the new levy work with the
current CITB levy?
This is still very much an unknown. For
one year only (financial year 2017/2018),
companies with a payroll above 3m that
are in scope to the CITB levy will have to
pay both levies.
To manage this, CITB has agreed a
temporary transition package with
industry, for firms paying both levies that
year. Under this arrangement these firms
will be able to claim CITB funding at an
enhanced rate, capped at their level of
Apprenticeship Levy contribution. These
funds will primarily come from CITBs
efficiency savings.
CITB has set up a new employer-led Levy
Working Party to scope the options for how
the CITB Levy could work alongside the
Apprenticeship Levy in future.
Where can I go for more info?
CITB provides up-to-date info about the
levy at http://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grant/
apprenticeships-levy/
25/10/2016 15:15
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 Technical Onsite

Outstanding
NESTLED IN THE CORNER of a Grade II*-listed
park and gardens, alongside a cricket
pitch and close to some of Oxfords
most treasured historic buildings, it is hard

natural beauty
to imagine a more bucolic site than the one
occupied by the Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre.
The 846 sq m auditorium and
conference centre is being built for 8.8m
by regional contractor Beard Ltd for
Worcester College in the University of
Oxford. It is designed to merge into the
protected setting by exploiting a palette
of natural materials, primarily limestone
and timber, assembled using a combination
of traditional craftsmanship and
state-of-the-art construction techniques.
The rectilinear facade, with its
expansive vertical windows, incorporates
more than 500 tonnes of masonry-grade
Clipsham limestone, precision cut using
CNC machines, then laid painstakingly by
hand. Equally complex was the timber
joinery, a structural oak lattice ceiling in
the foyer, and a geometrically
complicated fan-shaped ceiling, made
of glass reinforced gypsum (GRG),
in the focal auditorium.

Attention to detail and a marriage of traditional skills and modern construction techniques
will deliver a striking addition to Oxfords heritage. Stephen Cousins reports.
Photographs by Morley von Sternberg.
42 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

42_46.CMNOV16_onsite.2016.indd 42 25/10/2016 15:36


The biggest challenges arose where
traditional and modern materials
intersected, explains Richie Carter,
contracts manager at Beard: The intricacy
of the building is such that you can't
consider one element without considering
all the others, and how one trade will
affect the next. For example, if the
blockwork wall is not built to the tightest
of tolerances, the oak ceiling will not line
up with the stonework on the face of
the blocks. There is the constant concern
that something is going to be out of line,
creating a knock-on effect.
The Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre is
located in the northern grounds of
Worcester College and is spread across a
single storey. Due for completion in
December, the facility will feature a 160-
seat theatre, two seminar rooms, a studio
for teaching and performance, and an
e-hub social learning space, all linked
together by a large foyer and bar area.
It will be used by students for lectures
and activities, including drama and music
sessions, for conferences and as a meeting
space for local community groups.
The building forms two sides of a
three-sided quad (the third side is a
neighbouring block of student housing)
42_46.CMNOV16_onsite.2016.indd 43
that mimics the existing three-sided Front
Quad at Worcester College, with its Grade
I-listed row of medieval buildings, known
as "the cottages", and two Grade I-listed
neo-classical style buildings, built in the
18th century.
An existing natural lake near the historic
college quad will be extended to run from
the base of the east-facing studio
elevation, with its large bay window.
Water will be pumped from under the
facade to appear as if the building is the
source of the water, matching a similar
detail used at the other end of the lake.
Nall McLaughlin Architects design aims
to nestle the building into the historic
landscape and maximise views out from
inside. It incorporates design ideas and
materials employed in the Stirling Prize-
nominated Bishop Edward King Chapel at
nearby Ripon Theological College, also
designed by Nall McLaughlin Architects
and constructed by Beard in 2012.
Both buildings have limestone
facades, intricate timber roof/ceiling
structures, and a curved halo-like
clerestory, on the upper level, divided by
a row of tapered stone mullions.
The Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre places
greater emphasis on the stone mullions.
Technical Onsite
Larger mullions on the main elevation
It has been a create a regular rhythm and formal
challenge to frontage onto the cricket pitch, and those
get the in the curved clerestory drop down into
stonework into the building to form the rear of the
its current auditorium space.
state to make Carter comments: I came away from
it appear as Ripon college fully aware of the
effortless as architects exacting standards and ready
possible. to promote the same standards into my
Alastair Crockett, team. Everything here is on a much
grander scale, the clerestory windows are
Nall McLaughlin
4m tall, compared to 2.5m tall on the
Architects
chapel, the mullions are 850mm-deep,
compared to just 300mm.
The facades incorporate more than 500
tonnes of Clipsham limestone, supplied
from quarries run by Stamford Stone,
north of Peterborough, and installed by
stonemason Szerelmey. Clipsham has a
rough surface and wide tonal variation,
picking up various pinks and blues. It has
been used widely around Oxford, and in
prominent UK buildings such as Kings
College Chapel, in Cambridge, York
Minster and Windsor Castle.
The masonry is laid in a regular
300mm-deep course across the
elevations, switching to a 150mm course
from the ground floor to the base of the >
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 43
25/10/2016 15:36
 Technical Onsite

Above: The rectilinear > structure to create a subtly

facade incorporates
differentiated base to the building.
more than 500 tonnes
of Clipsham limestone The building is in a flood zone and the
Right: The auditorium ground floor slab is raised up on a number
ceiling is ribbed and
of concealed plinths. A chequer pattern of
features a double pitch
holes in the base of the limestone walls
allow water to flow underneath.
Carter comments: Uniquely, we spent
seven to eight months on site before we
even got the ground floor slab on. A key
challenge was deciding which services to
include in the floor void above the flood
zone (principally large ductwork and
ventilation). Other services are either run
through screed, or through very tight
ceiling voids.
The limestone appears to be self-
supporting, but is in fact fixed back to the
buildings primary steel frame using a
variety of bracketry, ties and dowels, most
extensively in the lintels over window
openings. The use of a primary steel
frame, over concrete, reduced the overall
weight of the structure and made it
simpler to attach the stone.
Alastair Crockett, project architect at
Nall McLaughlin Architects, comments:
It has been a challenge to get the
stonework into its current state to make it
appear as effortless as possible, a lot of
hidden elements have been included that
are not necessarily visible to the eye.
The Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre is
defined by its tight lines of geometry,
but Clipsham stone is relatively soft,
for example, compared to Portland Stone.
44 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

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 Technical Onsite

Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre cross section

STAGE AUDITORIUM
FOYER STUDIO

Design development between NMLA section, with a double pitch that kicks back
and Szerelmey allowed the sharp Thanks to up over the stage. It also curves in plan, on
profiles of the stonework to be good setting the rear edge of the stage, and on the front
maintained whilst robust detailing out and a bit of edge that extends out to meet the mullions
ensured that fractures and accelerated flexibility to at the top of the clerestory windows.
weathering would be avoided. pack and move The fan shape behaves well
The limestone involved a real mix of the stone, acoustically, the idea of a compressed
modern and traditional techniques, says there has only stage and an open auditorium was a nod
Crockett. The stonework was CNC cut been one slight to one of Nall McLaughlin Architects
from raw blocks by Meister Masonry in alignment previous projects, a bandstand at Bexhill
Cheltenham to achieve the correct issue in all 35 on the south coast, says Crockett.
profiles, but on site it was a case of three windows. Concern for light has always been
guys lifting large blocks of stone and central to Nall McLaughlin Architects
Richie Carter,
fixing them in place. The specific profiles work. Light from the clerestory streams
Beard
were designed by Szerelmey in across the surface of the GRG, so to avoid
accordance with the detailed design any unsightly blemishes a precise
provided by the architect. framework mould for each section of
The project programme was put in the ceiling was first modelled in 3D, then >
jeopardy when the glazing installer went
into liquidation and the stonework had to
be installed out of sequence, before the
windows. This threatened issues with
tolerances, particularly around large
600kg sliding windows in the front
elevation that allowed for just +/-0.5mm
of variation.
Thanks to some good setting out and
a little bit of flexibility to pack and move
the stone, there has only been one slight
alignment issue in all 35 windows,
says Carter.
That was not the projects only
setback. Unforeseen circumstances led
to a nine-week delay associated with the
replacement of the main sewer running
through the site.
The dialogue between high-tech and
traditional construction played out during
construction of the focal auditorium
space, where a geometrically complex
ceiling, resembling a folded paper fan,
was built using GRG.
The ceiling is ribbed and V-shaped in
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 45

