VVA Project & Cost Managers’ Post

Reflecting on the Crossrail Lessons Learned Report, one pivotal insight stands out: the crucial role of a proactive sponsor in the success of major infrastructure projects. It emphasizes the need for constant review and adaptation of the delivery model and organisational arrangements to navigate progress and emerging risks effectively. This extends to ensuring that those in lead sponsorship roles possess a unique blend of practical delivery experience, stakeholder management, sector knowledge, and leadership qualities—a mix seldom produced through traditional Civil Service career paths. The challenge lies in attracting and retaining such talent within the Civil Service model, highlighting a gap that needs bridging for future project successes. Sharing these learnings underlines our industry's commitment to evolving and strengthening project management and sponsorship practices. #projectmanagement #infrastructureexcellence #CrossrailLessons #majorprojects

I'm delighted to announce that I'm joining Turner & Townsend as a Director within Programme Advisory (Infrastructure). I can't believe that 7 months ago I posted the following on LinkedIn. Today it has a different sentiment but sums up entirely why I'm so excited about this role (& it's a big part of what Programme Advisory do at T & T!): "Today, I find myself, more than ever, being led towards my 'old profession' as a chartered surveyor (QS & Estate Management). There are some exciting things happenning around 'future of work'; both from the human perspective & also the 'physical' aspects of assets, how they work, how they're managed & how leaders are focussing on technology in every sense, to create a new 'work experience'. What really floats my boat, is that many businesses are figuring out how they become purpose-led, creating environments that attract the right people and have a sustainability agenda that isn't just 'lip service' to shareholders or customers........ So if you fancy a chat, with a lapsed but still engaged chartered surveyor, who is on tippy toes about what you can do to take your business on a transformational journey, get in touch....." So there you have it - I predicted my own future!!!! I will continue to focus on always supporting the underdog, coaching and mentoring, ED & I and of course working with our clients around 'the way we're working isn't working'. I can't wait to meet the team in Manchester Gareth Naylor and programme advisory team including Hannah Kitcherside Alastair Lansdown - I'll be on a steep learning curve for sure! Oh and finally, the entire recruitment process with T & T has blown me away. Thorough, professional, slick and absolutely embracing their values in actions not words Ben Hendrick (FIRP) #transformation #infrastructure #consulting #advisory #newbeginnings

How do you start a really ambitious project? 🤯 One with a goal of real transformation, that wants to go big or go home in terms of the impact it has on people’s lives? I’m delighted to be collaborating with Amey and EmployabilityUK on just such a project, with the inspirational Ryan Anthony Evans and Diane Vernon MBE FIEP leading on the strategic vision and stakeholder engagement respectively. 👏 Bare Analysis💜 will be leading on workshops, needs analysis and insight activities. We met last week at Amey offices in Birmingham to understand how to approach truly ambitious project goals, but also accept that we can’t do everything. We took an emergent and open approach to problem ideation, and came out of our session with some exciting ideas for project discovery. With a user-centred strategy, and a focus on understanding what users really need, validating our assumptions at every step, we are exploring how we can support young people and those in vulnerable situations in the Midlands, believe in change and create ambition. 💪 Diane Vernon MBE FIEP’s deep knowledge of the context will be invaluable for ensuring access and trust, two key requirements for any meaningful change work with stakeholders. There are significant challenges facing the engineering and built environment industries in terms of talent and a rapidly retiring workforce. Our project is seeking to solution-ise for these challenges, while creating grass roots transformation. 🪴 More updates to come on this exciting journey… 🚀 #TransformationProjects #Employability #Change #SocialValue

Meet New Hire: Vincent Testa P.E., MBA, CCM, LEED GA Procon welcomes Vinny Testa, our new Strategy and Growth Executive focusing on business development and project delivery. We spoke with Vinny to learn more about his background: What were you doing before you joined Procon? VT: Before Procon, I was the Regional Solutions Director for the Americas East Region at Jacobs. I managed a team of 24 experts in their respective markets and covered 31 states, Canada, and Latin America while coordinating globally with my counterparts. The majority of my role fit into three categories 1) providing solutions for complex problems to existing project delivery; 2) connecting and facilitating subject matter expert engagement on proposals and new opportunities; and 3) driving talent growth and engagement across our staff and solution areas. I also was part of the Jacobs Americas Leadership for the Health Market and engaged in Business Development and Talent Growth across the United States. Before all of that I was a Senior Project Manager and successfully delivered projects for #GSA and #AOC in Washington, DC, multiple healthcare providers in Florida, and was a Subject Matter Expert in Project Controls across multiple markets and PMIS. How did you get into the CM industry? VT: I got into Construction Management really early. My father was a Safety Manager for CSX when I was little and when we moved to DC he took on work for Amtrak and WMATA. When I went to college, he was a Vice President at WMATA and I was able to spend a few summers going into the office with him -- walking the rail yards and helping file papers. I got to learn how things operated, were built, and what went into the planning and operations of it all. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? VT: Something my dad used to say to me growing up playing baseball, that I have passed on to my kids, is we control our attitude and our effort. If you bring those you'll find you beat out just about anyone at just about anything. #ConstructionManagement #PeopleofProcon #NewHire #EmployeeSpotlight #BuiltforWhatsNext #Strategy #Growth #BusinessDevelopment

