November 13, 2024
4 Ways Practical Schedule Analysis Software Can Improve Construction Outcomes

4 Ways Practical Schedule Analysis Software Can Improve Construction Outcomes

Effective construction project management is crucial for ensuring successful outcomes. As projects become increasingly complex, with stricter deadlines and tighter budgets, industry professionals are turning to advanced tools to enhance efficiency and productivity. Practical schedule analysis software can significantly improve construction outcomes by providing advanced capabilities for scheduling, tracking progress, and

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

November 13, 2024

Evolve Estates Enters Private Healthcare Market with Two Hospital Acquisitions

Evolve Estates Enters Private Healthcare Market with Two Hospital Acquisitions

Evolve Estates, part of the M Core commercial property investment collective, has expanded into the private healthcare sector with the acquisition of two private hospitals in Diss, Norfolk, and Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. The acquisitions, on behalf of Leathbond Limited and LCP Securities, mark a strategic move as Evolve diversifies into high-growth sectors. The company has acquired a fully operational private hospital in Scunthorpe and a facility in Diss with opportunities for further development. Both hospitals will operate under a sale-and-leaseback arrangement with Trent Cliffs Private Healthcare Limited (TCPH). Meridian House, Scunthorpe The Scunthorpe property, Meridian House, is a private healthcare and rehabilitation facility spanning over 30,800 square feet. TCPH is currently refurbishing its first floor to establish a high-quality care and rehabilitation space, which will be sublet to Revitalise Care Limited. Plans are also underway for an additional floor, which, subject to planning approval, will provide an extra 15,000 square feet dedicated to NHS rehabilitation beds, addressing rising demand for healthcare services in the area. St John’s House, Diss In Diss, Evolve Estates will manage St John’s House, a property leased by TCPH and jointly operated by Revitalise Care Limited. TCPH plans to invest in bespoke operating theatres and recovery rooms, enhancing the hospital’s capabilities and broadening its patient services. Expanding into Growth Sectors Over the past 12-18 months, Evolve Estates has prioritised investments in sectors with strong growth potential. This new focus on private healthcare reflects an evolving strategy to diversify its portfolio. Dan O’Keefe, Co-Founder of Evolve Estates, remarked, “Our entry into private healthcare with these two outstanding facilities aligns with our broader investment strategy. Expanding into healthcare complements our solid retail foundation and positions us to benefit from high-growth sectors. We are excited to work closely with the operators to ensure these facilities meet the healthcare needs of local communities.” O’Keefe also acknowledged the support from their team, as well as Andrew Cooper at Clarke Wilmott and Jim Remfry at DTRE, in bringing the acquisitions to fruition. Collaborative Asset Management The assets acquired for Leathbond and LCP Securities reflect Evolve Estates’ commitment to a unified asset management approach, with the two companies already benefiting from Evolve’s extensive portfolio management experience. The acting agents for Trent Cliffs Private Healthcare on these acquisitions were Peter Arduino and Matt Chambers of Arduino Chambers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Propertymark Responds to Ivan McKee's statement on reforming Scotland's planning system

Propertymark Responds to Ivan McKee’s statement on reforming Scotland’s planning system

In response to the Scottish Minister of Public Finance, Ivan McKee’s, announcement on reforming Scotland’s planning system, Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, comments: “Reforming Scotland’s planning system is key to making housing more affordable and measures to create a new planning hub and increasing the capacity of local authorities by training additional planners to accelerate planning applications will help build the homes that Scotland needs. “However, as the Minister said, planning isn’t the only solution to unlock more homes in Scotland and solve the housing crisis. Reviewing the tax people pay when purchasing property, bringing more empty homes back into use through financial grant support, building more social homes, introducing tax incentives to encourage investment in the private rental sector as well as requiring local authorities to have a plan for retirement housing and incentivising people to right size can also boost the supply of homes. Propertymark will continue to call for action in these areas.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Civic acquires established MEP consultancy, Watt Energy & Consulting Engineers