42_46.CMNOV16_onsite.2016.indd 45 25/10/2016 15:37

 Technical Onsite
> CNC cut. The process of casting the
moulds then reverted to a more traditional
plaster process.
The critical moment came when setting
out the ceiling to a pattern of radial
lines. Each fold in the GRG had to line
up precisely with the centre of each of
the stone mullions in the clerestory, a
central radius point around the edge of
the stage and a third point at the rear of
the stage. Because of the level of
complexity the GRG contractor, Fine Art
Mouldings, employed its own designer to
ensure that the moulds were cast to the
highest degree of accuracy to meet the
tight tolerances.
The finished article looks fantastic,
just how it was supposed to, says Carter.
It seemed a long way off when we were
at the start of the job and sitting in a
design team meeting scratching our heads
wondering how to achieve it.
Timber structure and timber joinery are
used to impressive effect in the Sultan
Nazrin Shah Centre. The floors and
ceilings of the seminar rooms are built in
exposed oak and the ceiling structure in
the foyer area features a multi-layered
lattice of oak beams supported on slender
PROJECT TEAM
Client Worcester College in the University of Oxford
Main contractor Beard Ltd
Contract administrator/project manager Bidwells LLP
Architect Nall McLaughlin Architects Ltd
Structural engineer Price & Myers LLP
Stonemason Szerelmey (GB) Ltd
Structural steelwork Cahill Welding Services Ltd
Electrical services Haysham Ltd
Mechanical services Lawton (BES) Ltd
Oak ceiling Inwood Developments Ltd
GRG ceiling Fine Art Mouldings Ltd
46 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
42_46.CMNOV16_onsite.2016.indd 46
The lattice is
designed to tie
together the
surrounding
rooms, but
also to feel
directionless,
light streaming
in will make it
feel like being
outside.
Alastair Crockett,
Nall McLaughlin
Architects
oak glulam columns, installed by Inwood primary oak structure that runs north-to-
Developments. The timber theme is south on 3m-wide grid lines, a secondary
continued in the studio where oak floors structure offset at 90 degrees, and a third
Above right: The ceiling will sit below an exposed, softwood supporting layer above. The ceiling will
comprises a primary glulam roof structure. look hand crafted, but is in fact a panelised
oak structure that
runs north-to-south on The lattice is designed to tie together system, installed in 3m by 2m modules.
3m-wide grid lines, the surrounding rooms, but also to feel Beard has constructed the building
a secondary structure directionless, light streaming into the under a two-stage design & build contract,
offset at 90 degrees,
and a third supporting space will make it feel like being outside, with Nall McLaughlin Architects novated
layer above. says Crockett. The ceiling comprises a to oversee the design. According to Carter,
the architect has been committed to
producing a high quality building, but also
flexible to alternative options when
issues with budget, buildability, or
maintenance were highlighted.
As a result, the stone floors proposed
for the auditorium and foyer have been
replaced with maintenance-free porcelain
tile alternatives and a pre-stressed
concrete plank roof to the studio has
been replaced with a softwood glulam
structure which could achieve the
required span members more suited to
the restrictive nature of the site access.
In addition, the GRG was preferred to
curved, stress skin plywood for the
auditorium ceiling on the basis of the
flexibility and quality control which could
be achieved with the product.
Nall McLaughlin Architects is very
happy with the building so far, says
Crockett: You can see the plan and the
elevations and views produced in the
early competition stages coming through
now on site, thanks primarily to the skill
of all trades involved.
Will it be another Stirling Prize contender
to rival Bishop Edward King Chapel?
Watch this space. CM
25/10/2016 15:37
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47.ads.cmnov16.indd 2 24/10/2016 16:26

 Continuing Professional Development
Quality management
The importance of quality management
How it can make a difference on construction projects
Crossrail sets the benchmark in QM systems

A quality management
route to better profits
CROSSRAIL LTD

Crossrail has shown how quality management can help deliver complex projects on time,
budget and with exemplary safety records. Vince Desmond says we can all follow its lead.
Above: Quality AS A RESULT OF RECENT political
management developments in Britain, the minds
systems were
crucial to Crossrails of managers throughout the ultra-
successful delivery competitive construction industry are
focused on running the tightest ship
possible, to enable their firms to weather
the storms ahead.
Quality management is increasingly
being seen as an answer to two problems
prevalent in the construction industry:
waste and safety breaches. These equate
CPD
employing a right-first-time approach
(based on risk planning) and relentlessly
learning from experience (through robust
analysis and treatment of the root cause
of problems that do occur), quality
managers promise reduced costs, as well as
faster delivery times and increased profits.
Earlier this year, the Chartered Quality
Institute (CQI) Construction Special
Interest Group announced that its new
Cost of Quality Working Group would

to costs that any construction manager
would be keen to avoid. By looking at every
aspect of a companys operation (from
winning business to managing suppliers),
48 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
investigate the UKs 100bn construction
industry with a view to producing a report
into the cost of quality. Whilst it has yet to
reach its final conclusions, initial research

