Top 10 tips for construction firms in 2010

Expert advice for ensuring a successful 2010.

A new year represents the perfect time to turn over a new leaf, to start again with a blank slate and, let’s be honest, few if any in the industry will be sad to see the back of 2009. But how best to approach 2010? How can you make sure that the next 12 months are successful? ConstructionWeekOnline asks some industry experts…

1. Explore new territories

While Dubai may still be suffering and the situation in the rest of the UAE is not looking quite as rosy as it was 18 months ago, there are still plenty of opportunities. According to a recent report from Deloitte Middle East, entitled 'The GCC Powers of Construction 2009', Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi are demonstrating the strongest potential regionally.
“The publication’s release comes at a time when many countries in the Gulf found that their high ambitions for real estate and construction were challenged due to the impact of the global financial crisis," comments Deloitte UAE audit partner and construction industry leader Cynthia Corby.
"We have brought together expertise from Deloitte as well as key regional players such as Arabtec and Construction Products Holding Company (CPC) to give valuable insight into the impact of the crisis on the construction sector in the region, as well as prospects for future growth and demand. The overriding message is one of many opportunities still to be found."

Story continues below

Advertisement

FEATURED COMMENT It is coming in Shahama, Abu Dhabi. We are doing precast work.   2 Comments Read more comments »

2. Focus on your staff

During boom times, it was all most companies could do to keep employing enough workers to meet ever-increasing demand. With a slowdown also comes the opportunity to focus on employees, HR and training.
“At Halcrow, we've had to change our mindset. At one point, we would have built a trench around the office if we could have, as we had more business than we could cope with. Now it's different – developing business, relationship building. We have to have extra focus on clients,” comments Halcrow regional HR director Rhyan Anderson.
“You don't simply stop training and developing, however,” Anderson adds.
“We've seen before that if you stop graduate recruitment, you don't feel the negative effects now, but in five years' time. We have to develop our staff with different skill sets; at Halcrow, we're developing our 'A-Team' – growing our own, as we already know whether they're a 'Halcrow man/woman' or not.”