Civic acquires established MEP consultancy, Watt Energy & Consulting Engineers

Civic has acquired leading mechanical, electrical and public health building services and sustainable energy design consultants, Watt Energy & Consulting Engineers. The North West based consultancy, led by Dan Watt, works on public and private sector projects across the UK.  The company has gained a reputation for providing low carbon sustainable design solutions for clients, with current work including Capital & Centric’s iconic Littlewoods building project in Liverpool, Leeds City Village, Collyhurst Village and Trafford Wharf in Manchester. This acquisition is the third addition to Civic in the last few months following the announcement of the creation of archaeology and heritage consultancy, Civic Heritage, in September and the acquisition of place experts New Practice in October. Civic, a team of system thinkers in the built environment, was set up to carefully curate new complementary service offerings and to provide opportunities for growth so clients can benefit from an increased variety of services and exceptional quality project work, with a wider aim of achieving greater social and environmental impact. Established in 2015, Watt employs 12 people who provide innovative and practical engineering design that reduce the environmental impact of buildings and infrastructure in the built environment. Services include mechanical, electrical and public health engineering design, energy modelling and environmental sustainability services.               Founding Director, Dan Watt commented on the acquisition: “We have collaborated with Civic Engineers for many years and have always worked well together.  We have shared values and a real focus on solving problems for our clients, providing them with the most sustainable design solutions that put people and the environment at their heart. Joining the wider Civic team will help us to further our ambition of becoming a market leader, and enable us to have an even greater impact together.” Stephen O’Malley, Chief Executive of Civic, said: “It has been quite a momentous few months for Civic and it is fantastic to be able to announce the addition of Watt Energy & Consulting Engineers. We have known Dan for a long time and he is a valued collaborator, so this acquisition seems like a very natural fit. “The whole ethos behind Civic is about us having the ability to make a positive impact and to respond to the climate and societal challenges we are facing. We believe by carefully curating a team of experts with shared values and approach, we are offering clients the services they are telling us they need, and the opportunity to really put climate resilience and designing for people at the heart of everything.” Civic’s advisors for the acquisition included Cowgills as corporate finance and Hill Dickinson as solicitors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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4 Ways Practical Schedule Analysis Software Can Improve Construction Outcomes

4 Ways Practical Schedule Analysis Software Can Improve Construction Outcomes

Effective construction project management is crucial for ensuring successful outcomes. As projects become increasingly complex, with stricter deadlines and tighter budgets, industry professionals are turning to advanced tools to enhance efficiency and productivity. Practical schedule analysis software can significantly improve construction outcomes by providing advanced capabilities for scheduling, tracking progress, and predicting potential delays. What is Schedule Analysis Software? Schedule analysis software is a powerful tool designed to help project managers and construction teams plan, monitor, and control project timelines more effectively. This software utilizes advanced algorithms and data analysis techniques to assess and visualize various aspects of a construction schedule. It enables users to identify critical paths, assess the impact of schedule changes, and predict potential bottlenecks or delays. 1. Real-Time Updates: Staying Ahead of the Curve One of the most compelling advantages of schedule analysis software is the ability to access real-time updates. In the fast-paced construction environment, immediate access to current information can significantly impact project success. This feature allows managers to monitor progress continuously, identifying any deviations from the plan as they happen and addressing them promptly. The immediacy of real-time updates empowers construction teams to be more agile and responsive. For example, if a delay is detected in one area of the project, resources can be reallocated swiftly to mitigate potential setbacks. This proactive approach keeps projects on schedule and helps optimize resource use, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency. Access to real-time data enhances decision-making processes, providing managers with the insights needed to anticipate challenges and devise effective solutions. By staying ahead of potential issues, construction professionals can maintain control over their projects, ensuring smoother execution and better outcomes. 2. Resource Allocation and Optimization Effective resource allocation and optimization are critical to the success of construction projects, and schedule analysis software plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. Here’s how this software assists in resource management: Identifying Resource Needs: Preventing Over allocation: Enhancing Resource Utilization: Predicting Resource Shortages: Facilitating Cost Management: Through these capabilities, schedule analysis software empowers construction managers to optimize their resource management practices, ensuring that projects are executed smoothly, on time, and within budget. 3. Risk Management Through Predictive Analytics Construction projects are inherently risky endeavors, with numerous factors that can jeopardize timelines and budgets. Schedule analysis software offers robust tools for risk management, helping construction professionals anticipate and mitigate potential issues before they become significant problems. Predictive analytics is a powerful feature that uses historical data and trend analysis to forecast potential risks. By identifying areas of vulnerability early, managers can implement contingency plans to address potential setbacks. This proactive approach reduces the impact of unforeseen events, ensuring that projects remain on track. Risk management tools within schedule analysis software also enhance stakeholder communication and collaboration. By providing a clear picture of potential risks and mitigation strategies, teams can work together more effectively to address challenges and achieve project goals. 4. Selecting the Right Schedule Analysis Software Choosing the right schedule analysis software is a crucial decision that can significantly impact project success. With numerous options available, it’s essential to consider factors such as project scale, specific needs, and budget constraints. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice: Evaluate Your Needs: Begin by assessing your project’s unique requirements. Consider factors such as the size of your team, the complexity of your projects, and your budget. This evaluation will help you identify the most important features for your success. Research Available Options: Explore different software solutions and compare their features, pricing, and user reviews. Pay special attention to tools that offer real-time updates, resource optimization, and risk management capabilities, as these are crucial for enhancing construction outcomes. Seek Recommendations: Contact industry peers and seek their insights on the software solutions they use. Their experiences can provide valuable guidance in selecting the right tool for your projects. Consider Scalability: Ensure that your chosen software can scale with your business as it grows. This scalability is essential for accommodating larger projects and expanding teams in the future. Conclusion Schedule analysis software is an invaluable tool for the construction industry. It streamlines project management through enhanced resource allocation and effective risk management. By selecting the right software tailored to their specific needs, construction professionals can improve project efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve better outcomes. As a result, embracing these technological advancements is essential for staying competitive in an increasingly challenging market.

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