48_50.CMNOV16.CPD.indd 48 25/10/2016 15:53


A robust approach to quality
management adds a new
dimension when going to
tender for potential projects.
suggests that quality management could
save the industry between 7bn and
12bn. Little wonder, then, that quality
management is now being taken seriously
by firms up and down the country.
To understand how pervasive and
effective quality management can
be requires one to look at operational
problems as being failures in process. For
instance, an incident on site may be as
much down to supply side quality failure
as individual error. Quality management is
about mitigating these mistakes.
In addition to the internal benefits in
eliminating the waste that is inherent in
construction projects, a robust approach
to quality management also adds a
new dimension when going to tender
for potential projects when the ability
48_50.CMNOV16.CPD.indd 49
to demonstrate strong capability in
quality management provides increased
confidence to the client.
This is where the CQI comes in. It is
the only chartered body dedicated to
quality professionals. As part of its role in
representing British quality management
professionals in numerous industries,
the CQI produced the Competency
Framework, a detailed professional
standard defining what it means to be
a qualified and highly trained quality
professional. The Competency Framework
encourages organisations to see the
quality professional as a business partner
who can help projects succeed through
excellence in planning and assurance and
a focus on mitigating risk.
Within the Competency Framework,
quality professionals are provided with
a tight set of definitions and concepts
to work with to help them both advance
their knowledge, as well as potential
employers understand how they can be
most helpful to the business.
CQIs research suggests that although
there were often issues with initially
adapting to a continuous quality
programme, 75% of construction firms
were willing to develop and even expand
the role that quality played in their
operations, suggesting there is more
than enough demand for the services of
quality professionals supported by the
CQI Competency Framework and specially
tailored training programmes.
This data reveals that construction
firms are increasingly viewing quality as
a strategic necessity rather than a luxury,
and that when utilised properly, there
are significant financial and reputational
benefits to be gained from a focus on
excellence in operational governance
assurance and improvement.
Quality management is a difficult
concept to grasp at times, but it is clear
that when used properly, it can be the
difference between a good project, and a
great one.
Projects such as Crossrail (see box,
right) show how some of the most
cutting-edge organisations use quality
management to ensure that their
projects remain under control and stay>
Continuing Professional Development
Quality management
Crossrail: quality controls exemplar
In many ways, Crossrail faces
the same issues as any other
construction project. There are
contractors and subcontractors
to manage, supplies of
equipment to procure and
monitor, and an ambitious
vision holding everything
together. Where Crossrail
distinguishes itself from other
projects has been its ambitious
embracing of quality as a part of
the construction process from
the beginning of the project.
With more than 10,000
contractors working on the
project for over 100 million
hours, and 26 miles of new
tunnels created beneath
London so far, Crossrail is
undisputed in its status as the
largest construction project
in Europe. The 10% increase
in Londons rail capacity it will
deliver for London represents
the largest rise since the Second
World War, and the techniques
and practices employed for the
project will influence British
construction firms for decades.
The scale and ambition of
work necessary for a project of
the size of Crossrail naturally
led to significant logistical
challenges for Crossrail
managers. Left unmanaged, the
protracted supply line and mass
of subcontractors could have led
to a project that was at risk of
being delayed, or over budget.
For all of these reasons,
Crossrails management
approached the CQI to ensure
that the principles of quality
management permeated all
aspects of the project from
the start. After an initial
consultation, it was decided
that all construction firms
wishing to tender for business
on the project would be required
to have a CQI-qualified quality
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 49
professional, or equivalent. By
mandating the use of qualified
quality professionals on the
project for all subcontractors
involved, Crossrail bosses were
able to exploit the uniformity
of the training that these
professionals had received.
The CQI then developed a
training programme specifically
for Crossrail, focusing on ways
that the quality profession
could help the project achieve
its goals.
By training all quality
managers working on the
project to implement quality in
the same way, Crossrail ensured
that any problem arising at any
point in the supply chain or
construction stage would be
handled in the same manner.
This streamlined the process and
saved further time.
Speaking about the
importance of the collaboration
between the CQI and Crossrail,
Chris Sexton, technical director
of Crossrail, is clear in his
justification for insisting
that all contractors had a
CQI-accredited professional
on board. I would not be
comfortable if unqualified
or unaccredited engineers
were allowed to contribute to
this hugely complex building
project, he says. Why would
I let unqualified quality
professionals work on that
same project?
Crossrail is now in the fit-out
stage and is 75% complete,
on time and within its budget,
which is quite an achievement
for a project of this size. The
hope is that construction firms
up and down the country will
see the crucial role that quality
professionals have played in
this success and make moves to
do the same.
25/10/2016 15:53
 Continuing Professional Development
Quality management
> within budget. A large number of
construction companies now use the ISO
9001 standard as a means of bringing
quality to their firms. Used by more than
a million firms globally, ISO 9001 is an
accepted standard for companies who
are attempting to operate with greater
efficiency and profitability.
ISO 9001 can be a valuable tool for
implementing the principles of quality to
a construction company. There are now
more than 41,000 British firms that have
secured ISO 9001 certification, and in
a recent survey of British construction
managers 20% put recent increases in
profits directly down to implementing a
quality management programme.
It is undeniable that compliance
with the ISO 9001 standard allows
construction firms to engage in quality
management, and improve their efficiency
in the process. However, viewing an ISO
9001 certified system as a bolt-on is a
mistake the system is the way in which
50 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
48_50.CMNOV16.CPD.indd 50
the organisation delivers on customer
and stakeholder needs. Therefore, to be
useful the system needs to reflect the
organisations business strategy and
ensure that policy and process are owned,
assured and, where required, improved.
Indeed, getting the most out of a
business management system based
on ISO 9001 requires competence. An
organisation would not allow unqualified
people to run its financial systems, and
having a competent and qualified business
system is focused on delivering customer
needs efficiently and effectively.
The nature of the business environment
with the speed of technology change,
the changing demand and supply
landscape, increasing customer demands,
and reduced cycle times means that
change remains the only and ever-
increasing constant.
A core part of the quality professional
remit is change and improvement, as
aligning the business improvement effort
is vital if organisations and projects are
to use their financial resources wisely,
investing in the right changes that
respond to performance and close the
loop on risk in an agile manner. This
requires the system of improvement
itself to be properly managed in terms
of ensuring standard approaches are
employed for aspects ranging from proper
root cause analysis of problems to the
A concrete segment is delivery of changes.
installed in Crossrails To ensure that benefits are realised, the
western tunnels
right improvement skills must exist within
the organisation. In this way the quality
profession helps the organisation and
project answer the following questions:
The CIOB has a dedicated CPD portal on the Construction Manager website, featuring CPD
modules from the magazine, as well as study topics from a wide range of industry experts.
To complete the questionnaire below, and access the free CPD content, go to:
www.constructionmanagermagazine.com/cpd
CPD test paper: Quality management
1. CQI estimates that quality management
could save the industry:
l 7-10bn l 7-10m l 500,000 l 5m l 100,000 l 2,000
Getting the 2. According to CQI research, how many firms
most out of a were willing to expand the role of quality
business management?
l 50% l 20% l 100% l 75%
management
3. How many British firms have secured
system based ISO 9001 certification?
on ISO 9001 l More than 51,000 l More than 100,000
requires l More than 41,000 l More than 74,000
competence.
Governance
l Have we identified all customer and
stakeholder requirements?
l Do we have the system, process, policy
and capability to deliver these?
Assurance
l Is our system and culture delivering on
these stakeholder requirements?
l What threat and opportunity exists?
Improvement
l Do we have the data to understand
performance and customer/
stakeholder views?
l Are we using this to drive the
right improvement based on risk and
performance, and are we looking back at
new ways of working?
The construction industry is set to
benefit hugely from the work carried
out by the CQI, the CQI Construction
Special Industry Group and Crossrail.
The sector can benefit from the CQIs
national standard for quality professionals,
removing the need for organisations to
invent their own competence frameworks
and learning pathways with the comfort
that the CQI framework has been
developed with input and experience
from a wide range of industry sectors.
Construction managers have recognised
the potential of quality management to
deal with some of the problems most
commonly associated with construction
projects. Whilst only time will tell, the
legacy of Crossrail and other large projects
using quality could very well be the start
of a wider implementation of quality
initiatives across the building industry. CM
Vince Desmond is acting CEO of the
Chartered Quality Institute
4. How many contractors have worked
on the Crossrail project?
l 20,000 l 10,000
5. In a recent survey, what percentage
of British construction managers put
increases in profits directly down to a
quality management programme?
l 10% l 30%
l 20% l 50%
25/10/2016 15:54
51.ad.CMNOV16.MDinsure.indd 2 25/10/2016 14:18
 Contact
Contact THE CHARTERED IN
THIS
ISSUE
INSTITUTE
OF BUILDING
MEMBERS
53-56 ON THE RADAR
All the latest news and
developments from the CIOB at

NEWSLETTER
HQ and in your area including the
CIOB at party conferences and the
NOVUS 2016 challenge

ISSUE 147
NOVEMBER 57 COMMENT
Good health and safety performance

& DECEMBER
equates to good business
performance and is everyones
responsibility says Lee Mills

2016
58 CBCS
Meet two specialist CBCs that
demonstrate the diversity of
companies achieving
chartered status

59 ONE TO WATCH
Carillions Nicola Markall

60 IN GOOD COMPANY
University of Birmingham library

62 MEMBER BENEFITS
Exclusive member offers

63 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Key events by region for the
month ahead

52_53 on the radar NR FINAL.indd 52 24/10/2016 14:21

 ON THE
RADAR
Contact | Nov/Dec 16

influence

CIOB makes voice heard at party political conferences

> The political party conference season
did not pass without the voice of the
construction industry being heard.
The CIOB attended the three major party
events to ensure the industry views are
represented.

