Barbour ABI have announced that Willmott Dixon has awarded them a multi-year contract as their exclusive construction intelligence provider following a robust process that included extensive evaluation of the market and a detailed comparison against the incumbent provider. As well as access to Barbour ABI, the market-leading construction intelligence platform, this also includes a new suite of enterprise tools and dashboards providing insights and analysis designed to support the tier one contractor with strategic planning.   Andrew Geldard, chief communications officer, Willmott Dixon commented: “Our decision to partner with Barbour ABI was based on a number of key criteria. Firstly, we required an intelligence solution that enabled our business development teams to benefit from the information provided by Barbour ABI’s service. This meant providing detailed feedback from all key stakeholders to ensure we have a bespoke service tailored to our specific requirements from a regional level through to the executive board. “Also, we were impressed with Barbour ABI’s expert support, from the needs analysis through to contract.  As we navigate the current uncertain economic conditions, we are looking forward to working with an intelligence partner who will serve our needs now and into the future.” Simon Mahoney, group director at Barbour ABI said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Willmott Dixon. This is a company with such incredible heritage but also one that is ahead of its game in the way they interpret and use big data. “As the UK-market leading provider of construction intelligence and insights, we will provide unparalleled access to a data set providing key insights on their markets, competitors, and trends, and ultimately ensure their strategic planning is based on the highest quality intelligence out there. I am proud of our continued commitment and investment in creating innovative client centric solutions that are so highly regarded by organisations with the pedigree of Willmott Dixon.” Find out more about Barbour ABI at barbour-abi.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

There’s long been a reputation with the building site. A lunchtime pint or two completes a stereotype, and one that these days are largely unfounded. However, drugs and alcohol in the workplace are a problem, not just in construction, but across every industry at present. We’re seeing rising levels of people checking into private drug rehab, but that’s often an end point, after weeks, months, even years of struggle, and those people may well be under the influence in work until that point. And when that workplace is somewhere where heavy machinery in operation, it can be hugely damaging and dangerous. But what can you do to ensure that everyone is safe in the workplace when it comes to drugs and alcohol?  Here are five key steps… Implement a Drug and Alcohol Policy The first step to ensuring a drug and alcohol-free workforce is to implement a clear and comprehensive drug and alcohol policy. This policy should outline the company’s expectations regarding drug and alcohol use, the consequences for violating the policy, and the process for testing employees. The policy should also include provisions for educating employees on the risks of drug and alcohol use, and the resources available to help employees who may be struggling with addiction. Conduct Pre-Employment and Random Drug Testing Pre-employment drug testing is a critical component of any drug and alcohol policy. It helps to ensure that new hires are drug and alcohol-free before they begin work, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. To streamline the screening process, many employers now utilize rapid saliva drug testing kits. Random drug testing is also important, as it helps to deter employees from using drugs or alcohol while on the job. Random testing should be conducted at regular intervals, and employees should be made aware that they may be selected for testing at any time. Provide Education and Resources Employees who are struggling with addiction may be hesitant to seek help for fear of losing their job. Employers can help to alleviate this fear by providing education and resources on drug and alcohol addiction. Employers can partner with local addiction treatment centers to provide employees with information on treatment options, and can also offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide counseling and other support services. Encourage a Culture of Safety A culture of safety is critical in the construction industry, and it can also help to deter drug and alcohol use. Employers should encourage employees to report any safety concerns or hazards, and should take steps to address these issues promptly. Employers should also provide employees with the necessary training and equipment to perform their jobs safely, and should recognize and reward employees who prioritize safety on the job. Lead by Example Finally, employers should lead by example when it comes to drug and alcohol use. Employers should refrain from using drugs or alcohol on the job, and should also avoid hosting or sponsoring events that involve alcohol. Employers should also make it clear that they will not tolerate drug or alcohol use by their employees, and should take swift action to address any violations of the drug and alcohol policy.

