SILVER: Housing / Accommodation Projects Over £6M

Michael Poole-Sutherland ICIOB

Michael Poole-Sutherland ICIOB
Name: Michael Poole-Sutherland ICIOB
Employer: Lend Lease
Project: Project Slam, Vimy Barracks, Yorks


Mike Poole-Sutherland didn’t so much surpass his targets as blow them completely away. Finished eight weeks ahead of programme with savings of £1.7m on the budget and to an immaculate standard, the scheme showcases construction management at its best and has become a Project SLAM exemplar.

Passionate about construction, but even more passionate about building a cohesive team that exceeds expectations, Mike knew every site worker by first name. He developed a seamless team, stimulating a spirit of co-operation and motivation. He engaged with the supply chain to develop the programme, generating buy-in and eliminating risk. Subcontractors collaborated happily to identify opportunities and reduce trades overlap.

He planned works out of sequence to maximise multi-use of scaffolds and plant and offhire them early. To form the ground beams he used Pecafil, a lightweight reinforced plastic shutter which could be installed far faster than traditional PERI systems. He also exchanged clay pipes and manholes for preformed composite plastic, with a notable cost saving.

Value: £14.4m