At the Conservative Party Conference Brexit was the

core theme but was very swiftly followed in priority
by housing and construction.
Business secretary Greg Clark told delegates that
the UK needed an industrial strategy that worked for
businesses both big and small, making specific
mentions of infrastructure, regeneration, skills and
devolution. Separate to this, the CIOB and the RICS
together held a well-attended fringe meeting to
discuss what an industrial strategy should look like
for the built environment.
Paul Nash, president of the CIOB, said: Given that
construction is one of the supporting pillars of the UK
economy, it is crucial that it is at the heart of any
strategy. But in order to flourish, the industry needs
to work with government on fixing a number of
outstanding challenges: housing, productivity and
skills to just name a few.
The chancellor Philip Hammond also announced
at the conference that he would abandon his
predecessor George Osbornes target of having a
surplus by the end of this parliament and will
instead focus on infrastructure projects to boost
the economy.
Communities secretary Sajid Javid called for a
million new homes to be built by 2020. He
announced that the government would borrow 2bn
to accelerate construction of tens of thousands of
The CIOB was
in full flow
during party
conference
season
homes on brownfield sites. Additionally a 3bn Home
Building Fund would provide loans to stimulate
housebuilding projects.
Gavin Barwell, the housing minister, provided more
detail on the Accelerated Construction Scheme. Under
the plans, large areas of public land will be broken up
into smaller plots to encourage SME builders into the
market, with the government no longer selling off
large chunks of land to the highest bidder.
At the Liberal Democrat Party Conference the team
hosted a reception on the importance of construction
with speeches from Professor Charles Egbu, CIOB
vice president, Lord Shipley OBE, the Liberal Democrat
spokesperson for Communities, Decentralisation and
the Northern Powerhouse and Jeremy Blackburn,
head of UK policy, RICS.
At Labour the team hosted an evening reception
alongside the RICS and the RIBA. Andy Burnham MP,
former shadow home secretary and Manchester
mayoral candidate outlined his commitment to invest
in greater infrastructure in the North of England. Dr
Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, shadow housing
minister and Clive Betts MP, chair of CLG Select
Committee also spoke at the event alongside Michael
Newey, past president of RICS, and current RIBA
president, Jane Duncan.

opinion

SHORT FILMS WITH KEY INDUSTRY LEADERS KICKS OFF NEW CIOB INITIATIVE
Some of the industrys
key thought leaders and
innovators will be sharing
their insights with
CIOB members in a series of
filmed interviews to appear
on the CIOB website .
Construction Leaders
Insights is a new initiative
from the CIOB which
features business leaders
at the forefront of the
construction industry,
sharing their views and
expertise.
Speakers will address
topics of interest and
concern to the sector and
share the innovative steps
their companies are taking
to address these issues.
The inaugural series
will feature leaders talking
about the approaches
their companies are taking
to attract, manage and
retain talent in the sector.
They will be interviewed
by senior CIOB figures,
including Trustees,
Members and Fellows and
key staff.
The series will feature
on the CIOB website and
showcased extensively
utilising a range of
promotional channels in
order to reach the widest
possible audience.
Look out for the first interview,
in November 2016.
To find out more email us
at publications@ciob.org.uk 53

52_53 on the radar NR FINAL.indd 53 24/10/2016 13:45

 ON THE
RADAR
Contact | Nov/Dec16

yorkshire membership

NEW
Winners celebrate & charity delighted FELLOWS
Congratulations to the

at CCISY annual awards following Members who

were elected to Fellowship
on the 13 September 2016

Nazeem Ansary, Ben Burley,

Muhammad Che Munaaim,
Kieran Danby, Hani El-Falahi,
Andrew Evans, Paul Gardener,
William Gill, Jacqueline Glass,
Rebecca Hartshorn, Russell
Haynes, Paul Hicks, Peter Holme,
Frederick Hopper, Heather
Jones, Richard Jordan, Adrian
Kelly, Paul Kennedy, Alan Leigh,
Charles Leigh-Dugmore, Loke
Mun Kit, Brigid McGuigan, Adrian
Winners at the Celebrating Construction in South Yorkshire Awards
Mairs ,Colin McLachlan, Andrew

>
Representatives from housing
providers and construction firms
across South Yorkshire came together
on 7 October to attend the Celebrating
Construction in South Yorkshire Awards.
The awards, held at the Cutlers Hall,
Sheffield, were endorsed by the CIOB. The
CCISY awards promoted a range of
different sectors essential to the delivery
of innovative construction, from
empowering communities through
corporate social responsibility and investing
Newman, Michael Peden, Heath
in skills, to creating low carbon We were overwhelmed at the quality Powell, John Reid, Stephen
Reynolds, Mufutau Salako, Derek
developments and being environmentally of the entries we received, and this year Shelley, Ronald Sutherland,
pro-active. a record number were submitted. The Richard Weir, Mark White, Ian
Whiting, Dennis Wilson, and
CIOB Sheffield & South Yorkshire Centre winners are all very deserving of their Stephen Wood.
Chairman, Jonathan Took said: These awards and we look forward to seeing
On the 7 October 2016
awards celebrate the regions commitment them again next year and finding out
13 newly appointed
to building communities and highlight the more about their ongoing and future Fellows, 40 Members and
broad spectrum of construction excellence programmes of work. their guests attended a
Recognition of Achievement
delivered by businesses working in the Hosted by Seth Bennett, the 12 Awards ceremony at the
area. They demonstrate what can be winners were presented with their Clothworkers Hall in London.
CIOB Immediate Past
achieved through strong partnerships, a awards by representatives from the President Chris Chivers
clear vision and delivery through high category sponsors. FCIOB and CIOB Deputy Chief
quality implementation. Winners are listed below. Executive Bridget Bartlett
officiated at the ceremony
and presented certificates to:

Award Sponsor Winner New Fellows: Vance Babbage,

Patrick Boyle, Dean Burgess,
Achiever of the Year Award J F Finnegan Hollie Warren Portland Training
Michael Figg, Henry Gilbert, Paul
Collaborative Working Award Polypipe Henry Boot Construction & Amey Johnson, Wynne Jones, Malcolm
Contractor of the Year Award Ambitemp Togel Contractors Ltd McDermott, Thomas McGee,
Michael Peden, Gerard Purcell,
Health & Safety Award Yorkshire Builders Federation Henry Boot Construction Ian Russell and George Watt
Innovation Award St Leger Homes Made in Sheffield
Social Value Award MRK Electric NPS Barnsley New Members: Jonathan
Abbott, Graeme Adams, Quentin
Sustainability Award Henry Boot Construction Carillion Civil Engineering Allen, Martin Arlett, Natalie
Team of the Year Award CITB Construction Skills Interserve Factory 2050 Team Batchelor, Samuel Boddington,
Anthony Bradbury, Derek Cross,
Training Award Linear Recruitment Togel Contractors Ltd
Darryl Culmer, John Dunk, Peter
Young Trainee of the Year Award Sheffield Hallam University Sophie Maclean Everlast Scaffolding Engstrom, Russell Fairhurst, John
Project of the Year Under 5M Award CIOB Yorkshire Coda Studios - Krynkl Findlay, Daryl Fisher, Alexander
Formin, Megan Forster, Andrew
Project of the Year Over 5M Award Soar Build J F Finnegan Westfield Health Headquarters Gallivan, Dan Green, Rachel
Greenwood, Scott Herbert,
William Johnston, Paul Jones,
Phillip McKinstry, David Marshall,
The chosen charity for CCISY Hospital Charity, said: The children on our wards. Over again next year on 13 October
Kristian Martin, Walterlan
this year was The Childrens support of the CIOB and the 18,000 has now been raised 2017 when the awards will also Mendanha, Mark Mills, Ryan
Hospital Charity and 2,400 Celebrating Construction in by the CCISY Awards over the celebrate their 10 year ODwyer-Heath, Eugene OGara,
Adesola Okunoren, Keith Payne,
was raised on the night to South Yorkshire Awards past eight years and we are so anniversary. William Peach, Lee Powell,
CIOB News

support its work at Sheffield
Childrens Hospital.
David Vernon-Edwards,
54 director of The Childrens
ceremony guests means we can
transform the hospital, with
world class facilities to match
the world class care received by
grateful for their continued
efforts and generous
contribution to our appeal.
The CCISY Awards will be held
The CCISY Awards are the
most prestigious event in the
construction industrys social
calendar in the region.
Vipattz Ratnarajah, Jonathan
Ridd, Simon Rolfe, Carl Scholes,
Antony Sheppard, Gary Smy and
Roger Turner.

