Name: Andy Tolfree
Employer: GB Building Solutions
Project: Sunrise Senior Living, Soning
Contract: JCT 2005
Rather than holing himself away in a separate site office to run the programme, Andy Tolfree put himself right at the centre of this project. His open plan office meant he was always in the thick of things and well aware of all that was going on. He knew the details, kept an eye on the subcontractors and kept tabs on upcoming materials deliveries and design issues.
Diplomatic and exceptionally articulate in his management style, Andy was also assertive and forceful when required. Yet he remained approachable and helpful when the tougher challenges emerged. His no-blame attitude and proactive search for solutions inspired collaborative problem solving and earned the respect of the subcontractors.
When, for example, the M&E subcontractor underperformed and needed extensive management input to get back on track, Andy took the issue on. He didn’t berate the subcontractor or seek to distance himself. Instead, he took ownership of the problem and ensured there would be minimal effect on the programme.
He showed a good appreciation of the client’s business-critical targets. Not only did he meet the milestone dates – in particular, for the handover of model rooms to act as a marketing suite – but greatly exceeded the client’s expectations. He completed a large part of the envelope and landscaping works ahead of schedule to offer a completed access route, rather than a protected tunnel, to the model rooms at the rear of the site, enhancing the project impressions of prospective tenants.
He was also proactive in putting forward value management ideas. For example, his proposal to save on long-term maintenance costs by substituting uPVC for timber in the fascias was adopted.
Andy also successfully incorporated the results of the client’s regular product development reviews. He implemented a raft of changes to the finishings, amounting to around £500k in value, within the scheme’s original timescale.
Value: £11.8m