Name: Neil Rakestrow
Employer: Britannia Construction
Project: Sandwell Operational Command Unit, West Bromwich
After nine years in the planning, this four-storey new-build police station finally got off the ground thanks to Neil Rakestrow. Faced with the client’s late request for changes to the size and shape of the building that threatened to delay site start by four months, he took command to ensure handover by the original date. Neil’s clear leadership, his collaborative approach with the client team, and his fine liaison with the specialist supply chain incorporated the redesign within the programme.
His forging of good relationships with the subcontractors was key to project success. He ensured they understood the requirements and their role in successful delivery. He constantly walked the site to build effective relationships with operatives and their supervisors.
Every day he held a short production meeting to outline and discuss the day’s work. If areas had not been completed, he reviewed what had happened, asking why there was delay. And once production issues had been identified – resources, preceding trades not leaving the area ready for the subsequent trade, and so on – he would specify solutions.
Value: £9.3m