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Category: Projects £25-50m Name: Peter Deakin ACIOB Company: Leadbitter Project: University of Surrey – Phase R1a – Student and Staff Accommodation Contract: JCT 1998 D&B |
Arriving at the company just as it was awarded this contract, Peter Deakin turned in a superb display of astute and inspiring leadership for his first job for Leadbitter. Sixteen of Peter's 18-strong team were as new to the company as he was, and he bonded and motivated them with a series of team-building exercises. His success can be measured by the fact that the team that started the project was the same as the one that successfully completed it.
Peter gave the experienced site managers in his team responsibility for the buildability aspects of the design development of the elements under their control. His focus on simplifying and prioritising programme information to facilitate the procurement of the initial packages was crucial given the extremely tight 89-week programme. And the ground didn't help – the soil was soft clay, and half an hour of drizzle turned the site into a quagmire, impacting further on the programme.
He took an open approach to problems and solutions but set strict approval timeframes to meet the programme demands. He concentrated on early design information that was right first time, and targeted value engineering at simplifying or reducing onsite problems.
Peter progressed the works quickly and safely by procuring offsite manufactured solutions for the en suite bathroom pods, external stairs and roof detailing. He instigated detail workshops to ensure the full integration of offsite elements into the design. And he met the client's quality aspirations by fabricating mock-ups onsite and giving team members responsibility for factory visits and works inspections.
He influenced project success with the high proportion of repetitive elements by running a strict programme monitoring regime and taking a proactive approach to short-term planning. He even appointed a logistics manager with a background in military logistics to streamline the movements of labour and materials.
Peter also initiated the early installation of an electronic door entry system to control access to all bedrooms and project areas at the crucial completion stages. It minimised damage, maintained the installed quality and allowed a smooth transition from snagging to student occupation in just six weeks.
Peter's high-quality leadership and people skills ensured excellent client relationships, a motivated team that he shielded from unmanageable pressures, and a committed supply chain. His calm and considered approach delivered an outstanding project on time and on budget to a delighted client.
