September 2019

Contractor’s Qs
On frustrations:
“Winning the argument
technically, but losing
the project to a much
poorer solution
because the bottom
line is out by a few
percent”
NH: I wish it was only one… With any role in
pre-construction, the challenge is always how to
work on and manage many projects and bids
simultaneously.
Above: Neil described the Battersea Power Station project as “a true once-in-a-career opportunity and a privilege” to work on.
TC: You must have worked on some
difficult projects over the years. Is there
one that particularly stands out?
NH: Battersea Power Station: a true once-in-acareer
opportunity and a privilege to be involved
with such an iconic building. I pass near the site
most mornings on the train, and seven years after
my first project meeting I still glance across at
the site.
“People are more
important than tools –
they are our most
precious resource”
NH: Winning the argument technically, but losing
the project to a much poorer solution because the
bottom line is out by a few percent.
are our most precious resource.
TC: What’s the biggest issue currently
affecting you as a contractor?
NH: Ah, we almost got to the end without a
mention of Brexit… But the uncertainty being
created over the EU situation is definitely holding
the market back.
TC: What about difficult customers? Any
situations that stand out that you can tell
us about?
NH: For 99% of the time the customers are great.
Occasionally you get a difficult one and have to
admit that it’s just not meant to be. But in other
situations, with time and effort, that difficult
customer becomes the best customer, and that’s
a great feeling.
TC: What’s the most frustrating thing
about your job?
TC: And the most satisfying?
NH: When the business is given the opportunity to
get involved in a project at an early stage, with
the time to identify and find solutions to
problems, and then seeing those ideas taken
forward and worked into a successful project.
TC: What’s your most important tool as a
roofing contractor, either in the office or
on site?
NH: People are more important than tools – they
TC: How has the start of 2019 been, and
are there reasons to be positive for the
remainder of the year?
NH: It’s been great so far and the outlook for the
rest of the year is also looking really positive.
Visit Contractor’s Corner at www.totalcontractor.co.uk
to read previous Contractor’s
Qs and other roofing-related content.
“For 99% of the time the customers are great.
Occasionally you get a difficult one and have to
admit that it’s just not meant to be”
Contact BriggsAmasco
0121 502 9600
www.briggsamasco.co.uk
50 TC SEPTEMBER 2019