The design process is key to the success of a project. From the outset of the project a Design Manager will be assigned to the project who will initially carry out the product design, space planning, specification sign off and sample rooms. The Design Technician will also start to look at products with extended lead times and advise the client of them.

At the commencement of the order being placed, we will create and agree a ‘lead in’ programme of key tasks which need to be completed and the associated time-scales. The programme will identify design and approval periods, sample room lead in period, identify long lead time items, procurement and manufacturing lead times. Critical milestones will be identified and the programme will be monitored by the Contract Manager on a weekly basis to ensure the project remains on track. As Principal contractor, a detailed construction programme will be created and published to enable client and sub-contractors the ability to plan and monitor progress and on-site dates. As always, the on-site programme will be monitored on a daily basis. This will allow any issues to be identified in a timely manner and any actions identified can be put in place to ensure smooth running of the project.

Once the design process has been completed, the Design manager will remain with the project and assist with the procurement of all items. We feel that this is the best approach for procuring the scheme as the designer is fully aware of all the products, specifications and finishes. The Contract Manager will also be involved with the procurement, where they will place key-subcontract orders on back to back terms to the main client contract. An initial delivery schedule is also produced at this stage which is interlinked to the main construction programme.

Prior to commencement on site, a construction phase health and safety plan, along with logistics plans, delivery routes and site set up will be created and presented to the client and any other group affected by the works. This is usually carried out during prestart meetings and we feel that this cements all plans into the minds of those involved. We are also aware of the need to communicate with those buildings or businesses that may be affected by our works and pride ourselves in keeping everyone informed of works and changes that they may feel as an effect upon them.

Depending on the location and the restrictions around it, we develop our plans for logistics carefully. We take into consideration parking, loading and drop off points, car parking suspension with local councils and of course the inevitable yearly events that may be happening whilst we are on site. We are used to working in live and central city locations where preplanning and thorough engagement with local authorities is of paramount importance. In the past we have utilised an adjacent building that we have rented for the period of the scheme or used off site storage as a marshalling area before brining
equipment and materials to site.

Our sites are always managed by a non-working site manager, who is fully qualified and often works with an no 2 trainee site manager as an extra layer of cover. The site team is lead in equal parts by one of our Contracts Managers and the appointed QS for the scheme. These are backed up by a
buyer and in most cases the Company Director, who have and will always have knowledge of all projects. The client will often see Company Directors at design team meetings and will be available for client consultation at all times. Our commitment to quality and sub-contractor selection is of the
highest importance to us. We have a robust selection process with regard to suppliers and sub-contractors and in many cases, we have formed working relationships over many years culminating in strong working ties & understanding between us.

Upon completion of the project ‘as built’ drawings will be issued along with the O&M manuals and any life safety documentation. Our Aftercare team will then be briefed on the project who will then deal with any issues should they arise during the defects liability period.