It’s fun seeing good opportunities presented to good people, and I’m not just saying that because this is my dad, Craig Thompson. Yes, I’m biased. But I also recognize how impactful its been having a model of relentless improvement and leadership on my own personal development. A few things in particular that I do my best to emulate: - Doing the right thing always wins. - Principles matter. - You’re never done learning. - Investing in people > investing in process. - Leadership is a choice, not a title. - Just about anything is possible with patience and grit. - You’re responsible for your own success. - Attitude is everything, and it’s contagious. You’ve got a good one McCownGordon Construction. #leadership #sethtalks

Big update from a big player in the industry!

Times change, needs evolve, and so do we! As of today, SNC-Lavalin, Atkins and Faithful+Gould are becoming AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. Together with our industry partners and clients, our global team of consultants, designers, engineers -!; project managers, we can change the world. #AtkinsRéalis #TogetherChangesEverything

All our project consultants are experienced in facilitation techniques, allowing them to create carefully structured workshops that enhance decision-making quality by the project teams. This provides the project teams with the ability to: ➡️ Identify relevant issues through the team’s participation. ➡️ Ensure a consensus is reached through methodical evaluations. ➡️Save programme time through an accelerated decision-making process. #northcroft #construction #property #infrastructure #consultancy #quantitysurveyors #sydney #australianbusiness #projectmanagement #consultancyservices #projectplanning #international #quantitysurveying #northcroftbenefits #northcroftdifference

Career from site team member to Leading a project is no small feat, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work our teams has demonstrated on-site. Today I have completed my 23 years of professional journey, it is having been challenging yet immensely rewarding. 🔧Hard Work and Team Effort: We, as a team, have put in countless hours, often going above and beyond to ensure the project progresses smoothly. From the meticulous planning stages to the physical demands of on-site work, every member has played a crucial role. It's our unwavering commitment that drives our success. 🌧️Facing the Elements: Working in diverse and often harsh environmental conditions has been a true test of our resilience. Whether it’s braving extreme weather, navigating difficult terrains, or ensuring safety protocols are met, our team's ability to adapt and persevere has been remarkable. 👥Collaboration and Leadership: Effective communication and teamwork have been at the heart of our project. Leading such a dynamic and talented team has been an honour. Their diverse expertise and collaborative spirit have been pivotal in overcoming obstacles and achieving milestones. 🏆Achievements and Milestones: Despite the challenges, we’ve successfully completed several key milestones, bringing us close to project completion. Each milestone is a testament to our hard work, determination, and the collaborative effort of our entire team.   To my amazing team & colleagues and mentors at different projects - thank you for your relentless hard work and dedication. Preetam Singh, PMP Deepak Sharma,Kamlesh Garg,Ankit Bhardwaj,BK Singh,Bigyan Parija,Dr. Deepak Lakhapati,Ravinder Diwan,Rajesh Jain,Salman Siddiqui,Vijay Raj Tiwari,Ved Mani Tiwari Pankaj Kumar Pankaj Chauhan Naresh ChandraHemant Bhagat Together, we are not just building infrastructure; we are building the Nation  #Leadership #Teamwork #TransmissionProject #ProjectManagement #HardWork #Resilience #Innovation #Collaboration #TelecomProjects #Conslenting #Legal #Rightofway #Commitment #Agility #Adaptability #Integrity

Meet our Managing Partner, George Fleck. When did you join the company and why? Straight after my A-levels, aged 18. I hoped I could contribute to the family business which my father (also George) had started about 15 years earlier. Tell us about your professional journey.  I spent the first few years hands on in the factory and on site. This gave me an important insight into the practical side of things which I’ve never forgot. Gradually I was more needed in the office and did a bit of everything - meeting clients, site surveying, estimating, design. I still enjoy the same things! What is the success story you are most proud of? Helping to develop the business in its ability to take on larger, more challenging and more quality-driven projects accross the UK and Ireland. More importantly, meeting and maintaining friendships with hundreds of people along the way. What are some of the qualities a leader should have? Don’t forget how you started. Be fair and respectful to everyone. Keep calm in all situations. Prioritise the other things which are more important than career or work. #meettheteam #managingpartner #manager #engineeringmanagement