Finalist |
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Category: Restoration |
Completing a snag-free project to an enviable level of quality three weeks early and handing savings of £240,000 back to a delighted client has obviously done Richard Jones' reputation no harm. And, as the second project in a rolling five-year programme of school refurbs with Monmouthshire Council, the success of the scheme has further strengthened Willmott Dixon's relationship with a key long-term client.
Thorough planning was the bedrock of Richard's success. A comprehensive risk register drawn up in the precontract phase played a vital role in ensuring that the project threw up few surprises. This was essential given that the five-year client programme involves moving schools to temporary premises while they are refurbished or rebuilt – any slippage would have serious knock-on effects.
Richard completed the main weather-sensitive work, such as roofing and groundworks, during the summer. He drove the project hard throughout, never taking his eye off the ball.
Always commanding the respect of the workforce, Richard built a positive and industrious atmosphere onsite, which encouraged the high standard of workmanship required on the building. The major renovation works all required painstaking attention to detail. And they got it – one of the client representative's colleagues pointed out that even the screwheads on the fire exit signs throughout the building were all aligned vertically.
Having put in place contingency plans in the precontract phase, Richard was able to manage the design throughout the project to minimise costs. He advised the client how to iron out costs so it could get its entire wish list, and repeatedly showed that there was more than one way to achieve objectives.
Richard's careful management, tight controls and taking of key decisions early on all contributed to the unusual feat of being able to give back to the client £240,000 – a high percentage for a relatively small scheme.