54_56 on the radar NR FINAL.indd 54 24/10/2016 14:55

 HAVE WE GOT YOUR CONTACT DETAILS CORRECT?
If you have moved or changed any of your details recently, dont forget to tell
us. You can update your details online simply log in to members area of the
website www.ciob.org. Or email us at memenquiry@ciob.org.uk or call our
membership customer services team on +44 (0) 1344 630706 for further help.
If you would rather post your details send them to: The Chartered Institute of
Building, 1 Arlington Square, Downshire Way, Bracknell RG12 1WA, UK

opportunity news in brief

Influencers and leaders

> MCIOB BREAKS a total time of 12 to the chair of the
WORLD LONDON hours, 31 minutes South East Branch,
TO PARIS CYCLE and 26 seconds. Peter Smith, to
RECORD present the winners

needed for Trustee posts > SIMON WESTON

DELIGHTS AT
CAMBRIDGE
RW Wilmshurst, who
just pipped the 2015
winners Ashford
DINNER Borough Council
The East of England into second place,
branch held its with the famous and
Black Tie Dinner coveted KCKC trophy.
in September at St The Kent Fire and
Catherines College Rescue team came in
Cambridge where in a very respectable
Jonathan Parker, CIOB Falklands War hero third place.
member and barrister Simon Weston CBE
specialising in delighted guests > DEMOLITION IN
construction and EU with his off-the-cuff WORCESTER
procurement at talk, Q&A sessions Attendees at a recent
Chancery Lane firm, and hilarious speech. West Midlands event
Quigg Golden Simon also presented were in for a real treat
Solicitors recently set to Francis Shiner MD when the CIOB and
a world record for the of SDC a Recognition National Trust joined
fastest solo cycle ride of Achievement forces to provide
from London to Paris Award. an opportunity to
and raised over experience a live
11,500 for Cyclists > KARTING CUP demolition project
Fighting Cancer. CAREERS TO in the heart of
The charity was SUCCESS Worcester, followed
close to his heart by a presentation at
having lost both Greyfriars House on

>
parents to cancer demolition earlier in
The CIOB is inviting members to predecessors. A Trustee term is for three and because of work the century.
take their place as a leader in years and the role is about making tough the charity does for Speller Metcalfe
sick youngsters. Its hosted the event
construction and apply for a position and challenging decisions that not only Bayford Meadows in showing off its
fundraising helps
as a CIOB Trustee. benefit the CIOB but the wider to pay for bikes, Sittingbourne hosted site in Cathedral
If you are an MCIOB or FCIOB and want to construction sector. tandems and adapted the fourth Novus in Square, where an
trikes that aid Kent Kent exciting multi-million
help grow the influence on the big issues In June 2017, five Trustees will step Construction Karting pound demolition
recovery something
and drive forward the CIOB corporate plan, down and the CIOB is recruiting to fill Jonathan believe in Cup in September. and regeneration
then a Trustee position could be for you. these positions. Three of these vacancies following his own Contractors from all scheme will create
horrific accident a over the South East new restaurants
The CIOBs vision is for every member to will be elected to the Board of Trustees joined to compete and shops. The
decade ago when he
have a consistent and valuable experience through a ballot of members; the plunged three floors in the 90-minute group then walked
no matter where they are located, and to remaining Trustees will be selected by the through a roof and endurance race in to Greyfriars
broke all his limbs. twin engine karts. House, a National
support the industry with benchmark- Board. The application process begins on 2 The event was Trust property to
He biked the180
setting learning and knowledge through the November 2016 and closes on 13 January mile-route between oversubscribed with experience how
launch of a CIOB Academy. 2017. To find out more visit www.ciob. the two capitals, 16 karts on the track demolition in the
catching a five hour and 48 people racing. early part of the
The search is on for a new crop of org/trustees or ask Samantha Teague at As the night came century reshaped
ferry across the
strategic thinkers and influencers who can trusteerecruitment@ciob.org.uk. Channel which posted to a close it was left Worcester.
join the Board and carry on the work of their All enquiries are treated in confidence.

promoting construction

CIOB HEADS TO YOUTH CAREER FAIRS

The CIOB, supported by careers to young people. jobs, training and the range of options open London, ExCel Skills
NOVUS members, will The shows provide apprenticeships and to them. The shows are London, 9-10 Dec
have a presence at two information, advice and hopefully discover open to the public and
CIOB News

of the largest skills and
career events in the UK,
later this year, to promote
professional construction
hands-on experiences
that encourage and
motivate young people
to explore skills,
their future careers.
These events are a rare
opportunity for young
people to learn about
free to attend.
Visit the CIOB stand at:
irmingham, NEC World
B
 www.worldskillsuk.org
Skills UK, 17-19 Nov www.skillslondon2016.co.uk 55

54_56 on the radar NR FINAL.indd 55 24/10/2016 14:59

 ON THE
RADAR
Contact | Nov/Dec 16
MICROSOFT EVENT FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS
CIOB members in Ireland for February in Belfast. duration of the event and
are being offered the Run by Mullan Training will get the opportunity
chance to learn how this free, two-hour event to prepare a programme
Microsoft Project is aimed at contract using the software.
can help with the managers, site managers
management of their and bid managers. Each For more details and to
construction projects in attendee will be allocated book email courses@
a new event scheduled a workstation for the mullantraining.com

novus obituary

Novus Challenge 2016: young pros

fight it out in friendly competition
> Nine teams of students and young
professionals from across the UK
gathered in Bristol in September to
compete in the 2016 Novus Challenge;
all fighting for the title of Novus
Challenge Champions 2016.
The Novus challenge is run each year to help
bring Novus members together from all
regions, allowing them to network and
exchange ideas whilst competing in a friendly
environment. Following their success in last
years competition, the South West Novus
group was the host for 2016s event. The
teams competing were; Scotland, West
Midlands, Wales 1 & 2, CIAT, South West, East
of England, London and South East.
Participants were welcomed to Bristol with
a networking evening: a chance to size up the
opposition and to receive a warm welcome to
Bristol from Adam Crichton on behalf of the
South West Novus group.
Participants started the competition day
on the water, battling it out in a number of
canoeing activities before embarking on an
Urban Adventure Challenge, back on dry land.
The canoeing challenge turned out to be
quite a physical one for some competitors
with a couple of teams finding their way into
the water, some after only five minutes! For
the next part of their challenge teams,
equipped with only a map and activity book,
headed out on foot around Bristol, picking
up as many points as they could along
the way.
Despite the wet weather conditions the
competition was fierce, with only 10 points
between the overall winners and the
runners up. Congratulations go to winners,
Adam Crichton and Josh Huitson
representing the South West, who took the
title for the region for the second year
running. They were closely followed by
Verity Kelly and James Haywood, the team
from the West Midlands, with Stacey Lewis
and Gemma Rees from team Wales 1
coming third. Thanks were given to Gold
sponsor Bouygues UK for supporting the
event, along with Bronze sponsor,
Constructing Excellence South West.
DR ANDREW KEVIN PLATTEN
FCIOB BSC (HONS) PHD
Respected academic and former Chair of CIOB
Leeds & West Yorkshire Centre and the CIOB
Accreditation panel, Dr Andrew Platten, was
tragically killed in an accident involving a
collision with his bicycle and a car on Tuesday
19 July 2016.
Andrew was Associate Dean in the Faculty
of Arts Environment and Technology at
Beckett University. Dr. Platten was very
active in a number of business networks
regionally, including CIOB and as Chair of the
Construction Knowledge Exchange (CKE)
He had previously worked in the
construction industry before embarking
on a career in academia. He had lectured
at Stafford University before joining Leeds
Beckett, where he was helping the university
to develop international links in countries like
Novus challenge teams Hong Kong and Mauritius. He also wrote more
take to the canoes in than 45 academic papers in his field.
the first activity of Professor Peter Slee, vice chancellor at
the day Leeds Beckett, paid tribute to Dr. Platten:
Andrew was a very well respected senior
colleague at our University with a passion
for higher education, teaching, research and
engagement with the construction industry.
All of us at Leeds Beckett University are very
saddened by his death.
Andrew was also a very keen,
accomplished and competitive cyclist outside
of his work.
Andrew championed innovation and was
a great networker who brought colleagues
together and always thought outside the
For any enquiries box, bringing so much to committee meetings
regarding Novus and events. He was a beloved father, brother,
please contact partner and son.
The CIOB in Yorkshire are saddened and
Sophie Cox, scox@ shocked by his death.
ciob.org.uk

