The Project Manager

Whether it is a building or architectural matter, mechanical, electrical, IT, public health or fire safety your project manager will guide you through your relocation, refurbishment or new build.

You may consider a project manager an unnecessary expense - afterall you probably have a team of professional and experienced managers already employed in your organisation. But, what is is you have employed them to do? Maybe run the finance division, be responsible for business development and marketing your company, run the personnel division ... and every one of those jobs is key to the success of your business.

So don't be tempted to water down their input into the business. Take on a professional - on a specified contract - and don't risk having IT cut off, power disrupted, insurance nullified. Let's look at fire safety as an example - not just the extinguishers but the bits you can't see - the IT risers, the underfloor and above ceiling barriers.

Will a local manager have that under control? You pay your insurance - but are you sure it can be claimed against during the project.

A project manager is invaluable but it is still essential that you provide a management link to work with the project manager to guide the final choices through the business and who, at least, is aware of any decisions which affect occupation.

When you move in
The project manager will continue to help and support the project once you are in occupation. Moving into a new or refurbushed building, you will encounter change management and churn whether large or small. An experienced project manager will guide you through the early major step changes, plus the project follow ons - setting up of maintenance contracts and adjustments to existing contracts.

There must also be some early monitoring to ensure that the work is completed satisfactorily. With the change in monopoly supply of all the utilities and IT supplies costs should be inspected frequently to check on overhead costs for energy and communication.

Choose and appoint a project manager who will help you from inception to completion and beyond, as required. Get rid of the headache and help build harmonious and satisfied relationships between all parties. Interior design and planting can be a cost effective solution to a drab environment to make your space healthy and you, wise, and hopefully wealthy. Face up to face value - the cheapest is almost most certainly not the best.

Never mind the width feel the quality?

Used in Quest 2000 magazine and written by Project Director Robert Crowley

Email: robert@crowleyprojects.co.uk