Construction World March 2018

QUANTITY SURVEYORS

SEVEN QUESTIONS Construction World asked RLB Pentad’s CEO, Nicolas Sheard, seven questions, from how it handles challenges to how it grows.

What are your company’s core values? At Rider Levett Bucknall doing the right thing matters. We believe we all have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work. Our global values are based on these seven insights: • People Invest in our people and value their contribution • Industry Lead by example and shape the future of our industry in everything we do • Community Be aware of our social responsibilities and make our contribution to the community • Environment Be conscious of the difference we can make in creating a better tomorrow • Customers Challenge the norm, give fresh perspectives and deliver flawlessly • Suppliers Act with integrity, honesty and fairness in all our relationships • Shareholders Be a self-owned organisation, be financially robust, and deliver agreed financial plans How do you define ‘service excellence’ – and how do you ensure that your company achieves this? Through flawless execution, a fresh

perspective and independent advice. Our focus is to create value for our customers, through the skills and passion of our people, and to nurture strong long- term partnerships. By fostering confidence in our customers, we empower them to bring their imagination to life, to shape the future of the built environment, and to create a better tomorrow. How has your company had to adjust its approach to business in a challenging economic environment? Our structured approach to cost management enables clients to identify and actively manage the issues that could otherwise impair a successful project outcome. We recognise that an effective cost management service must pro-actively control rather than monitor cost. Our extensive global expertise of cost management and quantity surveying provide us with a comprehensive insight into the challenges faced by such projects. RLB Pentad, together with the global Rider Levett Bucknall business, focuses on a solutions-driven approach to deliver

Nicolas Sheard, CEO of RLB Pentad.

the best outcomes for clients investing in construction, infrastructure and property across a variety of markets. While our roots are in technical delivery, our offer always contains a strategic component created through the use of specialist in-house knowledge and delivered via custom-made client teams. How do you (i) find, (ii) grow and (iii) maintain talent? We find talent by being approached by many individual seekers due to our reputation in the industry. We also find talent through referrals We grow our talent through continuous skills development including industry related training presented by external service providers. We also have a full- time employed training officer presenting relevant training on a training programme. We also grow talent through implementing well established systems and internal mentoring. RLB Pentad ensures (through continuous research, interviews and feedback) a positive work environment where employees also have opportunity for personal growth and development; above market salaries, and establishing an office culture that motivates team-work and mutual respect and cohesion. How does your company innovate? RLB Pentad, together with the global Rider Levett Bucknall business, focuses on a solutions-driven approach to deliver the

RLB Pentad RLB Pentad Quantity Surveyors based in South Africa is part of the global RLB brand. The Rider Levett Bucknall Group has been voted the number one Cost Consultant by the world’s top 100 Architectural practices. Pentad’s consistently strong performance and its commitment to provide top quality service resulted in the company being selected by RLB to become its alliance partner in sub-Saharan Africa. A proud BEE Level 3 contributor, the company’s knowledge of the African landscape combined with RLB’s international leadership ensures that its clients benefit from this dynamic partnership from project concept, through implementation up to successful completion. It is therefore no surprise that RLB Pentad has been the recipient of the PMR. africa Award for 14 consecutive years, voted as one of the top two Quantity Surveying firms in South Africa. With global knowledge and expertise it aims to lead the way in delivering a sustainable competitive advantage to its clients. RLB Pentad is committed to delivering high quality outcomes through advice focused on the cost, quality and sustainability of the built environment. It offers core services of cost consultancy and project management, complemented by a wide range of specialist capabilities including building surveying, engineering cost management, specification consulting, value, risk management and sustainability consulting. It combines Pentad’s philosophy of 'controlled numbers' with the RLB Vision to be the leading global practice. Through the passion of its people, its global commitment and industry expertise, it aims to lead the way with best practice in reducing impacts and increasing value.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2018