event

LECTURE SERIES LAUNCHES 175 YEARS OF ALBERT DOCK

September saw the
launch of InterPro 175,
a lecture series from
built environment
professionals including
CIOB News
towards its 175th
anniversary in 2021.
The first lectures were
delivered by Paul
Sheppard of the IBI
Paul Grover, of Arup and
Mark Osborne, of Alec
French Architects. The
event was chaired by
Ian Wray, trustee of
The launch was
sponsored by industry
specialists ARUP.
Albert Dock has partnered

the CIOB, linked to the
regeneration of Albert
Dock in Liverpool as the
Guest speakers at the first of the inter-
56 professional lecture series attraction heads
Group; Wendy Morgan, World Heritage UK, and with 14 built environment
heritage and hosted by Sue Grindrod, institutions to deliver this
conservation officer for chief executive of professional development
Liverpool City Council, Albert Dock Liverpool. lecture series.

54_56 on the radar NR FINAL.indd 56 24/10/2016 14:56

 COMMENT
lee mills

Risky
business
Lee Mills on how to build better health and safety
practice to create better business performance

W
hether you like it or not, health
and safety is a big part of
business life, especially when
working in such a high risk sector such as
construction.
But great health and safety
management isnt just about staying
compliant and passing inspections it can
help boost your profits too.
There is a proven positive correlation
between a companys health and
safety performance and its financial
performance. In the 1990s, a construction
company logged the financial
Observe colleagues behaviour and
correct it. And ask otheres to do the
injuries which means you could start
to see a reduction in sickness absence,
witness better morale and, in turn, see
an increase in productivity.
Lead the way to changing habits
Human beings are energy saving devices
(no-one ever shows you the long way to
do something). When you start a job, you
are trained to do it correctly and safely. In
time you either learn or get shown by a
helpful colleague, the shortcuts to save
you time. Unfortunately, these short
cuts often arent safe, which means by
carrying them out you can put at risk
your own safety, the safety of the public,
the safety of your colleageus and the
business.
Training is also key. Its important to
remember, that safety is no more the
absence of injuries than quality is the
absence of complaints. Ensuring your
workforce has the correct training for
the work theyre carrying out, helps to
provide you with increased confidence
as a manager, whilst empowering your
employees to feel secure and put trust in
the process.
There is a Swedish proverb: Luck never
gives, it only lendsif you walk past a
colleague working unsafely and say or do
nothing, whether you like it or not, you
are encouraging that unsafe behaviour.
One day, that unsafe behaviour could
cause your colleague to have a serious,
life-changing injury. Have the courage

same and check your habits against
the safe procedure regularly and
correct any differences
performance of its construction sites
against its health and safety performance
and found that poor safety was a
pre-cursor to poor financial outcome.
If the safety performance of a site dipped
consecutively, a financial audit of that
site was undertaken.
Its easy to get lost among all
the regulations and focus solely on
compliance, failing to recognise how
great health and safety management can
How can you avoid this? One way is
to observe colleagues behaviour and
to stop and challenge (in a polite way)
unsafe behaviours you might just save
correct it. And ask others to do the same someones life.
and check your habits against the safe
procedure regularly and correct any
differences. Since its your habit, you
wont see it, just like you dont know
that you chew noisily but your partner
hates it!
The caveat to this is that sometimes
amendments to working procedures are
safer, ensure these are captured too!
Employee engagment is crucial. If your
employees are better engaged they are
more likely to follow process and less
likely to cut corners. If more employees
are engaged, then others are likely to
> Lee Mills is director of
Opinion

actually benefit a business. By ensuring follow how often have you walked on health & safety services
that your site is a safe place to work, site and seen everyone wearing a hard at Citation
youll experience fewer work-related hat and wondered where yours is? www.citation.co.uk/ciob. 57

57_comment NR FINAL.indd 57 24/10/2016 15:04

 CBC
CHARTERED BUILDING COMPANY
CHARTERED BUILDING CONSULTANCIES
>
SPECIALIST
SUBJECTS
> CBC status is achieved by some
truly diverse businesses. Here
we meet two companies working in
expert areas.
MALONE ASSOCIATES
I set up Malone Associates Ltd to be a very
technical business with a strong focus
on building pathology, explains founder
Joe Malone. The four years weve been
in business have proven that there was a
gap in the market for this sort of technical
expertise.
Malone Associates work is highly
specialised: it has expertise in floor screed
failures and external wall insulation system
failures, among other things. The external
wall insulation failure investigation work
has really gathered momentum, says
Malone. We are seeing a steady increase
in the number of investigations that we
are involved with. Its a relatively new area
of work and we have had to develop an
investigation process specifically for these
failures.
There is no typical week and that is
what makes the business so interesting.
We recently we carried out a planned
preventative maintenance inspection
for Rolls Royce; a structural survey on
an old stone cottage in Leicestershire; a
number of expert witness reports relating
to construction disputes or to disputes
between landlord and tenant quite often
relating to mould and dampness within
buildings; an investigation into sulphate
attack in a solid floor; and a number of
full building condition surveys. On top of
the survey and technical diagnostic work
we have a number of projects currently
CIOB CBCs
underway, including project management
of an external refurbishment on a 1960s
concrete block and the refurbishment of a
58 converted windmill.
58_59.cbc_otw NR FINAL.indd 58
The business is also passionate about
education. Malone is a visiting guest lecturer
at Coventry University and the firm regularly
delivers CPD talks for the CIOB, RICS and
CABE on dampness in historic buildings,
and building defect case studies. It also
produces a popular building defect analysis
blog at www.buildingdefectanalysis.co.uk,
designed to boost knowledge of building
defects, although it frequently leads to
work for the firm.
The leading field of expertise for Malone
Associates is dampness in buildings. We
do a great deal of expert witness work and
survey work. We carry out detailed survey
work that identifies the cause of the damp
and specifies works to cure rather than
manage the dampness.
Malone says that CBC status is about
that additional stamp of professionalism.
Clients quite often dont understand
what the variety of chartered construction
professionals do and I feel that CBC status
has a broad appeal to clients looking for a
construction professional. CBC status has
also added professional credibility to our
legal work. We work with a number of law
firms being a CBC raises the professional
profile whenever new law firms request a
copy of the CV.
JOHN BROWNING BUILDERS LTD
The Browning Family has a long tradition
of domestic construction ranging from new qualified in many areas of specialty such > www.malone
build, extension, renovation and restoration as structural carpentry, stone walling, lead associatesltd.co.uk
work since Graham Browning established work and mathematical tiling. www.browningbuilders.
the business in 1953. Now jointly run by Our clients have wide and individual co.uk/
John and Carmel Browning, both qualified requirements. We work closely with
building engineers, the firm is called in to a number of architects who produce
diverse builds. Our portfolio ofwork does interesting and varied designs. They
vary quite a lot and does need specific encompass many new methods of building
skilled tradesmen for each individual and technology that modern sustainable
project, says Carmel Browning. We are living demands. Building materials and
fortunate to have a team of tradesmen methods have become more complex
24/10/2016 15:09

