When it's time for change ... face up to face value and don't get 'had'

Every day in every way somebody or some business will be 'had'. Despite efforts and best intentions it's an embarrassing fact that often as not it's their own fault. But it can be minimised by taking proper advice and using professional control and management techniques.

Let's assume that the premises you occupy are all on terms of cost, duration, break clauses etc which you are satisfied with. You have a need for change and it must be contained in terms of both disruption and cost.

Budget and specification
First essential is a properly constructed specification and budget and associated programme plan to minimise disruption. Business restraints must be identified - launch of a new product, annual accounts, the budget, the Euro launch to name but a few. It is also essential to look at the future, identify costs for future position, growth and feasibility. See out suggested project expenditure profile.

In the early briefing it is essential to define risk on the business by the contractors' work so that they are understood. Contractors Contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers must all understand the effect on them by your business and occupancy, and you must understand the effects of their work on you and your business.

Unfettered by occupation
A project 'unfettered' by the restriction of client occupation is a totally different project to that where restricted day, night and weekend working are the only times available. Activities which have to happen in the day will require security and access control, clean working practices during and on completion of the tasks. Productivity will be restricted due to the need for restraint in performing tasks. If the work cannot be completed will the resource return the next day or night? Or will you have to wait until the resource returns? Will that affect the programme? Will it aggravate the client? Will it incur time or financial penalties.

A question of trust
Choice of contractor is particularly important. This can be particularly relevant if you have overseas premises. The general project works may be able to be completed satisfactorily but you are well advised to have specialists, who know your business and are experienced at working overseas, on site for you to complete the risk items. This gives you comfort that someone that you have worked with in the UK has completed your task overseas. It is also another pair of eyes with a commitment to you, even if it's an unwritten commitment - in a wider sense they are 'looking out' for you. Whether at home or abroad, attitude to your problems is paramount and your peace of mind is essential in the knowledge that they will not wreck or steal from you or your premises. It is not just choice of the much maligned building contractors, there are also services contractors and more and more IT contractors and providers who can affect your business with sloppy management and personnel.

The role of the Project Manager

Email: robert@crowleyprojects.co.uk