At 08:30 – 10:00am on 3 June 2014 G4C’s Julia Lydall hosted a breakfast seminar at Prince Phillip House. The event was sponsored by Charles Russell, FSI Worldwide and Turner & Townsend and we had 6 incredibly influential experts leading the discussion on the future of the Construction Industry. Our Panellists Andrew Wolstenholme, CEO Crossrail David Savage, Equity Partner Charles Russell (host) Don Ward, CE Constructing Excellence Ian Watkins, Dragados Project Manager Murray Rowden, Global MD Turner & Townsend Peter Hansford, Chief Construction Advisor to UK Government Significant Learning Points For me the main learning point from this session on such a broad subject was gaining an insight into the industry from a game changer’s point of view. The session gave me an insight into industry leader’s views of the future of the industry and set me thinking how I could play a part in it. I felt that the session empowered me to believe that my behaviour and actions can impact the industry and create a positive legacy for the future. Special points of interest
- Positive changes in the last 10 years highlighted were: a better H&S culture; better ICT; better performance measures and most importantly government understanding and support.
- A new view on project insurance brackets which encourage collaborative solution based activities in the event of a risk being realised rather than an argument about laying blame.
- Clients have a responsibility to take a lead on change and value over cost tender decisions. Suppliers and consultants have a responsibility to support and follow their lead.
- Definition of value was deemed to be first, understanding the outcome required and then delivering the balance between functionality and cost which the client requires.
- Collaboration starts by encouraging suppliers to have “skin in the game” whether that be reputational, commercial or shared benefit. This enables an integrated culture and a collaborative business model
Conclusion The opportunity in the construction industry is huge. Each one of us needs to become an agent for change if we are to have an industry that is sustainable and attractive to work in. We can be the change we want to see; our behaviour shapes the future of our construction industry.