Whether you’re running a startup business or planning to move to a different office, there are many options for your office space. You should prioritize your employees and business needs when looking for the best working environment. After all, this can make or break overall productivity and performance.  Some entrepreneurs feel stressed out when reviewing different possible office locations. They lack preparation and have yet to decide on important considerations. To prevent that and make the process seem less daunting, it’s ideal for learning tips and tricks for choosing the best office space for your business.   Learn some benefits of shared office space and apply the following steps when looking for the best one:  1. Prioritize Location  Everyone would tell you how important location is when choosing stores and offices. After all, this is where your employees would work daily, and customers or business partners would need to visit you. Choose a location that’s convenient and accessible for everyone. They should be able to come to your office without hassles and hurdles.   There are primary considerations when deciding on the location. First, it should be in a safe and secure neighborhood. Check the nearby offices and see if it’s an ideal location for your business. It’s best to be located in a downtown or main area so your customers and employees can arrive quickly by using any transportation. Finally, when you find the right location, you can proceed with designing your new office place.  2. Set A Budget  Businesses should set a budget to make good decisions for office spaces. An office space cost should be strategically planned. As well as affecting net income, the price determines how much reserve money your business can maintain. Setting a budget allows you to narrow your choices and see what facilities or locations you can afford.  The price is a determining factor for the success of your operations. If the office space price or subsidy is too low, it can result in inadequate working conditions and substandard offices. However, overspending on your office space can also lead to adverse financial conditions. A high lease is never healthy for your cash flow, and you might continue to incur additional expenses in the long run. The key is to stay within the budget and ensure that the price is reasonable to meet your needs.  If you have invested in a low cost franchise, however, you may have more of your budget to work with, as long as you do not get too excited about what you could do 3. Consider The Facilities  If you’ve decided on shared office space, you should always think about the types of facilities you need. To ensure your business is successful, you should guarantee that your employees can maximize and use the available facilities. For instance, the office space should have excellent internet connectivity, comfortable workspaces, good lighting, a pantry, meeting cubicles, and other functions that contribute to your team member’s performance and well-being.   It’s essential to research thoroughly and look for offices that meet your facility’s requirements. Your office may be storing valuable equipment overnight, so security is another critical consideration. You can also factor in their operations time, which should be relevant if you have different work shifts. Thus, if you are looking for a suitable space for your needs, there are several factors to consider for finding the right facilities alone.  4. Match It To Your Business Needs  Choosing the suitable office space for your needs is vital, no matter what office you choose. Assess how much space and equipment each employee needs for comfortable work, and then determine how big an office you need based on those numbers. List down every facility and amenities your employees and business need.    Even though having a larger space than necessary can be a good idea since it allows you to add employees, you risk paying for space you don’t need if your team doesn’t grow as quickly as expected. But it’s also crucial not to go for a small and cramped office as this can only affect performance and output. Growing businesses can choose short-term contracts to change office spaces as their teams expand and their needs change.   5. Factor In Your Company Size  Finally, it’s essential to factor in your company size. Count your staff and see who needs to work in the office at a given time. The size of your premises should match the size of your business. If you don’t need a huge space, don’t overspend. But at the same time, you don’t want your employees to stay in a small area that’s too cramped.   By knowing your office space requirements, you can avoid moving from one office to another, which is another expense you don’t need. You would be better off with a more extensive and flexible office space if you expand your company and hire more employees.   Conclusion  Any business needs to assess its office location with more consideration and preparation. The list of advice above can get you started on the right track. It’s important to keep your business and employees’ needs in mind before deciding on the best office location.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Team meetings are an effective communication tool and are unavoidable in work settings. You can build an effective team by holding successful meetings. And the buck usually lies with the meeting leader. It’s best to make your session engaging and interactive.   It can be an excellent way to boost your team members’ morale and align the company’s objectives. They can also be a perfect place to brainstorm and develop strong ideas. Additionally, they actively keep the employees on track. As such, the need to hold an effective meeting can’t be over-emphasized. With that in mind, here are the best practices for conducting a team meeting:   It’s essential for all those attending the meeting to be aware of what’s going to happen. That can be covered in the agenda. Your agenda should stipulate the objectives of the meeting. The last thing you’d want is a low turnout because of miscommunication. It would be best if you communicated some essential aspects of the meeting in your agenda. Some ideas to consider when preparing for the sessions include the following:  It’s best to ensure everyone attending the meeting has a rough idea of what the session entails. You can send the attendees an email to communicate the agenda and objectives of the meeting. Avoid turning your meetings into a one-person show. Everyone in the forum should contribute. An engaging discussion should include relevant topics of conversation that’ll find solutions to most of the objectives of the meeting. You can assign every item to a specific team member, giving everyone a chance to contribute verbally.   Alternatively, you can ask questions randomly to the attendees. It helps keep them attentive. However, ensure the questions are relevant to avoid veering off the topic of discussion.   Bringing the whole department to the meeting isn’t always prudent. Remember, the more attendees, the longer the discussion can be. Selecting a few department representatives would be best. In this case, you may prioritize department heads. For one, they know all that’s happening in their dockets. Again, they’re better off relaying the information to their juniors, primarily if the meetings aim at introducing new work rules.  You also don’t want to stop all the business projects for a meeting. Selecting the attendees is essential, as those not attending the conference can work on their current projects.   Intelligent team leaders delegate roles to others in the meetings. If you take on all the meeting responsibilities, you might drag the conversation. For instance, every forum needs a secretary to take notes. You also need a timekeeper to keep an eye on the clock. Additionally, it’s vital to have a meeting controller. It’s not wise to leave all the responsibilities to one person. It’s not time-conscious having one person take on all the duties.  Again, the meeting can be chaotic if there’s no one in charge of controlling the forum. For instance, when contributing to an idea, someone should pick who shares the thoughts and when. From the list of attendees, you can delegate some roles. It helps in keeping everyone involved in the discussion. Managing the time scheduled for the meeting is essential. The length of the meeting significantly contributes towards successful engagements. Long meetings don’t necessarily mean productive outcomes. Again, people can lose focus when you hold long sittings. If the meeting has to be long, you should have breaks. You can also provide lunch instead of letting the attendees take an extended break to have a bite. It limits the lunch breaks to a reasonable time and ensures you resume the meeting quickly.  Alternatively, you can hold brown bag meetings. They’re shorter meetings often held during lunchtime. They’re excellent for follow-up. You should always end the discussion with a recap of the main ideas. This way, the attendees take note of the objectives discussed. Evaluate and summarize what they need to work on before the next meet-up.   You can also communicate that the next meeting will address the previous meeting’s demands. The strategy is result-oriented and helps in avoiding a backlog of ideas. If the ideas generated in every forum are implemented, you can be sure to make progress.   Conclusion Team meetings are of significant importance in work environments. The success of a discussion session depends on preparedness and best practices. The insights above will come in handy and fine-tune your next meeting. Ensure you stick to the objectives during your discussion. Most importantly, find the best location to hold the meeting. It keeps everyone attentive throughout the session. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals