Category

Construction Planners

We Maintain our Cyber Essentials Certificate for the 4th Year Running

 

Great news for the PDSI group of companies – Initiate Consulting Ltd, Profile Construction Consultants Ltd, JS Projects Ltd & Queensborough Project Management Ltd – we are pleased to report that we have achieved the Cyber Essentials certification for the whole Group again for the 4th year running

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a simple but effective, Government backed scheme that will help you to protect your organisation, whatever its size, against a whole range of the most common cyber attacks.

Cyber attacks come in many shapes and sizes, but the vast majority are very basic in nature, carried out by relatively unskilled individuals. They’re the digital equivalent of a thief trying your front door to see if it’s unlocked. The advice given to achieve certification is designed to prevent these attacks.

Certification gives you peace of mind that your defences will protect against the vast majority of common cyber attacks simply because these attacks are looking for targets which do not have the Cyber Essentials technical controls in place.

Well done to the PDSI Team, and thank you to The NCC Group and The IASME Consortium for helping us to be Cyber Safe for another year 👏💙

PDSI Group Cyber Essentials 2021 Cert

PDSI Construction Consultants Cyber Essentials 2021 Certificate

Profile Are Recruiting – Associate Director Delay Expert

Profile Construction Consultants are seeking to appoint an Associate Director Delay Expert to join its growing team.

Lead the specialist delay and quantum business stream, initially as Associate Director with potential to join the board subject to performance. You will be expected to build and manage your own fee work together with the existing team.

See attached for more information and send your CV to tracy.keeley@profile-ltd.co.uk if you are interested.

Associate-Director-Delay-Expert-Position

Programme & Project Management, Controls and Project Recovery

PDSI Group is an independent privately owned Construction and Infrastructure Consultancy specialising in programme and project management, PMO management, project controls, cost planning and cost management, forensic planning, project turnaround and management of the systems engineering lifecycle. The quality of service that we provide, and our successful delivery of outcomes is underpinned by our market leading director led assignments. We achieve this through a collaboration focussed on stand-alone client facing assignments. Our drive to establish long lasting improvements and success in fast changing and uncertain environments, is embedded in our DNA. This is reflected in our behaviours and unrivalled commitment to continually enhance outcomes for our clients and all those we work with.

Read on to learn more about our Programme & Project Management, Controls and Project Recovery services and contact Graeme Jakins, our Director of Programme Management for further information – info@initiate.uk.com

PDSI Programme Management Controls and Project Recovery

Profile are Recruiting – Assistant Claims Consultant

Profile Construction Consultants are seeking to appoint a junior to mid level claims consultant to join its growing contractual services team based in West Malling, Kent.

The role would ideally suit a postgraduate or junior construction professional seeking a career in the claims and dispute resolution sector.

See attached for more information and send your CV to tracy.keeley@profile-ltd.co.uk if you are interested.

Assistant Claims Consultant role – March 2021

 

 

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Survey reveals persistence of IR35 ignorance but Initiate is prepared

IR35 changes will impact how the industry works but Initiate and the PDSI Group have been researching this for 12 months in preparation and we are confident we are ready.

The IR35 rules govern the tax status of an individual working as a contractor (or freelancer) and whether, for taxation purposes, they ought to be deemed an employee on the payroll. Businesses that fail to exercise reasonable care in determining the IR35 tax status of a contractor could face significant fines.

Recruitment firm Randstad Construction, Property & Engineering (CPE) conducted a survey of 204 medium and large UK construction businesses in the first two weeks of November.

It found that 26% remain totally unaware of the upcoming IR35 changes and their consequences. Fewer than half (44%) are aware that they need to prepare for these changes or are currently part way through this process.

Only 30% have a plan already in place.

Originally set to come into effect from April 2020, the implementation of IR35 legislation changes was postponed until 6th April 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The changes mean that medium and large businesses in the UK will be responsible for determining whether IR35 rules apply to those working for them as contractors, whereas previously the individual contractor was responsible for making this decision.

Only 24% said that they have understood the government’s IR35 guidelines – 76% admitted to being not up-to-speed or still having outstanding questions.

Randstad CPE managing director Owen Goodhead said: “Worryingly, despite having an extra 12 months to prepare, our latest findings reveal that the majority of construction businesses aren’t ready for changes to IR35. Tax regime changes are likely to have fallen on the backburner given the upheaval generated by Covid-19, with survival mode kicking in for many. But these changes will have a deep impact on recruitment and HR processes and operations, with the need for in-depth stakeholder training and deployment of new management tools.”

