Project Management for Self-Builds: A Video Guide

This short animated video gives an overview of the advantages of working with an experienced & qualified project manager.

A dedicated project manager typically costs around 4-6% of build cost but can often save you a similar amount, thereby making employing their services a self-funding exercise. As well as reducing stress and hassle, they can ensure that your project is managed in the most efficient way possible. Cost savings, time savings and stress savings are all benefits of employing a project manager for your self-build.

Additionally, you can be assured that health & safety on site will be paramount and a high quality end result will be delivered. Talk to us today to find out more, call 01622 535505 or email info@thelogicgroup.co.uk

Workspace Optimisation

As the name implies, workspace optimisation can be about providing space for more workstations but it may also be that your business has too much space and, with some planning, you can reduce your commitment and in turn reduce your overheads. Workspace Optimisation is about making your space work better for you. If you have a business plan about your growth or future development then this service will prove useful to you.

There are numerous considerations in any workspace optimisation project. Questions we may ask include: do all staff need a permanent desk, how much storage is required, is there a need for a postage and comms rooms, how many teapoints / break out spaces are required, what are the requirements for the reception and meeting spaces?

Potential for growth and expansion may not be on your immediate agenda, but building leases are generally 3 or 5 years as a minimum and can be quite restricting should your business grow rapidly. Having the potential to create additional workstations or meeting areas within your space can help with business planning and decision making.

Logic PM has undertaken a number of workplace optimisation programmes for various clients and would happily offer advice on any scheme you need to develop. Call us on 0203 397 7444 or email info@logicpm.co.uk

Is the Experience of Older Construction Workers Wasted?

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) recently released a report titled: “Exploring the impact of the ageing population on the workforce and built environment.” Their research suggests that many companies are overlooking the experience of older construction workers who could pass down their skills and knowledge to younger workers.

The skills shortage problem within the construction industry is further exacerbated by a lack of training for new recruits. Deputy Chief Executive of the CIOB Bridget Bartlett commented: “our own research tells us that skills shortages in the construction industry are made worse when those entering the industry are not suitably qualified...we should try to tap into the skills and knowledge of older workers to ensure these skills are passed on to the next generation.”

Only 63% of firms surveyed claimed that mentoring of younger workers by experienced colleagues was commonplace within their business and respondents pointed out the difficulties in obtaining high-calibre experienced staff suitable for participating in these schemes.

In conclusion, the report stated that “construction needs to see far greater investment and recognition of ageing workers.” With almost 20% of the construction workforce set to retire in the next five to ten years, action is needed now.

Mentoring younger construction workers as well as new recruits will help ensure that some of the skills and knowledge acquired by this generation of workers will be put to good use. Mentoring and apprenticeship schemes should be commonplace in all construction practices to ensure that the 224,000 vacancies needed by 2019 will be filled.

The CIOB points out that employers have a real opportunity to address the skills shortage problems they face by reaching out to older workers. They also point out that both on and off-site skills are required with the report stating that “construction isn’t all hard hats and hi-vis. We need technical skills as much as manual skills.”

Director of Logic PM, Nick Baster, has been conscious of this issue and sought to blend youth with experience in building his team. We actively participate in the Kent apprenticeship scheme and focus on the practical approach of delivering successful projects with the knowledge that comes from experience and the enthusiasm that comes with youth. All members of the team, whether young or old, have been critical to our success and should be valued equally.