Sep 12 2005
8 Build Limited is a new company set up to offer UK clients alternative methods of procuring major construction works. Inspired by successful US approaches to contracting, 8 Build projects will operate with autonomous teams of highly experienced, senior, professional builders working in a bespoke, transparent, client-focused way. This new approach has been dubbed LEAN CONSTRUCTION by 8 Build founders Nigel Bellamy and Steve Oakford, who recently left senior positions in InteriorExterior plc to set up the new company. 8 Build also has the backing of Mick Mannion, MD of development managers M3 Consulting, who will act as Chairman.
Commenting on the launch of 8 Build, Oakford said: "We - and, we believe, many others - have become frustrated and disillusioned by the nature of construction procurement in the UK. We want to offer something different - something based on a much higher level of mutual trust and commitment than is the norm in the marketplace.
"Under the LEAN CONSTRUCTION process, our overhead and profit are agreed and ring fenced right from the start. This enables us to be absolutely transparent about costs and to be geared towards acting solely in the best interests of our clients.
"LEAN CONSTRUCTION seeks to achieve maximum efficiency by reducing duplication of activity and responsibility - designers design, cost controllers control costs and constructors construct. At the same time, it takes advantage of the growth of multi-discipline trade and service contractors, bundling traditionally separate trade packages into larger parcels which require less external management resource."
8 Build believes that this fresh and honest approach will particularly appeal to frequent purchasers of construction in London and the South East. Longer term it plans to offer LEAN CONSTRUCTION throughout the UK.
In naming the company 8 Build, Bellamy and Oakford hope to garner some of the good fortune associated with the number 8 in Chinese and other oriental cultures where it is associated with strong leadership, unity, prosperity and the setting up of successful alliances.
8 Build is based at 8 Tokenhouse Yard, London EC2R 7AS (tel 020 7710 4488, fax 020 7710 4401, web www.8build.co.uk).