An Upside To The Downturn

SATYAKUMAR SHETTY outlines the silver lining to the grey clouds that float over the construction industry. Problems can arise at any stage of the construction process, and since cost, quality and project delivery are major concerns, it is important to preempt any of these issues as early as possible. Currie & Brown is a worldwide physical assets management consultancy that recognises this need, and works hard to ensure that the clients´ expectations are met and exceeded. In response to the challenges that our clients are facing in the current economic climate, we are broadening our service offering from pure quantity surveying to include a range of services to help clients manage their physical assets more effectively. We provide expertise in cost management, quantity surveying, construction management and project management. Whatever stage of the process we are involved in, our highly skilled team of cost consultants can help the clients deliver projects within cost and time constraints, by managing risk throughout the entire lifecycle of the project. Experience and expertise With a new government at the helm, the future may be uncertain, but it is full of hope - hope that the construction industry will recover and that India will soon experience the predicted boom in real estate and infrastructure. As one of the world´s leading consultancies in the industry - with offices in North America, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and India - Currie & Brown has experience in helping clients survive economic downturns during which we have provided solutions and helped to transform organisations across the globe. We have also been involved in international projects with many success stories of turnaround and transformation. And now, we are capitalising on its experience for the benefit of our clients in India. With an international delivery and a local work ethic, we have a pan-India network of offices and sites in multiple locations, through which are provide a local service at local costs as per our international standards anywhere in the country. Our brand name is one of the oldest in India. Our staff comprises Indians who understand the market and work to the high ethical and technical standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction. Cost control To minimise costs, we plan the route ahead by introducing an early warning system and contingency planning; we utilise our past experience and knowledge and bring a robust, auditable framework for detailed management planning; we also understand long-term strategic risks, problems and threats; and identify the right opportunities. Our current clients are already benefitting from the expert service and project delivery offered. We consider and optimise conflicting priorities around asset utilisation, investment, performance, sustainability and whole-life operation. To some of our clients who face uncertainty in their construction projects, we are responding by taking on the role of the troubleshooter. We can come in at the beginning or at any stage of the project lifecycle to help clients make savings and run their assets cost-effectively. Our targets are companies and organisations that are struggling to cope with the downturn in the economy. As they come to us to seek assistance in reducing costs, the downturn becomes an upturn for us. Managing assets Apart from crisis situations, clients need us to help them to manage their assets through the whole lifecycle of a project. We work with clients and designers from project inception through construction, completion, operation and maintenance cycles of a building. We do this by implementing a number of tried-and-tested processes that include: Identifying the right skill-set for the deliverables. Planning procurement based on the prevailing market conditions, constraints and assumptions. Advising on alternative procurement resource, without compromising on the design, structure or aesthetics. Introducing a cost plan for better budgeting. Ensuring proper closeout and capitalisation of the project. Delivering a wide range of benefits that enhance efficiency, service to clients and competitiveness increasingly requires collaboration. We are looking to work with partners to facilitate new ways of working, share best practices and enhance the value we deliver to our clients. We pride ourselves on selecting partners who can work with us in a safe and efficient manner. Stronger force To cope with the challenges that lie ahead, we are increasing our investment in staff training. I am confident about my multi-skilled staff and our unfaltering high standard of project delivery. I am also optimistic about the future of real estate in India. Things have been difficult for a long time, but there are high expectations for the construction industry today. We are looking forward to the challenges ahead with new clients and partners in India. I believe ´achhe din´ lie ahead. About the Author: Satyakumar Shetty, COO, Currie & Brown (India) Pvt Ltd, holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree with honours in construction field. He has vast experience in the field of project, cost and contract management in his career spanning 22 years. He along with his team have delivered in excess of 400 projects in India.