The construction sector has a heavy reliance on contract workers, 98% of firms questioned in this survey reported using them, so the impact of the changes in April is set to be wide-ranging.

Owen Goodhead continued: “It is still possible to prepare for IR35, but businesses need to act urgently, to start impact assessments and seek high quality advice. To put things into perspective, offers made to contractors now on the basis of a six-month contract will last beyond the 6th April 2021 and will therefore be in scope. This means the onus will be on the employer to determine the IR35 status of contractors and exercise reasonable care in doing so.”

Is your business prepared for upcoming changes to IR35 in April 2021? (%)

  • We aren’t aware of what the IR35 changes are or their impact 26%
  • We haven’t started our preparations for IR35 yet, but will be doing so 18%
  • We have started preparations for IR35 changes, but we aren’t there yet 26%
  • The business is prepared for the changes and has a plan in place 30%

Do you feel that your business can cope with additional costs as a result of IR35? (%)

  • Unsure, as I don’t know what the additional costs might amount to 43%
  • No, I don’t foresee any additional costs 13%
  • No, in the current climate we will struggle 19%
  • Yes, we have assessed the costs and have sufficient resource 25%

Further reading:

IR35 changes confirmed for April 2021:Will Clayton, employment partner at Constantine Law, explains the implications.

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk

 

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White Paper: Construction Project Recovery and Dispute Expert Work

Please follow the link below to read PDSI’s paper on Construction Project Recovery and Dispute Expert work, detailing some recent examples of projects carried out.

In this current climate our project rescue expertise is gaining traction, providing dispute advice, expert witness, avoidance and project recovery & recovery services.

Please get in touch should you wish to discuss how the PDSI Group could help with your project.

DOWNLOAD Construction Project Recovery and Dispute Expert Paper HERE

 

The post White Paper: Construction Project Recovery and Dispute Expert Work appeared first on PDSI Construction Consultants.

Building Information Modelling BIM – the future of construction projects

A Short History of BIM

The current concept of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has existed since the 1970s and the term ‘building model’ (in the sense of BIM as used today) was first used in papers in the mid-1980s: in a 1985 paper by Simon Ruffle eventually published in 1986, and later in a 1986 paper by Robert Aish – then at GMW Computers Ltd, developer of RUCAPS software – referring to the software’s use at London’s Heathrow Airport.

In fact BAA Plc, the aiport operator was at the leading edge of building modelling from its inception and in 1995 Brad Bamfield, PDSI Director, while Group Development Manager at BAA Plc used an early form to model the construction of the transit systems at Stansted airport with significant success ensuring potential problems were identified before construction with associated cost and time saving.

The term ‘Building Information Model’ first appeared in a 1992 paper by G.A. van Nederveen and F. P. Tolman. However, the terms ‘Building Information Model’ and ‘Building Information Modelling’ (including the acronym “BIM”) did not become popularly used until some 10 years later.

In 2002, Autodesk released a white paper entitled “Building Information Modelling, and other software vendors also started to assert their involvement in the field.

By hosting contributions from Autodesk, Bentley Systems and Graphisoft, plus other industry observers, in 2003, Jerry Laiserin helped popularize and standardise the term as a common name for the digital representation of the building process. Facilitating exchange and interoperability of information in digital format had previously been offered under differing terminology by Graphisoft as “Virtual Building”, Bentley Systems as “Integrated Project Models”, and by Autodesk or Vectorworks as “Building Information Modelling”.

The pioneering role of applications such as RUCAPS, Sonata and Reflex has been recognized by Laiserin as well as the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering.

As Graphisoft had been developing such solutions for longer than its competitors, Laiserin regarded its ArchiCAD application as then “one of the most mature BIM solutions on the market. Following its launch in 1987, ArchiCAD became regarded by some as the first implementation of BIM, as it was the first CAD product on a personal computer able to create both 2D and 3D geometry, as well as the first commercial BIM product for personal computers.

What is BIM today?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that begins with the creation of an intelligent 3D model and enables document management, coordination and simulation during the entire lifecycle of a project (plan, design, build, operation and maintenance).

What is BIM used for?

BIM is used to design and document building and infrastructure designs. Every detail of a building is modeled in BIM. The model can be used for analysis to explore design options and to create visualizations that help stakeholders understand what the building will look like before it’s built. The model is then used to generate the design documentation for construction.

Why is BIM important?