especially for new designs and working as
a team with the designer and client is very
rewarding.On occasion it is necessary to
marry the old and the new. This can provide
us with challenges but these are overcome
by the knowledge and expertise, which we
have available to us.
It also means that no two projects
are the same. We always learn from each
project and in the process add to our
repertoire of knowledge. Each design is
58_59.cbc_otw NR FINAL.indd 59
ONETOWATCH
Experts in their
field
Left Joe Malone
and far left a rare Q Tell us about your
timber framed
Crown Estate career to date?
property that I started my career with a large
Malone Associates
was commissioned multidisciplinary consultancy
to ascertain how company in their structural
to convert the
building to modern
engineering department. I
standards of thoroughly enjoyed my work
thermal comfort. and as part of my training I
Below, a recent
project of John spent time on a construction
Browning Builders site supervising an earth
and bottom left
Carmel Browning
moving operation. On returning
to the office I realised I needed
a change as I wanted to work
permanently on site.
That change was the start of
my career with Carillion. In
2001 I began work as a junior
site engineer on a hospital
project with some of my
happiest working memories
involving setting bolts! This
experience, learning the
technical aspects of
construction, enabled me to
move into site management. I
have worked on a variety of
projects including new builds,
refurbishments and modular off
site construction in a range of
sectors. I was proud to achieve
MCIOB in 2014.
At the beginning of this year I
took on a regional role for
Carillion and I am responsible
for leading quality and
compliance in building, across
the Midlands and South West.
as unique as each client.Theres no such Q Why did you choose a
thing as typical for us! career in construction?
CBC status elevates us above the man What else would you have
and van image. Being a Chartered Builder done?
has given us credibility a builder who I was interested in how things
knows its field of expertise. went together. Even as a child I
It has benefited us directly by being would always enjoy practical
the first port of call for any architect, tasks more than anything else.
engineer or client who wants a There is no other industry I
professional service and knowledgeable
builder.
Nicola Markall
MCIOB
Quality & Compliance
Manager, Carillion
Construction
would rather work in.
Construction is never dull and is
often challenging but every day
is different and thats what I like!
Q How do you find working
life as a woman in
construction?
I sometimes miss female
conversation at work but I am
fortunate to work for a company
that supports diversity in all its
forms. I have always been
treated as one of the team and
shown respect by others. My
contribution is valued so no
different to a man really! We all
face challenges of some
description.
Q Whats your most
embarrassing work
moment?
Oversized PPE. A small PPE
jacket is not small on someone
who is almost 5ft tall! Hi-Viz
Jackets quite often come down
to my knees and look like
oversized trench coats!
Q What are your career
ambitions?
I love working for Carillion. I am
involved in some fantastic
projects and work with great
people. I have recently been
promoted to a regional
management role and look
forward to developing this
within the company.
Q When youre not at work
I like taking holidays and
spending time with my family. I
CIOB Members
have three young children so its
not always relaxing!I also enjoy
spin classes and swimming.
59
24/10/2016 15:10
 INGOODCOMPANY
University of Birmingham
> Carillion
Student union
When Carillion built a new library for the University of
Birmingham it did more than just deliver a new building. It
engaged students and promoted the construction industry.
T
he new Library at the University of
Birmingham was handed over by
Carillion in time for the 2016
academic year. The 45m library which has
capacity for over 2,500 students, gives
users a transformational experience and
aims to create a green heart to the campus,
improving both access around the area and
the setting of the historic buildings.
The new building is part of a 300m
Edgbaston campus regeneration which
includes a new science block, hotel and
conference centre, student halls and sports
centre with gym and 50-metre pool.
Throughout the build, Carillion and the
University worked in partnership to exploit
all opportunities to raise awareness of the
value of construction and engineering to
schoolchildren, students, the general public
and other key stakeholders.
Setting an example
Carillion had a 110-week programme to
deliver the library, which has a post-
tensioned reinforced concrete insitu frame,
mixed external envelope, incorporating
an intelligent building management
system which controls the internal
environment of the Library.
From the outset, Carillion wanted to
Case study
60
60_61 In Good Company NR FINAL.indd 60
ustilise the project as a working example to
raise peoples interest in the construction
industry. It saw the build
as a great advertisement for the industry.
The challenge of how we could attract
young people and the wider society to
the construction sector was investigated
with a jointly produced stakeholder method
statement, Carillions Community Needs
Plan, says Neil Rudge, Carillion community
regeneration manager.
We wanted to exploit every opportunity
we could to enable people to become
involved. Even at the ground works stage
of the project we erected a viewing
platform on the South East corner of
the site.
We hosted visits for school pupils,
students and the general public. The Seeing the light
Associated Architects
platform was used for the British Science designed the space
Festival, of which Carillion was a lead to maximise natural
light and views.
sponsor. This, week -long national initiative Other materials
was hosted by the University with the aim are aluminium and
of attracting people into STEM subjects. zinc cladding. The
importance of the
The platform was also used during the sites location is
Universitys Community Day, Open Days emphasised by
angled stone columns
and the CITBs Open Doors events amongst with brick linings
many other initiatives. Once the project orientated to the
could accept visitors, Carillion ran over 50 landmark University
clock tower.
tours of the site for students and local
The relationship involved giving lectures, career
advice, judging challenges, utilising the site for
visits and offering work placements
24/10/2016 15:14
 stakeholders. Through these initiatives
Carillion interacted with more than 5,000
people, promoting the construction sector.
Getting everyone involved
Throughout construction, Carillion and the
Universitys School of Civil Engineering
worked together to give students the
opportunity to enhance their studies by
working on a live project.The central pillar
of the relationship between Carillion and
the Universitys Civil Engineering school
was the key stakeholders at the University
the students. Students were actively
involved and got to enhance their studies
on a live project, to see engineering and
construction in action as the new library
took shape at the heart of the campus.
The relationship with the Civil
Engineering School involved giving lectures
to students; hosting a career advice
evening; judging a number of curriculum-
based challenges; utilising the site for visits
for prospective students; and offering five
work placements.
There were further training and
development opportunities for the 50
apprentices who were employed on the
site, 10 work placements and targeted
school interaction.
60_61 In Good Company NR FINAL.indd 61
Neil adds: The benefits of the
development will be felt for years to come.
Carillion worked closely with the supply
chain to drive local employment on the
scheme: over 50 people got into work or
had their job secured through the scheme,
with over 55% of the 2,100 people
inducted onto the project being local. The FACT FILE
scheme has actively promoted health
initiatives to improve the lives of those that  Replacement of
1950s building
work with Carillion, sought feedback from
 nearly 40 miles
our local stakeholders and promoted key
of shelving and
events jointly with the University such as
400,000 books
Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender
 2.5 year, 42m
(LGBT) history month to ensure we
construction
enhance the experience of those we
programme
interact with on a daily basis.
 Offers a 50 per cent
This jointly-delivered approach has reduction in energy
enhanced what is a world class University usage compared to the
facility, which will deliver social outcomes old library, contributing
that go beyond that of the student to helping the
experience. The relationship between the university to achieve
University, Carillion and the design team its 20 per cent CO2
has ensured that the image of the industry reduction by 2020.
has been enhanced and we have met the It has a BREEAM
aim of raising awareness of the value of excellent rating.
construction.
Carillions latest project in Birmingham is
the 500m Paradise building - new
headquarters for PwC.
Case study
>
www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2016/09/new-
library-opens-at-university-of-birmingham.aspx 61
24/10/2016 15:14
 MEMBER BENEFITS EXCLU
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special deals on products and services that could enhance your professional development, help your business or OFF BER
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62