According to the United Nations, by 2050 the world’s population will be 10 billion. The global architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is responsible for delivering the social and economic spaces for the global population, and for helping maintain and restore the buildings and infrastructure already in use. The industry must look to smarter, more efficient ways to design and build not just as a means to keep up with global demand but to help create spaces that are smarter and more resilient too.

BIM not only allows design and construction teams to work more efficiently, but it allows them to capture the data they create during the process to benefit operations and maintenance activities. BIM data can also inform planning and resourcing on the project, city or country level. This is why BIM mandates are increasing across the globe.

What is the process of BIM?

The process of BIM supports the creation of intelligent data that can be used throughout the lifecycle of a building or infrastructure project.

Plan

Inform project planning by combining reality capture and real-world data to generate context models of the existing built and natural environment.

BIM is now used in Business cases and project justification, Strategic Brief, Appraisals, Brief and information requirements and Supplier appointments.

Information deliverables include model files, documents and structured data files containing information about the facility, floors, spaces, systems and components. Together these create a digital replica of the built asset that starts by representing design intent and matures by the time handover occurs to reflect what has actually been built and installed.

Design

During this phase, conceptual design, analysis, detailing and documentation are performed. The preconstruction process begins using BIM data to inform scheduling and logistics.

Once the contract for suppliers to design (and perhaps construct, and even operate) the development has been awarded, the successful supplier submits a post-contract BIM execution plan (BEP) providing more detail about their methodology, confirming their (and their supply chain’s) BIM capabilities and providing a master information delivery plan (MIDP). The master information delivery plan sets out when project information will be prepared, by whom, using what protocols and procedures – from the supplier’s perspective (the employer’s information requirements sets this out from the employer’s perspective).

The supplier develops the project information model in accordance with the master information delivery plan. They may also develop other information they have identified as important through the course of their activities.

The project information model is developed based upon generic representations with approximate quantities, size, shape, location, tolerances and so on.

Build

During this phase, fabrication begins using BIM specifications. Project construction logistics are shared with trades and contractors to ensure optimum timing and efficiency.

The successful contractor submits a post-contract BIM execution plan (BEP) confirming their (and their supply chain’s) capabilities and providing a master information delivery plan (MIDP). This should take into account existing BIM execution plans from suppliers already appointed (such as design consultants), and may include BIM training requirements for the contractor and their supply chain.

The contractor will need to establish or prepare information such as:

  • Schedules of conditions of existing and neighbouring structures
  • A master programme for the construction works.
  • A project handbook setting out responsibilities, procedures, and lines of communication for the construction stage.
  • A site layout plan for construction.
  • A contract register.
  • An asset register scheduling assets on site and who they belong to.
  • Statutory site registers
  • Any further survey work
  • Statutory utilities
  • A construction phase plan.
  • A site waste management plan.
  • Site logistics an traffic management plan

Operate

BIM data carries over to operations and maintenance of finished assets. BIM data can be used down the road for cost-effective renovation or efficient deconstruction too.

An asset information model (AIM) is developed from the as-constructed project information model (PIM), or the PIM is used to add to an existing AIM. The asset information model compiles all the data and information related to, or required for the operation and maintenance of the completed development.

The model may be developed to include information from post occupancy evaluations, metered performance information, actual in-use costs, remote monitoring information and so on. Object information in the model may be developed to include operational information such as maintenance records and replacement dates. There may be two-way connections between the model and enterprise systems used by the employer, such as purchasing systems, performance reporting systems and work scheduling systems.

All this may seem complex (and we have only provided the headlines here) but BIM is an essential management process for successful delivery of your project from inception to decommissioning at end of life.

After all why would you invest so much money and management time in your project and not use the best planning, design, construction and operation processes available?

We have seen BIM save clients significant amounts of money by identifying problems or design issues early, delivering on time completion and effective buildings for use. BIM should never be considered a “cost” but a value added component of your project.

Finally if you are considering a project require BIM from your designers, suppliers and contractors good companies are happy to provide it whereas any resistance tells its own story.

Why choose Profile for your BIM requirements?

Profile Construction Consultants Ltd are recognised throughout the Construction Industry as leaders in Construction Planning, providing valuable Planning Services for all stages including Claims and Adjudications of any given Project to a myriad of contractors and subcontractors alike.

Combined with our 25 years of experience, we also specialise in 4D Planning and can offer all your 4D BIM requirements bespoke to your needs and budget.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instead of purely trying to interpret a Construction Programme we can link your 3D models directly to the programme thus allowing you to see various digital live simulations or what if scenarios of your 3D model with time implemented which is crucial to any given project.