62.NR FINAL.indd 62 24/10/2016 15:19


DATESFORYOURDIARY
EAST OF ENGLAND
Riverside North Site Visit
15 November, 5.15pm,
Riverside North,
Bedfordshire
Contact: coh@ciob.org.uk
CCS Scheme
16 November, 6pm,
Babraham Institute,
Babraham
Contact: mrix@ciob.org.uk
Visit to Blickling Hall
17 November, 2pm,
Blickling Hall, Norfolk
Contact: mrix@ciob.org.uk
NOVUS Five Year
Anniversary Celebration
18 November, 4pm, ARU,
Chelmsford
Contact: coh@ciob.org.uk
Supper Evening The
Flying Vulcan
18 November, 7.30pm,
The Bell Inn, Stilton,
Peterborough
Contact: mrix@ciob.org.uk
Final Accounts Process
22 November, 7pm, Beales
Hotel, Hertford
Contact: coh@ciob.org.uk
BIM
24 November, 7pm, ARU,
Chelmsford
Contact: coh@ciob.org.uk
IRELAND
Presentation and Tour of
Queen's University Belfast
8 November, Belfast
Contact: kmenagh@ciob.
org.uk
Legal Implications of
Social Media Misuse in
Construction
1 December
Contact: kmenagh@ciob.
org.uk
LONDON
Responding to the Modern
Slavery Act 2015
10 November, 6pm, Union
Jack Club, Sandell Street, ,
SE1 8UJ
Contact: chierlehy@ciob.
org.uk
Fire Engineering Open
Plan Apartment Design
16 November, 6pm, Union
Jack Club, Sandell Street,
SE1 8UJ
Contact: chierlehy@ciob.
org.uk
Introduction to Law & the
Construction Industry
22 November, 6.30pm,
Burns Room, Union Jack
Club, Sandell Street,
London, SE1 8UJ
Contact: bgrange@ciob.
org.uk
Meet the Professionals
6 December, 6pm,
University of Westminster,
Marylebone Campus.
Contact: bgrange@ciob.
org.uk
> To find out more about events in your area go to www.ciob.org.uk/regions or
look out for your electronic news and event updates from your CIOB branch or
CIOB centre. To receive information from the CIOB visit www.ciob.org.uk and
log on to the members area to input/update your details and preferences.
63 diary NR FINAL.indd 63
The Chartered Institute of Building
NOVEMBER TO
The Chartered Institute of Building is at the
heart of a management career in construction.
Our focus is on those entering and already in a
DECEMBER 2016
management career in construction. By delivering
qualifications and certifications that meet the
needs of a changing industry. We work with
members, employers, academia and governments
across the globe to drive forward the science,
practice and importance of management in
construction.
OUR VISION: Built environment professionals
MIDLANDS Hampshire and Novus YORKSHIRE making a difference
How CDM 2015 affects Networking Breakfast A legal Update Breakfast
Health & Safety in Design, meeting 8 November, 8am, OUR MISSION: To contribute to a modern,
21 November, 6pm, 2 November, 8am Botleigh Sheffield Hallam University progressive and responsible construction
Hinckley, Grange Hotel, Hedge End, Contact: Sgiles@ciob.org.uk industry, meeting the economic, environmental
Contact: jnewton@ciob. Southampton PR Workshop for Industry and social challenges of a global society
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Construction Law Update org.uk the Professional Review Creating extraordinary people through
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Lincoln Management of Delays and 22 November, 6pm, Thorpe professional development.
Contact: gfloyd@ciob.org. Conflict Avoidance Three Park Hotel, Leeds Promoting the built environment as central to
uk important lessons Contact: Sgiles@ciob.org.uk quality of life for everyone, everywhere.
8 November, 6.30pm, Achieving a sustainable future worldwide.
Novus & G4C Student & Being socially responsible and advocating
NORTH EAST Holiday Inn, Guildford industry quiz night exemplary ethical practice, behaviour, integrity
Breakfast Seminar: Contact: bmilton@ciob. 22 November, 6pm
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General Legal Update Revelation Bar, Sheffield Pursuing excellence in worldwide management
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Gate, Newcastle upon Inn, Rochester Bradford College BIM in To be the inclusive valued Institute of choice
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Contact: dthorpe@ciob. org.uk case study We have over 47,000 members around the
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KINGSPAN INSTALLED ON WATERFRONT STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board has been specified as part of a
new 42 million purpose built student accommodation project in
Portsmouth, due to its outstanding thermal performance and ability to
meet the stringent fire performance requirements for the project.
The Unite Students development has been master planned by CGMS.
Once completed, the building will provide high quality and safe
accommodation for 836 students. Cooley Architects design uses coloured
Alpolic ACM cladding to form an eye-catching cube at the top of the 240 ft
building. Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board was installed as part
of the rainscreen faade system.
www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

DONT FORGET THE HOARDING

The importance of site hoardings for branding as well as security is well
recognised, but what is all too often overlooked is the legality of the
materials used in their manufacture.
Three years on from the introduction of the European Union Timber
Regulations (EUTR) that were supposed to end the import of illegally
sourced timber, there is growing evidence of widespread non-compliance.
A report produced by the National Measurement and Regulation office in
2015 exposed the lack of regulation in the manufacture of Chinese plywood,
while a series of actions have been taken against UK importers in recent
months over the use of timber sourced from unregulated forests in Africa.
EUTR recognised that there can be a lengthy supply chain between the
forest and the finished product and established a Chain of Custody system
to certify each organisation through whose hands the timber passes.
While this may be a relatively straightforward process for structural timber
beams and joists, it becomes significantly more complicated for plywood or
particle boards which can include timber from various sources in the
finished product.
The largest quantity of such boards on any project is likely to be found
during the construction phase as site hoardings and there is a clear
responsibility for the contractor to ensure that these are manufactured in
accordance with EUTR.
SMARTPLY SITEPROTECT OSB panels have a completely transparent
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CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | 65

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 Project of the month
Magdalen College library, Oxford University

spaces, a passenger lift, staircases and

washing facilities.
The roof also underwent an extensive
refurbishment that was completed in
Cotswold Stone slates.

What was the biggest challenge?

Refurbishing an historic library at Oxford Universitys Magdalen College was a
delicate process. Mark Burgess, regional director at Stepnell talks to CM.
Describe the project
An extension and refurbishment to a
Victorian Grade II-listed building designed
by John Buckler and built as a single hall
school. In 1932, it was converted into a
library for the Magdalen community
supporting 200 students and 35 Fellows.
Student numbers have since tripled,
and the library no longer had the space
or capability to support modern-day
requirements.
I had a personal connection as Im an
Oxford man myself. I walked by the
building thousands of times as a student
and its a real landmark.
Vital statistics
The architect for the project was Wright &
Wright. The build was originally seen as
one phase but we managed to convince
that it would be better to carry it out in
three stages. The enabling package of
400,000 got under way in September
2013 and that was completed in March
2014, then the remaining works, which
were 6.5m, began in June 2014 and
completed in March 2016.
The new design accommodates 120
readers in various study settings as well
as additional meeting areas, storage and
staff facilities. There is also space for
3,200 linear metres of books. The building
is designed so that this area could be
easily converted to seminar rooms, if the
balance of needs changes in the future.
The basement of the existing Victorian
building was extended, creating three
storeys along with a new connecting one-
storey extension. We also built new library
areas and study rooms, flexible working
Mainly it was the archaeology element.
Numerous artefacts were found and 100
bodies had to be dug out of the ground
before work could begin on the renovation.
This was done with the with the help of
Oxford Archaeology, and a report of the
findings will be published in the future.
Other challenges were the high
groundwater and flood risk. Much of
Oxford is built on flood plains and is
flooded regularly flooding, so
preventative measures have been
employed to protect both the construction
site and the redeveloped building from
future water exposure and ensure that it
can withstand any future disasters. A
number of mini wells were installed across
the site to dewater the ground.
What have you learned that you will
take to the next project?
It reminds you of the quality that a college
building like this demands and people
dont always remember this. It just
Top: The library is an reinforced whats needed.
1850s-built Victorian
building which was
converted in 1932 Champagne moment?
Above: The new design For us as a company the champagne
now accommodates moment was the project being opened by
120 readers in various
study settings Prince William.
However, my personal champagne
moment was the completion of the
new roof. I was so impressed when we
dropped the scaffold. I took my wife to
dinner at Marcos restaurant over the road
and made her stop and look and reminded
her that it was one of our buildings. CM

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