 

By appointing Profile for your 4D Planning you can:

  • Lower risks by rehearsing and optimising the Construction Process at Pre-Construction stage and find the best solutions early.
  • Streamline your Construction Process and see the potential of all members of the team communicating with a common language – the 4D Model.
  • Clearly identify potential delays and clashes early throughout the Construction Period.
  • Report progress in a better and intuitive manor by visually simulating the planned vs as built.
  • Clear and easy interpretations for Claims and Adjudications.
  • And more…

Profile believe BIM is the next step in the industry towards a better, safer and more efficient Construction Process.

Contact us here

Profile welcomes a new member of staff

Profile Construction Consultants Ltd, a specialist planning consultancy and part of the PDSI Group, recently welcomed Charlotte Begby to the team at West Malling.

C BegbeyCharlotte is an experienced claims consultant, contract administrator and chartered quantity surveyor with international experience gained from working in Australia, the Middle East and Caribbean as well as the UK.

Charlotte’s practical experience is supplemented with a sound understanding of contract and construction law gained through her Bachelor of Law degree and Master’s degree in construction cost management.

Charlotte’s key areas of expertise include infrastructure (roads, bridge and tunnel), oil and Gas, Mining (iron ore), hotels, sports and leisure, residential and mixed use projects.

Charlotte is currently working as Senior Claims Consultant with a focus on forensic delay analysis for a number of Clients.

If you would like more information on how we can help with your disputes or claims please contact us here.

Engenie EV Charging Point rollout supported by Queensborough Project Management.

Queensborough Project Management have been supporting Engenie for the last 9 months as they roll out a nation wide network of EV charging points in car parks of supermarkets, pubs, stations and anywhere that an Electric Vehicle drivers need a power top up.

Queensborough have been responsible for programme management once the sites have been contracted and we have completed over 50 with the roll out due to accelerate.

Queensborough are full spectrum project managers, cost consultants and programme managers for private clients across all sectors. More here

Georgina Shultz makes the move to Trainee Planner

Having graduated from university with a degree in Spatial Design, Georgina has become Profile’s latest Trainee Planner. Profile always have 1 or 2 trainees and she joins an elite band of planners who have trained at Profile over the last 25 years.

Georgina has experience in creating programmes on PowerProject, creating links and coding, as well as carrying out progress updates to the programme.

Georgina has also provided 2D and 3D site logistics drawings to detail traffic plans, scaffolding layouts and construction phase plans for various projects, using Sketchup and Photoshop. She also has experience in using AutoCAD for carrying out 2D drawings.

Georgina is furthering her knowledge by assisting with all possible projects, from tender programmes, to claims and logistics drawings. She plans to use her Sketchup skills combined with Powerproject knowledge to begin providing basic level BIM models, working up to high quality BIM models.

 

Executive Assistant to MD and social media marketing manager

PDSI Construction Consultants is looking for a bright articulate graduate with ambition and confidence to join an established team at our London office. PDSI group is a privately owned construction consultancy comprising 3 specialist trading businesses with offices in London, Kent and Majorca visit; www.pdsiconsult.com

The role is new and will suit someone looking for a challenge and wishing to be part of an evolving and changing role offering opportunity and variety. The successful candidate will be based at our London office with a dual role

(i) reporting to the MD responsible for our transport and infrastructure business as personal assistant covering a variety of assignments forming part of a learning and personal growth plan and

(ii) reporting to the Group Business Administration Director covering marketing support, social media and business finance.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a candidate with ambition, technical know how in social media, a real self-starter with an appetite to help shape the role under the guidance and direction of two very experienced demanding leaders.

The role would likely suit a Graduate with Business Studies degree (although not essential). Knowledge in creating social media content, email design and broadcast, updating website content and reporting on key metrics using various analytical tools would be helpful together with good positive communication skills, pre-active and a willingness to learn.

If you are hardworking and confident with good communication skills, ambition to be part of a fast growing interesting business and believe you have what is takes – get in touch outlining why you feel you are the right person for the role.

The opening is an immediate start.

Please send us your CV and a letter telling us why you would be suitable to katarina.jocic@pdsiconsult.com

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and comply with the Equality Act 2010.

Coming Soon

We have ambitious plans for growth and are looking for talented, energetic and experienced, entrepreneurial, personable problem solvers to join our team. More details on this page.